Free Republic

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...

Associated Press Dr. Kim Gottshall, right, tests the balance of U.S. Army Sgt. Ryan Kahlor, left, at Balboa Navy Medical Center in San Diego, Feb. 6, 2008. Kahlor's hearing was damaged by exposure to multiple IAD blasts in Iraq. Many soldiers and Marines returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are suffering from noise-induced hearing loss, a condition audiological specialists now consider an "epidemic" within the military. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy) SAN DIEGO Soldiers and Marines caught in roadside bombings and firefights in Iraq and Afghanistan are coming home in epidemic numbers with permanent hearing loss and ringing in their ears, prompting the...