Hearing Loss

[rpenmanparker]

I have greater loss in my right ear than the left. I shoot left handed and have no idea of the two are related.

Yes, the problem I had the other day was limited (it seemed) to the weak side ear.

 

[George P]

I have greater loss in my right ear than the left. I shoot left handed and have no idea of the two are related.

Yes it is related because your right ear is more in line with the muzzle than your left (long guns)

 

[herrwalther]

September 11, 2009. I remember the date because it was anniversary of 9/11. My unit was doing a range qualification gearing up to deploy. This included shooting with a gas mask on, which adds a whole new element to shooting as I found out in the first 5 rounds. At the signal to put on the mask, I didn't notice the hearing protection in my left ear got yanked out by the mask. So for that course of fire I had no protection in my left ear. Had ringing in that ear for about 2 months and severe tinnitus still. At a VA exam my hearing was still far above average and I didn't need hearing aids, thankfully. Everything sounds muffled in that ear, just "not enough." Sure helps because the wife sits on my left side vast majority of the time.

I shoot right handed so my left ear was in direct line of the muzzle. The tinnitus in my right ear was not caused by shooting firearms compared to the left.

 

[Texas10mm]

I had a new hearing test at the VA yesterday. It hasn't really gotten any worse. Left ear is low normal for the first part of the test then it gets bad. 85-70% loss depending on the level. Right ear is slightly better with the loss in the 60-70% range.

I've got new hearing aids ordered that are supposed to be more sweat resistant than my old Oticons.

 

[rpenmanparker]

Deafness (mild) is one thing - but the tinnitus. Ugh. I sleep with a fan on every night. Shooting, motorcycles, circular saws, M80s (as a kid), you name it. It all adds up. When I take my daughters shooting now, I make them double up on hearing protection (plugs and muffs).

Get them some electronic muffs. I recommend the Howard Leight ones. If the kids (and you) wear those over the plugs, you will have excellent dual protection AND be able to communicate for both safety and camaraderie. Best solution of all.