The impact of firearms on our ability to hear has attracted considerable attention and research due to the potential long-term effects it can have on our hearing. It is important for shooting enthusiasts to understand how long hearing loss can last after being exposed to the intense sound of a gunshot. Exposure to gunfire noise can lead to hearing loss. But, how long does hearing loss last after shooting a gun?
The duration of the hearing loss depends on several factors, including the intensity and time of the noise exposure. While temporary hearing loss can last a few hours to a few days, permanent hearing loss can be irreversible.

How Does a Firearm Affect My Ears?
Gun noise can cause immediate and long-term damage to your hearing. When shooting without hearing protection, that noise can do an actual number on your delicate eardrums. It can lead to tinnitus, hearing loss, and even permanent damage. In fact, it's not just the gunshot that can cause harm - it's the sound pressure that comes with it.
Your ears are the only pair you've got - and they deserve to be treated with care. Don't be "ear-responsible"; invest in good protection, or you might say "huh?" more often than you'd like.
How Long Does Hearing Loss Last After Shooting a Gun?
When a gun is fired, it produces a sudden and incredibly loud noise that can surpass safe hearing levels, resulting in temporary or even permanent hearing loss. And those who experience this hearing loss know that the only thing that matters in that moment is how long does hearing loss last after shooting a gun?
The duration of this hearing loss can vary depending on various factors, such as how close a person is to the firearm, the type and caliber of the weapon used, and an individual's susceptibility to noise-induced hearing damage. By examining how noise-induced hearing loss occurs and considering the characteristics of firearms, we can gain insights into how long hearing loss may last and emphasize the importance of using hearing protection to prevent irreversible harm. Keep reading!
How Long Does Hearing Loss Last After Shooting a Gun - Gunshot Hearing Loss Recovery
Suppose you experience hearing loss after shooting a gun. In that case, the first thing to do is to see a healthcare professional immediately. In some cases, hearing loss may improve on its own, especially if it's temporary.
However, in cases of permanent hearing loss, several treatment options are available to help manage the condition, such as hearing aids or cochlear implants. While these devices can't completely restore your hearing, they can significantly improve your ability to hear and communicate with others.
What Is Shooter's Ear and What Causes It
Shooter's ear? It sounds like a funky dance move, but it's a real condition. Basically, it's a type of hearing loss caused by exposure to loud noises, like gunshots. Shooter's ear can lead to unpleasant symptoms like muffled hearing and balance problems.
How to Prevent Shooter's Ear
How can you prevent a shooter's ear? Well, the best way to avoid hearing loss is to invest in some good hearing protection - and no, sticking your fingers in your ears and shouting "la la la" doesn't count.
Investing in high-quality hearing protection is the way to go if you want to keep your hearing in top shape. Choose something comfortable and practical, whether you opt for ear plugs or ear muffs. You don't want to sacrifice your hearing just to look cool.
At TradeSmart, we offer top-of-the-line ear protection that's both comfortable and effective. Our Professional kit comes with NRR 28 shooting earmuffs, NRR 33 ear plugs for shooting, and ANSI anti-fog safety glasses - all neatly packed in a compact carrying case. And guess what? We've got them in more colors than just hot pink (although we must admit, it's a pretty fabulous color).
Don't faint from excitement just yet. Wait until you hear about the 10-year warranty on all our products and FREE SHIPPING. You may faint now.
How Long Does Muffled Hearing Last After Shooting?
The duration of muffled hearing experienced after shooting can vary depending on several factors. When a firearm is discharged, the intense sound waves produced can overwhelm the delicate structures of the inner ear, leading to a temporary reduction in hearing sensitivity.
This temporary muffled hearing, also known as temporary threshold shift (TTS), occurs as a result of the ears' natural protective mechanisms. In most cases, muffled hearing tends to resolve within a few hours to a few days. However, the exact duration can be influenced by factors such as the proximity to the firearm, the caliber and type of weapon used, and the use of hearing protection.
It is crucial to note that prolonged or recurring episodes of muffled hearing after shooting may indicate potential damage to the auditory system and should prompt a thorough evaluation by an audiologist. Taking preventive measures, such as consistently wearing hearing protection and minimizing exposure to loud noises, can help reduce the risk and duration of muffled hearing and protect long-term hearing health.
Ear Ringing After Shooting - What Is It?
Shooting a gun can leave your ears ringing louder than wedding bells. Or, so they say, we wouldn't know because we always wear TradeSmart shooting ear protection. Seriously, if you've ever experienced ear ringing after shooting usually referred to as tinnitus you know how uncomfortable it can be. Tinnitus is a condition of constant ringing, buzzing or hissing in the ears that can significantly impact an individual's quality of life and overall well-being.
How Long Does Tinnitus Last - Is Tinnitus Permanent?
Tinnitus can be a real "ear-ritation". It's like that annoying guest who never leaves, except it's in your ears. But the good news is that it doesn't have to stay permanently. Tinnitus is usually temporary and can go away within a few hours to a few days. However, in some cases, it can be chronic and stick around like that clingy ex you just can't shake off.
If you're experiencing tinnitus, don't worry, you're not alone. It's pretty common among shooters who forget their hearing protection.
How to Get Your Ears to Stop Ringing After Shooting
Now that we've covered what is tinnitus and how long it lasts, we can get onto discussing how to get your ears to stop ringing after shooting. The best practice is to avoid anything that may exacerbate the tinnitus, like other loud noises or stimulants such as caffeine.
Next up to avoid - alcohol. Alcohol causes blood to flow into your inner ear, which only serves to enhance the ringing. So, until your ears stop singing like a choir, it's best to stick to water and avoid the hard stuff.
One potential avenue for relief from tinnitus, especially for those who have experienced gunshot-induced hearing loss, is Lipo-Flavonoid Plus.
This US made, over-the-counter solution, frequently recommended by ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) specialists, leverages a natural lemon bioflavonoid complex. It contains essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamins C, B1, B2, B6, B12, and Calcium, among others, all aimed at providing nutritional support for the inner ear.
Its effectiveness in treating tinnitus has been clinically studied and recognized over 50 years. If you try it as directed and don't find relief, there's a money-back guarantee in place.
For ease of purchase and more details, here's the Amazon link.
If you're seeking a more substantial supply beyond the 100 caplets package referenced above, we've got you covered. Take a look at the larger 500 caplets option provided below.
To optimize your results, consider combining these daytime caplets with the Lipo Flavonoid Night caplets. Learn more by clicking here!
Signs That Tinnitus Is Going Away
If you've been suffering from tinnitus, you're probably eagerly waiting for any sign that it's going away. Well, here are a few things to listen out for:
- the ringing might start to fade,
- the sound might become less frequent,
- you might start hearing more normal sounds around you.
But don't worry if your ears are still giving you trouble - just think of it as your personal symphony. Who needs a Spotify subscription when you have tinnitus, right?
Facts About Gunshots
Guns are more than loud bangs and fancy accessories - they have a whole universe of exciting facts. Don't be fooled by Hollywood's portrayal of gunshots - in reality, they can be deafeningly loud and have severe consequences for your hearing. Here are some facts about gunshots.
How Loud Is a Gunshot?
Almost all firearms are ear-piercingly loud, with noise levels exceeding the 140-decibel mark. That's like having a jet engine take off next to your ears!
Despite their small size, even a .22-caliber rifle can produce a sound of around 140 dB, which is very powerful. But if you want to make some real noise, reach for a big-bore rifle or pistol, which can produce sound over 175 dB.
Guns aren't just loud; they're un-BEAR-able! (Sorry, we couldn't resist.) Unless you want to end up like Beethoven with a serious case of tinnitus, be sure to protect your hearing.
How Far Can You Hear a Gunshot?
How far can you hear a gunshot? Let's talk about the distance a gunshot can travel before it fades into silence. The answer? It depends on several factors, such as the type of firearm, the terrain, and even the weather conditions.
On average, you can hear a gunshot from several hundred yards away and even up to a mile, but this can vary widely. For example, a gunshot can be heard from miles away in the wide-open desert. In contrast, a gunshot in a densely populated city may not travel very far due to the abundance of buildings and other structures that absorb and deflect sound.
What Do Gunshots Sound Like?
If you're curious about what gunshots sound like, you're in for a wild ride. This really depends on what kind of firearm you're using. As mentioned before, the loudness and pitch of a gunshot rely on the firearm's caliber.
For example, a high-pitched pistol might sound like a popping balloon - which can be both surprising and amusing at the same time! On the other hand, larger caliber rifles can pack a serious punch in terms of sound, with a noise that's more akin to a bomb or cannon going off. And if you're using supersonic ammunition, you can expect the gunshot to sound like the crack of a whip - which, while exhilarating, is definitely not something you want to hear when you're not expecting it.
Either way, a gunshot sounds like a drummer's dream; it's a real BANG-er! (Okay, we'll see ourselves out now.)
Conclusion
In conclusion, shooting a gun without proper ear protection can result in temporary or permanent hearing loss. The severity of the hearing loss depends on factors such as the caliber of the firearm and how close the shooter is to the sound source.
Tinnitus, a persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears, is a common symptom of noise-induced hearing loss. While hearing loss may be permanent, some measures can be taken to avoid further damage, such as wearing ear protection and avoiding loud noises.
It's crucial to prioritize ear safety while enjoying shooting sports or engaging in other activities that involve exposure to loud noises.
Ted Brome
September 13, 2023
Acquired loud buzzing (Tinnitus) from shooting trap without proper ear protection 10 days ago….. Still have loud buzzing especially in the morning…….When will it subside if not permanent? When should I conclude that it is permanent and seek help. Doctor already prescribed ear drops for ear infection 5 days ago since I had signs of infection as well. There is hearing loss. Still hoping it is not permanent….. Any comments from others in the same boat would be appreciated ……