Shooting with Protection, Still Possible Damage?

[RichardRR]

Hi Doctor,

I went camping over the weekend and a buddy of mine had brought his 9mm pistol with him. In the spur of the moment I decided I would go fire some rounds with them. I shot 30 rounds in all, two 15 round clips. The first time I had ear plugs and ear muffs, the second time just ear muffs.
I also was wearing protection when anyone else was shooting, while standing about 25 feet away.

Could there still be damage present? It doesn't seem to be worse but me thinking about it is making me over aware of it, so I can't quite tell.
I have also taken NAC after the fact if it's any consolation.

Thank you for your reply!

 

[Dr. Nagler]

I went camping over the weekend and a buddy of mine had brought his 9mm pistol with him. In the spur of the moment I decided I would go fire some rounds with them. I shot 30 rounds in all, two 15 round clips. The first time I had ear plugs and ear muffs, the second time just ear muffs. I also was wearing protection when anyone else was shooting, while standing about 25 feet away. Could there still be damage present?

From what you describe above, in my opinion it is unlikely that you incurred any permanent auditory damage.

Dr. Stephen Nagler