Shooting Range Hearing Damage

As brief as I can.. 70 years old. I'll say normal hearing loss for my age. No hearing aids. Probably say 'what' more than I should. No life function problems. No Meds. No medical problems.

Went to shooting range (second time ever) and looking back probably went into room while putting ear plugs (3 'prong') in. As soon as I entered heard REALLY load bang. I think damage happened right then. Shot for 30-40 minutes. That was exactly 1 week ago.

COMPLETE heraing breakdown. NOTHING but static. Could not make out anything at any loudness level. Read online and went to emergency doctor who agreed that nothing could be done. No visible damage to ear drum. No inflammation. See what happens.

Over the last week it has improved every day. I would say my level of hearing, volume wise, is back to normal. TV on to same setting. BUT, people still sound a lot like Daffy Duck and at that volume level it sounds like I'm in a tunnel..with a little static in the background. Conversation is very hard as I can hear at a good volume but not make out the words - well. I still don't really know what people mean by 'ringing in the ear' but when I hickup / burp / sometimes swallow it sounds like an old phone ringing in a very long tunnel. Not horribly annoying but a symptom.

QUESTIONS ~ Will this continue to improve? I'm an optimist and it 'feels' like it will but......

~I think I read the 'ring' is due to something going on with my eustachian tube. Is this an indicator? Again can I expect further improvement after a week?

~ I'm not sueing anyone but this ear plug they sold at the range. I've used these before (and am using off and on now - just 'cuz) does not seem to block much noise. People at the range were having conversations - the guy I was with tried to talk to me but I heard nothing but static even than - with ear plug in. Do these just block critical sounds and allow conversation or??? Just wondering?

Thanks for any help and guidance.

0 likes, 0 replies