Knocking Your Ear Muffs While Wearing Them — Dangerous?

[Eric N]

Has anyone accidentally knocked their earmuffs while wearing them? Apparently it can make a loud noise momentarily, I measured it up to 104 dB if I knock hard on it with a key. Is there anyway this is dangerous?

I just knocked mine on the side of my car door while trying to get out, but not very hard.

I am scared now to have more issues.

I am not sure if I am spiking or overreacting.

 

[Michael B]

It's hard not to overreact when it comes to tinnitus but I'm sure it's a spike.

 

[Red]

I hear people worry about the noise from hitting the muffs a lot around here. I have never been worried about it, even now that my ears are more messed up than ever before. It has never seemed so loud to me. How are you guys hitting them that hard to worry so?

If it was really that loud, yeah I think it's dangerous. I think all sounds close to the ear are. But that is how I got T plus a worsening so I am in my opinion rightfully paranoid.

 

[another sean]

Ive done this. It didn't worsen my tinnitus. All I can do about is say to myself "dont do that again". Cause I need my ear muffs no matter what when I'm out.

 

[SoundB0und]

I have done this many times and I don't think I ever got a permanent spike. I have 2 pairs of earmuffs, both from Peltor.

The Optime III-s I have have a hard, glossy, plastic cover from the sides. The X5A-s have a rubbery, matte, cover and they make a significantly quieter bang when you hit them(I think the designers actually thought of this).

I find myself wearing the Optime III-s more when out and about because the X5A-s do really look like Mikey Mouse ears but the X5A-s offer more protection and are I think significantly less dangerous were you to hit them hard accidentally.