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Hearing Problems

11thcanopy11thcanopy Member Posts: 448 ✭✭✭
edited May 2002 in General Discussion
Wondering if any members have developed hearing problems such as
tinnitis or what is commonly called "tin ear".

Symptoms include continuous ringing, high pitched squeals, or popping sounds.

Would be interested in hearing about treatment options that have worked.

My doctor says "tough" no known cure.

Appreciate comments.
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Comments

  • 11thcanopy11thcanopy Member Posts: 448 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Well, I have an appointment tomorrow with an ear specialist to get have my hearing and ears checked out. I've had ear problems my whole life (tubes many times as a kid) so I have lots of scarring on my eardrum. I blew out my left eardrum during water survival training while in the AF, and they repaired (actually replaced the eardrum - called a Tympanoplasty) it. I had some hearing loss from that on the left side, but I compensated. Well, it appears I've blown out the right side eardrum (don't know how) but I can "push" air through when I pop my eardrum, and I can hardly hear a thing.

    I am thinking that if this one is repairable, that I will probably be looking at hearing aids - AF doctor mentioned that might be in my future. Does anybody know anything about hearing aids? What kinds are the best/worst? Is there anything really small that can't be seen?

    I am fairly young and I don't want to fight any misperceptions of my abilities in the workplace, so if I can have something "invisible", then I'd prefer that. I just want to have all the info possible before I go into the doc tomorrow.

    Any input is appreciated.

    "Roma locuta est, causa finita est."
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  • beachmaster73beachmaster73 Member Posts: 3,011 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Your doctor is right. Most all older shooters have distinct hearing problems brought on by years and years of shooting. Best thing you can do is invest in a pair of customized poured earplugs and use them every time you shoot. If you don't have the money for the custom just get a pair of $.50 cent foam plug and push them into your ear evertime you shoot. If you have a pair of hearing protectors put those on over the plugs. Other wise in your later years say 45 years of age and older you are going to be straining to hear what others are saying. Beach
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  • oneshyoneshy Member Posts: 417 ✭
    edited November -1
    Has your Dr. actually treated you and cleaned your ears? If not, and it may sound elementary, you may need to have it done. These symptoms plauged me for a while until one night it got so bad I couldn't sleep. Ringing and sounds like a 747 going over my head. I cleaned my ears with a drug store kit and the problem was alleviated. Again, I assume this has been done, but I wanted to mention it in case it hadn't.
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  • interstatepawnllcinterstatepawnllc Member Posts: 9,390
    edited November -1
    Yup, I have had the tinny ears since that WHO concert back in 76 and then there was that Molly Hatchett concert back in 84 which really sealed my ears fate. It was the only concert I had to leave, thought my ears were gonna bleed. No cure yet. What helps me to deal with it is not recognizing the constant high pitched squeal. If I thought about or acknowledged this persistent condition I would probably go freakin nuts. I just kinda live with it.



    Edited by - interstatepawnllc on 05/26/2002 12:41:13
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  • Big Sky RedneckBig Sky Redneck Member Posts: 19,752 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Huh? What? Speak up.

    Sometimes having hearing problems is a good thing. Got kids?
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  • mudgemudge Member Posts: 4,225 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    So your hearing was the first thing to go....Well, there's good news and bad news. The good news is....it's usually something else that goes first. The bad news is....The other WILL eventually.
    My hearing loss is from turbine whine. Back before anybody knew about the damage it could do. No plugs. No muffs. Nothing!!!

    Mudge the hearing impaired

    I can't come to work today. The voices said, STAY HOME AND CLEAN THE GUNS!
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  • SawzSawz Member Posts: 6,049
    edited November -1
    .22 mag handgun 1980 been ringing ever since used to drive me absolutey batty now I guess im total batty cuz I got used to it. once you stop thinking about it your ok

    "Respect your Tools"
    "Freedom is not Free"
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  • 4wheeler4wheeler Member Posts: 3,441
    edited November -1
    I have worn ear plugs for the last 17 years,it is a requirement where I work. I also wear them mowing,shooting,using a chainsaw when at home. It is the best thing you can do to protect your hearing. Everyone,please wear hearing protection,it is never too late to do so. I am sorry to hear about your hearing problem,I would see a specialist and find out if he could help in any way.

    "It was like that when I got here".
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  • 11thcanopy11thcanopy Member Posts: 448 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks for everyones comment.
    Really can't pinpoint a specific time or event that may have started the problem.

    Early on, I fired everything you would expect to find in an infantry platoon, later on, noise from farm equipment used for citrus production.

    I will also own up to loud music in saloons and in my car/truck.
    Regarding saloons, I really do believe that the arthritis in my right hip is a direct result of putting wet change in my pocket.

    As a couple of members reported, just ignore it as best you can.

    Seems like I least notice it when I am in a casino with a thousand slot machines in action.

    Again, thanks to all.

    11thcanopy
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