Consequences of Gun Shots: Tinnitus and Jaw Pops/Clicks When Opening My Mouth

[Josh27]

So here is my story. I recently was exposed to a couple of gun shots without hearing protection.

First shot I was beside of it and it was loud, so the next shot I covered my ears.

The last shot I shot the gun (AR-15 .223) myself and did not use hearing protection and it was really loud especially in my left ear (the one pointing towards the muzzle).

After shooting I noticed a fullness feeling in my left ear and thought it would go away with time. The next day, around 24 hours later, I noticed a ringing in my ear and it hasn't quit.

It's been 4 weeks since the incident and I still have ringing.

I have noticed that when I bite my teeth together or when I'm chewing food the ringing gets really loud and it's high pitched.

My left side of my jaw also pops or clicks when I open my mouth. It didn't do this before the gun shot.

So I'm curious... I have a dentist appointment next month. Should I bring up the ringing in my ears and the popping of my jaw? Is there anything the dentist can do for it?

I now know to use hearing protection always.

 

[ajc]

I have noticed that when I bite my teeth together or when I'm chewing food the ringing gets really loud and it's high pitched.

This is normal. The terminology is "somatic tinnitus" where jaw/neck movements temporarily increase the loudness and/or pitch your tinnitus.

My left side of my jaw also pops or clicks when I open my mouth. It didn't do this before the gun shot.

This is really weird. Did the gun's recoil somehow hit your jaw or cause some damage?
I would ask your dentist about it. Why not... nothing to lose by asking!

Are you planning to continue shooting high caliber guns like AR-15?
Even with DOUBLE (earplugs + muffs) hearing protection, you place yourself at risk for further damage. You don't want your tinnitus to get worse!!!!!

 

[Josh27]

This is really weird. Did the gun's recoil somehow hit your jaw or cause some damage?
I would ask your dentist about it. Why not... nothing to lose by asking!

No, I believe the recoil wasn't the cause. My right shoulder took most of the recoil, and AR's don't have that much recoil compared to other guns.

Are you planning to continue shooting high caliber guns like AR-15?
Even with DOUBLE (earplugs + muffs) hearing protection, you place yourself at risk for further damage. You don't want your tinnitus to get worse!!!!!

Yes, I would like to return to shooting in the future with double ear protection.