hearing loss from concussion and a fix

[Texas629]

Just a heads up. I had my annual hearing test and hearing aid check last week. My new audiologist asked me if I shoot large caliber rifles. Yepp and I wear plugs and muffs. Not good enough she said. A lot of my hearing loss and tinnitus is from the sounds conducted by the rifle stock. First time I have heard this. She said carbon fiber, fiber glass and plastic stocks were the worst offenders, wood transmits the least. The fix is relatively simple, put a rifle stock pack with a cheek pad on the rifle. I ordered three the same day. My audiologist is retired military and knows her stuff and she is a shooter. FWIW I have a moderate to severe hearing loss in both ears and tinnitus in both ears. My hearing loss is the result of exposure to noise. After 40+ years of shooting, engines, turbines, power tools .... no surprise. This is the pack I bought. http://www.ebay.com/itm/191556409894

 

[speedsixman]

Texas629,

First time I have heard that the stocks make a difference. Good stuff to know!
Thanks for posting this info.

Myron

 

[RugerHound]

Wow... I gotta tell ya, I'm suspicious of the "Large caliber rifle" questions by medical folks. Engines, turbines, power tools, yeah, those will do it. So will loud music. (I've done all of that to excess for 45+ years... Especially turbines and jet engines!)

Hearing damage due to conducted sound via rifle stock? Ummmmmm... I'll have to do some research on that, but it doesn't pass the smell test to me. I suspect there are other reasons for medical folks asking about shooting... And I always answer "no".

 

[Texas629]

The stock doesn't produce the sound, it conducts the sound. Wood conducts less because of the structure of the wood versus carbon fiber. This is not BS, when I shoot my Weatherby it hurts my teeth which is what started this conversation last week.

This helps explain it a bit more http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bone_conduction.

 

[powder smoke]

Wood Adsorbs the sound imo the softer the wood the more it adsorbs.
I find hard to believe wood is a conduit. Denser materials metal or stone
will be way more effective. ps

 

[Fox Mike]

At my last audio test, a couple weeks ago, they used a device that transmits the sound via the bones in the head, as well as the normal earmuff speakers. I might also add that they were not used together but were two separate tests. It was interesting just how much sound is actually transmitted through the bones in the head.

 

[6gun]

Never been to a audiologist yet, I have major hearing lose from noise at work, one ear almost 100% deaf, and guessing about 60% left in my good ear, L&I turned down my claim when I tried to get help cause I couldn't call and talk to them on the phone when they wrote and asked, and couldn't fill out the paper work for my work history of the last 40 years to their satisfaction, I listed all employers I could remember but they told me it wasn't complete so they denied me, I'm getting no help and things seem to be getting worse.

One thing I would ever do is ever let any doctor know I own any firearms they will only use it against you.

 

[Paul B]

"I've found it very difficult to get tested by an audiologist who isn't associated with a company selling hearing aids (i.e. the outcome has already been decided)."

If you're a veteran, sign up with the VA. They're not selling anything. I got tested a while back and I'm still waiting for my free hearing aids. They called me for a fitting and then cancelled. :?: :?: :?:

On the sound being transmitted through the stock, I heard about that in one of the gun rags about 4 or 5 years ago so it's nothing new.
Paul B.

 

[pyth0n]

"I've found it very difficult to get tested by an audiologist who isn't associated with a company selling hearing aids (i.e. the outcome has already been decided)."

If you're a veteran, sign up with the VA. They're not selling anything. I got tested a while back and I'm still waiting for my free hearing aids. They called me for a fitting and then cancelled. :?: :?: :?:

On the sound being transmitted through the stock, I heard about that in one of the gun rags about 4 or 5 years ago so it's nothing new.
Paul B.

I hear the VA doesn't have the best record for service or follow-though.

I've not had any problems with the VA. Second set of hearing aids and quick appointments for fittings and adjustments. The second pair can be adjusted by computer and can give you up to three settings, controlled by either side.