I'm having a real battle hunting with tinitus(ringing in the ears).
I usually hunt on the ground in a natural blind and 9 times out of 10, game will come in without me being able to hear it and then I have a heck of a time being able to draw on the critter at hand.
Anyone else have a problem like this and if so, how do you deal with it?
Thanks,
Don
My hearing has really suffered over the last few years. I now hunt stands whether on the ground or in a tree with more cover. I also wear a leafy suit by Cabelas. I believe this ets me get away with a bit more movement and in turn lets me see deer I used to hear before they pick me. Also see a good doctor, they may help or accupuncture may help as well! Shawn
I'll be watching this thread for sure. I've had this stupid ringing in my left ear for years now. It seems that the quieter it is the louder it rings.
Once in awhile I'll get it in the right ear too but so far it has always cleared up.
God bless,Mudd
Mudd-
Yeah I know what you mean-when it is dead quiet the ringing is overpowering,or when I go to bed I really have to think about something else because it is so loud-and I'm only 45.
Don
That Walker Game Ear is the BOMB for this stuff! Its worth every penny.
I have severe Tinitus in my ears. In my left ear the surrounding sound needs to reach 80db before I don't hear the ringing. I can sympathize with your issue but I actually hear very well through the ringing in my ears. Still, I hut out of a treestand and often see the deer before I hear them.
Guys I don't have the problem, but I think there are some products on the market to help the problem. I can't remember the name but have heard it on the radio several times.
Al
I'm sure I've got it too, from a pair of Van Halen concerts while in college and a LOT of unprotected shotgunning in my youth. Deer sneak up on me A LOT. I've tried hearing aids as well as the Walkers Game EAr but grain dryers around here just sound like a freight train with 'em. In other words, the magnification of other sounds is so disconcerting most of the time that I'm not sure I can handle that. Will be following this thread to see what some of the rest of you have to share on this one.
I've found if I take too much aspirin or
ibuprofen it gets worse. I live with it and
it even drowns out the skeeters in summertime ;)
If anyone finds a working solution for this problem I would really like to know what it is!
I have Tinitus in both ears, really loud when things are suppose to be quiet. Then on top of that, if I'm anywhere with background noise( restaurant, night club, party, anyplace with a lot of talking) I can't hear someone talking if their more than 2 feet away. Makes me avoid a lot of things I would like to do.
I've spent the past 20 years seeing deer rather than hearing them. In my 20's I could hear them peeing as they came through the swamps, these days I probably couldn't hear that if they did it 3 feet in front of me!
I have violent vertigo in addition to the Tinnitus.
There are no "cures" for Tinnitus, but low-salt diet, no caffiene, and natural remedies (google) can help. One friend of mine found great relief from T with Ginko Biloba.
Hope the best for you all. I hunt much more with my eyes now.
I went to the OHSU Tinnitus Clinic roughly 10 yrs ago. It is in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Billy Martin is the director.
They can through testing come up with a hearing aid with a sound unit that works to mask the sound. Not particularly cheap, but effective. They may be able to provide literature and info at your request.
Wearing a aid to enhance sound, like the Walker Game Ear can help, but it does not mask sound. Tinnitus is caused by a loss of high frequency hearing, and the brain creates the sound, it thinks is missing, but screws things up doing it. Masking replaces the sound you hear with another that is less noticeable.
Unfortunately, it is progressive and gets worse with time as the hair folicles in the ear die and the loss becomes more pronounced. Millions of people suffer, including Vets and other subjected to loud noise. The Clinic is the foremost in the world. Information is available online.
Since I have been through the Clinic, if I can answer any questions, I try. You can email me or PM.
I know the exact day and hr that mine started. It was spring turkey season and I had been out early but took a break and came home for some breakfast. On my way back for a mid-morning run at them I stopped by the our local Vets office as he is also an avid turkey hunter.
As I was about to leave his office he drags out a packet of gum and unwraps a piece and it looks very inviting so I asked if he had a piece I could have. I left his office chewing a very satisfying flavorful stick of gum. I was driving near the Missouri river, going up and down the hills and my ear popped and with that it started ringing. It's never quit.
Hud I don't know the right question(s) to ask but feel free to e-mail me with any and all information unless it ends with, "there's nothing to be done for it"
Thanks!
God bless,Mudd
i too have the ringing in my ears, from tinitis, im assuming.its my own fault for not wearing any kind of hearing protection when i was younger.the ringing in my ears is the biggest reason why i dont like to be around any kind of fire arms anymore.im sure that the loud music when i was younger, and being around loud nuematic tools like nail guns for the past 20 yrs hasn't helped much either. but i deal with it. whenever i feel like my ears are playing tricks on me or i feel like i have heard something i usually let my eyes confirm my suspicions. im aweful thankful ive been blessed with keen eyesight. ive always been able to spot the not so obvious before anyone else around me. i have definatly developed a habit of paying attention to whats going on around me visually.im just glad the ringin in my ears is not voices in my head, that would drive me nuts regards ruddy
I clicked on here hopin someone had a cure :D
It sux. I have it bad in the left ear. If it gets to a maddening level, running water seams to help mask it.
untold thousands of gunshots, airtools and living next to the flight line back in my Naval days have really screwed me up.
You younger guys..WEAR HEARING PROTECTION!!
I have it for years. I sleep with a fan to cover the noise. I don't know what I am not hearing in the woods, but I don't seem to have trouble with low frequencies, and I can hear elk, at least at the low end of the bugle. Since I have had it since 1968, I guess it is just part of my life to the point that I deal with it. Something about minieguns and M60s fired very closely for thousands and thousands of rounds and turbine engine whines tend to make you not hear very well at high frequencies.
For those who don't have it and are around noisy things, WEAR HEARING PROTECTION, and yes, I'm shouting.
Quote
Wearing a aid to enhance sound, like the Walker Game Ear can help, but it does not mask sound. Tinnitus is caused by a loss of high frequency hearing, and the brain creates the sound, it thinks is missing, but screws things up doing it. Masking replaces the sound you hear with another that is less noticeable.
After decades of firearm shooting without protection my hearing was shot. There were a few incidents, shooting a short-barreled 44 mag, other guys touching one off with their barrel inches from my ear, when it physically HURT for days afterward.
My Christmas present for '08 was to visit an audiologist. First a Doctor checks you out for physical damage,for some people hearing loss is wax build-up, others can be fixed with surgery. Most of us need hearing aids.
After a long consultation, preceded by a hearing test were they put you in a soundproof booth, put headphones on you and test for your range of hearing loss, I chose a behind the ear model with a volume control. My decision was based on my hearing graph which showed that my low frequency hearing was normal for my age, but my high frequency hearing was, as the Doctor said, "Pretty crappy".
So, what they do is, they program your aids specifically for you. In my case low frequency sounds are not amplified and are allowed to enter my ear around the speaker. Only the high frequency sounds are amplified as the graph indicates. If your graph is a straight line, all frequencys being shot, then you should probably go with an in the ear aid. Some of todays aids are so high tech they can "talk" to one another, and with your bluetooth, and with your MP3 player, etc. Amazing technology!
Now, a year later. My quality of life is better. I can converse with people. I can hear the blinker on my truck, birds singing, frogs peeping, bugs chirping and best of all, deer walking in the fall leaves.
It started as MY present, but the whole family has benefited.
I've had it since I was a kid probably due to many ear infections. It is a nuisance but my hearing is very good despite the condition. I hear very well in the woods but directionality is not always accurate. A cure would be nice but the docs do not know what to do about it.
I was waiting for a bus and a guy in a stake-bed probably said to his buddy, "Watch this!" I hope they enjoyed the backfire, I have lived with the ringing ever since. Subsequent years spent avidly shooting firearms and hunting haven't improved things any, and I have trouble hearing folks, especially in restaurants and the like.
I really resent it while hunting, as I would like to "hear the quiet" of the big woods. Not that the woods are really all that quiet, but in those rare lulls of wind and critter movement, when the leaves are not clattering to the forest floor, I would like to hear... nothing. My home is very noisy, as is work, and I crave the silence.
Is the noise in my head bothering you?
Killdeer ;)
FWIW, those of you who are veterans and have tinnitus, it may very well be a VA compensable disability. If you can show that your tinnitus was caused by things such as jet engines and firearms, artillery, etc. that you were exposed to while in the military, you could be eligible. Check with a local vet rep or your local VA benefits counselor. They probably can't stop the ringing, but at least you might get a bit of compensation for your problem.
Wow and I thought I was the only one.Left ear, started when I was shooting at a running ground hog with a 357 mag revolver. 30 years ago. Just learned to deal with it like music when I want to relax or read. Hud thanks for the info I will check out the online info today.
Along with extreme, sudden high dB noises and some medicines,
I've found another source of that classic 5 kHz whine to be caused by mother-in-laws ;)
owlgrowler, very good information there. Waterfowl hunting ruined my hearing and like Killdeer I'm never without silence, just a ringing in the ears. I have ringed my ears deer hunting twice including once this year and now carry earplugs to push into the ear when I see a deer.
The most irritating thing is to have my grandchildren talk to me with their little voices and I can't understand them half the time. I also have trouble hearing my wife or in a crowded place with lots of background noise.
I have had severe tinnitus for the last 20+ years. It is associated with dizziness, nausea, and headaches. Its there constantly, thought more noticeable at some times than others.
After years of trying to find help I was finally diagnosed with "Meniere's Syndrome". It's a Vestibular (Inner Ear) disorder. No cure, nothing (meds) really helps. Actually the meds I was put on (for 15+years) did me great harm. I was put on Klonopin (3mg daily). I was told it was harmless. It is not. It is in the same family as Valium, Xanax, et. but much stronger. I got seriously addicted to it, not even knowing that I was. I just thought I was getting sicker. Long story short, it took me over a year to detox, and now 3 years off it, still have neurological problems. It's nasty stuff.
Warning to all. If you are ever prescribed any sort of Benzodiazapine (this is the family of drugs including the Klonopin, Valuim, and Xanax). Do careful research yourself and know that it IS addictive. Many doctors do not do their homework on the long lasting effects of many meds they prescribe. You have to be your own advocate.
As mentioned stay away from Aspirin. It makes the tinnitus worse. As does salt. A low salt diet helps. You do sort of get used to living with it, but its not pleasant. It's less noticeable when you're fully occupied with something, but sitting in a tree blind is one of those times when it will really be noticeable.
Anyone with severe tinnitus, and thinking they might want more info on Vestibular Disorders, "Meniere's Syndrome" (tinnitus with nausea, dizziness, vertigo, headaches), tinnitus. Might find some info here...
VEDA web page (http://www.vestibular.org/index.php)
Hud!
Thanks for the tip on the OHSU clinic.
Lipo-flavonoids------a natural supplement that is very good for inner ear circulation.
It is the main ingredient in nearly all the ear-related substances out there.
It helped my tinnunitis after I started taking it.........
I might not have conveyed my thoughts here. I too, HAD, as in the past tense, tinnitus. My hearing aids have almost eliminated the ringing. I can hear silence. When you lose the ability to hear high frequency sounds, your brain takes over and fills in with all the weird stuff.I'M CONVINCED IT WILL MAKE YOU CRAZY, MENTALLY DISTURBED. And then, if you don't do anything about it, because your brain has gone for such a long time without receiving those synapses, you will lose the ability to receive them and it will be gone forever. Do yourself and loved ones a favor and get tested by a legitimate Dr./ audiologist. OK lecture over.
It won't be cheap. Most insurance companies won't cover it,(big surprise). Mine cost $1600.00 apiece, thirty two hundred dollars, it was worth it. Although now I would probably downgrade to the $1000 ones without the volume control. Do it.
i did some reading on it and this is some of the things i've found
AVOID.... loud noises, nicotine, caffeine, tonic water, alcohol and various medications
SOME THINGS THAT MAY HELP.... cleap your ears clean of wax, anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, antihistamines, ginkgo biloba, zinc, magnesium and acupuncture
mabey this will help someone, if not sorry and wish you all the best
You will find some helpful info at the OHSU website. You can Google OHSU Tinnitus Clinic or us the following.
http://www.ohsu.edu/ohrc/tinnitusclinic/
I have personally found the Remington R2000 Hearing Protection Thin Muffs helpful for a lot of situations. First they have a dial that allows you to increase hearing, but at the same time cuts out loud noises. Great for work, around power equipment, shooting, and even hunting. You can carry on a conversation while wearing them. They can be uncomfortable in warm or hot weather.
You can find them in lots of sporting outlets or online. There is a picture at this website.
http://www.opticsplanet.net/remington-r-electronic-thin-hearing-muffs.html
I always keep soft plugs with me if not ear muffs for any situation. I NEVER us any power equipment without good hearing protection.
Secondly, I have used the Walker Game Ear, Digital HD Pro which has accessories, follow the directions. I believe it is important not to turn it up to high, it is capable of 9x hearing enhancement, and does not block out loud noise as they claim. You can hear ants in leaves with these hummers. Seriously, it would be possible to do more damage to your hearing by increasing the amplification more than what is needed.
If you make it a rule to use hearing protection around work or home when using lawn mowers, shop equipment or anything place where there is loud noise, it will help prevent further hearing loss.
If your kids are prone to use head sets for music, videos etc., I would DEFINITELY discourage their use. Nothing good will happen. After you look at the website, show it to your kids.
As for quiet times, I keep a radio with me while traveling and at home or work. I even use it at night, but I am single and the dogs don't seem to mind.
The point is to provide the information so you can improve your situation and enjoy hunting a bit more. If you use either the Walker Game Ear or the Remington R2000 and there are others out there, you won't be surprised by a deer walking out behind your ground blind.
It would be important to get tested, not just for hearing loss but by a tinnitus clinic.
Very informative. I don't have tinnitus, but do have hearing loos of high frequency especially. 30+ yrs of power saws, nail guns, shotguns, handguns, rifles, chainsaws, you name it, I did it. Just like a lot of you I can't hear in any noisy crowded place or carry on a conversation. The one good thing I have done is convince my son to wear hearing protection at work(construction)
Killy,
I'd never mention it but now that you bring it up, I can hear that din in your head over in my camper at B'more and it does bode restless sleep for others within 200 yards! :rolleyes: :saywhat:
I thought mine was from allergies. When they flare, it's insane. But doc's promised me it came from running chain saws, tons of shooting w/out hearing protection (who knew cigarette filters in your ears weren't helpful?), and factory work.
Course, then in a quiet room like now, dead of winter, I can close my eyes and pretend it's a summer evening with the katydids just singin a chorus for me...
RE: Walker Game Ear. I have a good adjustible frequency one... I lost so much of high end frequency in both ears, it can't help much improve that range of hearing.
What I do notice is that a) it allows me to hear better, but I can't begin to tell what direction the sound is coming from without TWO of them expensive buggars and b)as time wears on wearing it, I keep having to turn it up to get the same assistance from it... and then when a blood crow flies over and rips off a Kaaaw-kawwww I about jump outa the stand.
Is the noise in my head bothering you?
Killdeer
Not if you stand over there.
Sometimes my dogs have this weird look, I think their trying to figure what the noise is coming from, so I give them a bone and their happy again.
Barry
Wow! I didn't realize that this was an issue with so many people.
Thanks for all the great ideas, I'm sure that something may help even if it does not get rid of the condition.
Thanks,
Don
Too many pistols..and concerts (late 60's early 70's). That's what the Doc. said. Tinnitus....well...I think I might have always had that. Not sure, but pretty.
It's not so much the sound of the tinnitus that's bothering me while hunting but the loss of ability to distinguish direction of sound is more annoying. My tinnitus comes and goes, louder some days than others. My understanding (from an audiologist) is that there are a lot of different causes--exposure to loud noises over time (Did I really need to go see the Who do "Tommy" all those years ago?), ear infections, pressure in the eustachian tube, etc.
I have had it in both ears for 30 years and it is not much fun. Hearing aids help. I sometimes ues the a Game ear while hunting and it helps a lot.
I've also had tinitus since the afternoon in 1969 that I fired off two boxes of .357's out of a Ruger Blackhawk. Went to an ENT when the ringing hadn't stopped for a week and was informed that I should probably get used to it since the ringing would never completely go away. He was right the ringing has never totaly stopped and has gotten progressively worse with age. Walker's Game ears do help.
I've had it for 30 years. Caused by, at the time, untreated high blood pressure
Also for a long time. Like Huntryx, the directional hearing messes me up, especially with high pitched sounds.
The Walker Game Ear will help, but you'll need two to get good directional qualities. I finally went to hearing aids because of the ringing, which covers up the high pitch noises. I found ear candeling helps somewhat.
What is ear candling? I will be stopping at Wally World today to see if I can find some Lipo-flavonoids.
Thanks!
God bless,Mudd
I can tell most who have responded to this thread are right handed shooters. Left ear takes the biggest beating from gun report. Back when I was young and dumb we spent a lot of time shooting clays with no hearing protection. Now at 53 I find it easier to fall asleep with some sort of "white noise" in the back ground, fan,ac etc. to drown out the ringing. The walker's game ear muffs work good but are a tad pricey. Peltor makes what they call tactical ear muffs, pretty much the same deal as walker's but for about half price. I got mine from Natchez Shooters supply.
Mine started with a .22 pistol at age 16. After two boxes of shorts, I could hardly hear anything over the ringing for about two days. It finally abated a bit, but the ringing hasn't stopped for the 45 years since. I tune it out unless something like this thread brings it back! Gee, thanks!
Yep, I've had crickets in my ears for a decade or more. Doesn't bother me but I can't understand people when there is alot of background noise.
Thanks for the info, although I think the ringing has got louder reading this!