Hey everyone. I’m a 20 year old male. About 6 months ago, I took around 12 shots from a handgun without hearing protection over the course of 2 months (one or 2 shots every 2 weeks). It was a .40S&W for what it’s worth. I did have my hood up though. After the last time, I noticed a ‘fullness’ in my ears & I knew what I was doing was very stupid. I’ve always shot with ear protection, but being that it was only one or two shots every so often I didn’t think it would be that bad. My ears never rang after shooting any of the times, surprisingly. Anyway, I started to get worried & read up on shooting without protection/hearing loss. It seems ever since then, I have heard (or have been imagining) a ringing in my ears, also known as Tinnitus. It’s driving me absolutely mad wondering if I have it or not. I’ve listened to sounds of Tinnitus & mine does not sound like that. I do have OCD which makes me wonder if my brain is making this ringing tone to sort of mess with me. If I don’t concentrate on it, I don’t hear it. Once I say to myself, "wait, where’s the ringing at?" I hear the VERY faint "eeeeeeeeeeee" almost like a nail scratching glass if that makes sense. I need to know if I have it or not, because the uncertainty is driving me mad. I can also hear it when I lay my head against a pillow. Also, opening my jaw wide & flexing it makes a loud ring. What’s up with me guys? From what I’ve read, people with Tinnitus KNOW it is Tinnitus, there doesn’t seem to be uncertainty, it’s always clear that they have it. Thank yous, and God Bless.

Be Sociable, Share!

Tagged with: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Filed under: Hearing Problems