Posted on 07/14/2017 1:20:58 PM PDT by WKTimpco
I need help from my fellow Freepers.
An audiologist today found moderate hearing loss in the upper frequencies of my auditory system. She said my pattern is typical of high impact noises. I frequent the gun ranges, etc. Despite my proper use of hearing protection, I usually experience some temporary hearing changes after a couple of hours at the range. Today I discovered from my audiology appointment that these temporary effects are evidence of damage to my hearing, and some of that damage, however slight, has permanent consequences on my hearing, especially on the upper frequencies.
Some people shrug off the hearing loss, and that, of course, is their right. But at 51 years old, I am an "old Dad" of a six-year-old son. I want to be able to participate in many activities with my son when I'm in my 70s and 80s. Moreover hearing loss can impair brain function beyond hearing and can affect mental health in some people. If interested, you can do an Internet search on how these hearing-loss effects on brain and mind function work.***
Please advise on how you think I can minimize the decrease in my quality of life associated with giving up or restricting firearms shooting. For instance, I could take up varmint hunting with a .22 rifle, which with hearing protection definitely does not lead to hearing loss compared to shooting my 30.06. I could take up bow hunting and do more fishing, etc. I could get suppressors for the firearms that I do have.
I would appreciate any advice or experience you could share with me that might help me with my dilemma. Thanks!
(***People isolate themselves because "everyone is mumbling!," and hearing aids can only compensate so much for hearing loss once it's profound. The brain and memory of hearing impaired persons are also affected because they expend so much brain-level energy trying to compensate for not understanding people around them. My hearing loss is likely to accelerate with continued exposure to gunshot sounds now that my hearing has become compromised, according to the audiologist. Doubling up on hearing protection can only accomplish so much because gunshot sounds definitely travel through the bones of the skull. Like miles-per-gallon ratings seen at car dealerships, the NRR ratings of hearing-protection makers are definitely inflated by creative lab testing. Even muffled gunshot sounds from the big bores at close range are above the decibel threshold for potential hearing damage. At the gun range, shooters are getting the big booms from neighboring lanes as well, in addition to reverberations at certain ranges. Some individuals have a higher propensity to lose hearing from these high-impact noises than others. Finally, the type of hearing loss I've begun to experience is 100% avoidable, according to the audiologist.)
What?
CC
Excuse me?
Stop mumbling!
Bicycling, swimming and photography.
All of which I enjoy doing at age 52 with my 7 year-old child.
Me thinks yer over reacting
Proper use of what kind of hearing protection? You need to make sure you have good ear plugs that are form fitted to your ears, not those useless foam things or off the shelf cheap ones. If you are really concerned use the form fitted ear plugs and wear the ear muff versions in addition.
Thank you, but what about harvesting game? I guess you don’t get much of it in Berlin(?).
By the way you haven’t mentioned how you can help your kid protect himself before he gets to be an old 51
ear plugs and ear muffs, a silencer, practice with an air gun, go to an outdoor range and stay away from bubba and his S&W 50 cal.
Wear the ones with speakers and blast Led Zeplin,that shout help cancel out the gun noise
“Me thinks yer over reacting”
You might be right. The audiologist was trying to sell me on hearing aids....
I could use my insurance “benefit” to get $4k Sport Ears, but everywhere I research, the decibel drop is still not that dramatic.
Stop juggling?
Seriously though, I’m of a similar age and have similar issues (I’m a law enforcement firearms instructor).I haven’t really researched it much myself, but I have noise cancelling hearing protection that seems to help. On the rest, I’m as curious as you.
CC
Get some good electronic shooting muffs. Walker game ears come to mind. Don’t use those muffs they rent you for $2 at the range.
My quality of life would be GREATLY reduced. Your mileage may vary.
I have hearing loss, too. I was stupid as a kid and did not use any hearing protection at all. I learned better in my 20s (50 now) but the damage was cumulative, and permanent.
Buy suppressors. I hope soon they will simply be "gun mufflers" you can buy over the counter instead of registering them with the FedGov and waiting 12 - 18 months for approval.
I saw a tinnitus specialist this past Tuesday. The various noises in my head a louder than people speak. She said hearing aids would not help me, and that I needed cochlear implants.
SHOULD WE POST TO YOU IN ALL CAPS?
I have tinnitus.
To much cranking to amp at our shows and other rock & punk shows.
Both earplugs plus earmuffs should work a bit better. I wonder whether the NRA would have some answers.
I also know that there are earmuffs which are good out to 99 db. They are expensive but in your case probably worth it. The local indoor range uses them. No idea who makes them.
I would stay out of indoor ranges too. And if you can avoid a range or lanes which have roofs it would probably help.
“...practice with an air gun...”
You’re onto something there.
My wife is a journalist and got free tickets.
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