Attended Funeral with Military Salute (Rifle Fire)

Hi, today I attended a funeral with 3 rounds of rifle fire (military salute). Needless to say this was unexpected and terrifying. Thankfully, I was wearing custom 32 dB ear plugs as I do at any public event I go to.

Whether this was enough protection I doubt. The problem also is that my frayed nerves usually contribute to the problem. This should be a week of hell trying to determine how bad the damage is. Thank you.

 

Were you standing next to the riflemen?

I attended a funeral last year with military honors. Completely forgot there would be a gun salute. I covered my ears. No impact on my tinnitus.

Stress and frayed nerves will cause a spike. It’s kind of a self-fulfilling prophecy: if you’re worrying about a spike, you’ll likely have a spike.

 

Thank you for answering. I’m guessing they were 15 feet behind me. It caught me by surprise so I didn’t see them..

 

They fire blanks, they're quieter than real rounds and 15 feet outside is quite a ways.

I wouldn't be worried, I fire live ammo with 33db plugs.

 

Thank you very much for your reply. I will try to relax tonight and hopefully calm down, which should help..

 

Hi, unfortunately, 8 days later, my t hasn’t gone back to baseline. Is there still a chance that it will? Thanks...

 

Did the spike happen right away?

 

Hi, thanks for responding. The spike didn’t happen right away. It seemed to creep up over the next couple of days, like a bruise setting in...

 

Did you experience any fullness or pain when the event occurred?

 

Hi, not really, no fullness, no pain..

 

Do you think it could be due to anxiety about the event? I don't doubt you have a spike im just trying to narrow it down because you did wear hearing protection.

 

You make an interesting point. Even after 14 months of this, I still have a lot to learn about this condition. I do know that stress automatically raising the ringing, so hopefully that’s all this is. Thanks very much for your ideas...

 

I don't mean to be dismissive regarding your spike because i really do believe you are having one. I suggest anxiety because you didn't have the typical signs after a noise event such as ringing immediately, fullness, pain, etc.

Did you worry about the event in the next couple of days and keep "checking" your tinnitus? or did you notice is was louder and than it increased your anxiety? Or can you not tell?

Is it significantly louder or different tone?

 

Hi, the answers are that I began worrying after I got home from the event, and as you say, I have been ‘checking’ my tinnitus constantly for the last 8 days. Unfortunately I am the type who immediately worries when I believe that something has gone wrong with my t.

The tones are the same, and as I perceive it to be, louder than before the incident. There is a definite psychological aspect to this problem. Somehow I have to get past that...

 

Try to relax (easier said than done) and tell yourself that it may be due to your current stress and anxiety. Stress caused spikes are almost always temporary once the anxiety and stress dissipate.

Try to keep yourself in sound enriched environments as well as distracted with a TV show, movie, hobby, etc. The less you think about it or actively hear it the better. This will help reduce your anxiety surrounding it.

 

Thanks, I will try your suggestions, and keep them in mind for all future spikes as well...

 

And if you can, try taking nicotinamide riboside ...