Tinnitus has struck - a high pitched whistle that's drivnig me potty. I use electronic ear plugs when I shoot but even so I get this high pitched whine at the moment that appears shooting related in that after a non shooting week it goes to come back immediately at the start of the roe buck season.

Audiology has confirmed my hearing remains better than average for my age so caffeine and stress may be contributory factors.

Enough of me - in my search of the web I came across the following audio clip that demonstrates whats in store for you if you shoot and don't wear ear protection - LISTEN TO IT - it's a very graphic demonstration and might I hope frighten a few into doing something about protecting against their sport.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/noise/audio/english.wma

Also of use is a telephone hearing test from the RNID - 0845 600 5555. Best to do it for each ear to check to see if there is any difference caused by shooting.

Just rang the number and tested the right ear. Apparently I'm normal....

Controversial I know.

FB

I have just started noticing some tinnitus myself, and it`s not a good feeling..
I always wear protection on the range, but rarely during hunting. I`ll buy some now - that`s for sure. At least when hunting from treestand or driven hunts. I think the electronic make to much noise when walking.

Always thought this wouldn`t happen to me, but.. I will advice everyone to think about it.

i had done a lot of damage before i started taking ear protection seriously. when i was 16, i thought anyone who used ear muffs was obviously a homosexual. now i"ve lost a lot of hearing range in my left ear, and it"s irreversable. presumably the "pansies" with the ear defenders can still hear!
good shooting

As the executive director for Pikes Peak Center on Deafness, I see a lot of people with hearing loss. I myself have tinnitis from my military days. The army is currently having a problem with some recruits not being able to hear well enough. Mostly due to the loud car stereos and rock concerts. Imagine not being able to hear the click-click of a bouncing betty mine, or some other fatal sound.

I got tinnitus when fairly young, I belive due to a bout with scarlet fever I had. Rock and Roll in my youth along with firearms has made it worse.

Speaking of fatal sound's the one thing that I can't hear well is rattlesnakes. They can be right in front of me buzzing, and I won't hear them. My friends are yelling at me, "It's right in there, can't you hear that?". I just shrug and pull out a pistol...

1894

Very useful information. Can i ask which make of electronic plugs you use and do they impair your hearing when out stalking?

The ones I use are provided by a small contractor who uses Siemens circuitry and parts. I had analogues but upgraded to digital. The digitals cut off within 1/10th of a second. Mine are currently being updated with a better software to give better protection.

The digitals replicate normal sound - they don't amplify rustling like the analogues do. I think there is no inconvenience whatsoever in wearing them.

1894,

are they the Muff style ear defenders or the moulded inserts?

FB

Inserts - muffs get far too hot if you walk especialy in summer.

Tinnitus is a menace.
Have it since the military and I also have 2 certificates from the audiolgists and ear doctors that tinnitus is a damage on the hearing system that is permanent and will be further degraded if exposed to high sounds. I am always wearing peltor comtacs (active earmuffs with communication circuits) when shooting or hunting. It is extremely hot, but what shall one do? I am thinking about buying the new SAKO soundscape earplugs that are molded to the ear. I am also struggling with the police here to get a license to have a suppressor on my rifles to be able to take the worst noice away. The "Funny" thing is that the police is preventing people to have their legal rights and make decisions totally against the law. Where do you appeal when the police is breaking the law???

you have only one pair of ears and eyes. Protect them. 80db is considered the maximum level at a workplace. above 95db damages might appear. instant damages appear above 135db. A normal rifle (.308win) gives around 140-150db, while a larger one (.375HH) gives around 160-170db. The best earmuffs can remove 25db. Thus you still have 115-145db in your ears WITH protection...
The fire alarm siren, or a personal alarm have 110db and they are made to get a drowsy person awake from sleep when the house is on fire. Rifles are louder than that... Much louder...