Guns are loud. So loud in fact that they cause something called threshold shift (TTS) or tinnitus where you have temporary or permanent ringing in your ears. If this happens, you need to act fast, or you could end up dealing with this ringing for life. Here’s a complete guide to help you prevent that.
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Why Does Shooting Cause Ringing Ears?
Sounds above 85 decibels can bend or break the tiny hair cells in your inner ear (cochlea), which are responsible for picking up sound vibrations and sending them to your brain. This hair does not grow back or repair itself. Once the damage is done, it’s usually permanent.
A single gunshot can reach 140 to 190 decibels. This is way louder than a jet engine at takeoff (150 dB)! This kind of noise can cause tinnitus which might sound like constant ringing, buzzing, or high-pitched tones. Your brain is basically trying to compensate for the damage.
Tinnitus can majorly impact the life of a person. Studies show it’s linked to depression, anxiety, stress, headaches, sleep issues, and so much more. It’s a nightmare to live with.
Why Do Some Guns Cause Worse Damage?
Some guns tend to be louder because of their caliber, barrel length, and whether they have a muzzle brake or suppressor. As expected, bigger calibers and shorter barrels produce louder blasts because they release more pressure in a shorter time.
Here’s a general idea of how loud your gun is:
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Handguns (Pistols, Revolvers): 150-165 dB
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Rifles & Shotguns: 160-175 dB
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AR-15 with a Muzzle Brake: Over 180 dB
Suppressors (a.k.a. silencers) can reduce noise by 20-35 dB, but they don’t make guns “silent.” Even suppressed, most firearms are still loud enough to cause hearing damage.
Can One Shot Cause Permanent Damage?
Yes, especially if it’s in a confined space like an indoor range. The damage depends on how close you are to the gun, the caliber, and whether or not you were wearing ear protection.
How to Prevent It?
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Always wear ear protection (earplugs + earmuffs).
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Use a suppressor if possible.
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Keep a safe distance from the shooter if you're at a range or in a hunting group.
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Avoid shooting in enclosed areas without protection.
Immediate Steps to Reduce Ringing Ears
If your ears are ringing after shooting, follow these steps to reduce symptoms:
Step 1: Move to a Quiet Place
Loud noise just made the problem worse. The last thing they need is more sound. Get to a quiet place immediately. If you’re still at the range, step away from any ongoing shooting.
Step 2: Rest Your Ears
Your ears need time to recover. Avoid loud environments, TV, music, or any other noise sources for at least 24 to 48 hours. If you can, spend some time in total silence.
Step 3: Try the “Jaw Trick” and Don’t Try to “Pop” Your Ears
Sometimes, yawning, chewing gum, or moving your jaw side to side can help relieve ear pressure. It’s not going to fix the issue, but it might help if your ears feel “full” or clogged. Also, tinnitus is not like the ear pressure you feel on a flight. Don’t poke your ears or try to pop them. You could make your symptoms worse.
Step 4: Use the 60-Second Ear Massage Trick
This helps improve blood flow to the ear, which might reduce the ringing:
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Rub your palms together to warm them up.
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Cup them over your ears.
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Gently press and release your palms over your ears 10-15 times.
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Then, lightly massage the area behind your ears.
You could also try the “Finger Tap” method:
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Place your palms over your ears, fingers resting on the back of your head.
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Tap the back of your skull 30-50 times with your index fingers.
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Some people say this helps lower the ringing temporarily.
Step 5: Drink Water and Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can make tinnitus worse. Drink a full glass of water to help flush out toxins and keep your blood flow stable. Avoid coffee, energy drinks, salty snacks, and alcohol for now.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Immediately see an audiologist or ENT if you have any of the following symptoms:
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The ringing lasts more than 48 hours.
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You’re experiencing hearing loss or muffled hearing.
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The ringing is worsening with time.
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You feel dizziness, pain, or pressure in your ears.
Bottom Line
Every gunshot you fire without ear protection increases your risk of permanent hearing loss. Once those hair cells are gone, they don’t grow back. If your ears are ringing after shooting, you need to take action fast to help them recover.
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