Help a first timer with noise anxiety?
- Thread starter tristar76
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IWAC
Member
It is not an affectation, and NO, everyone's ears aren't the same. I have the same thing...it is a genetic sensitivity to loud or sharp, sudden noises, even .22 LR. It is not something you can "get used to", as much as I have wished it for the last 75 years. I suppose it is different for individuals...some not so sensitive, etc.
Muffs (the electronic ones that let you hear normal conversation are good) and/or ear plugs... wear them prior to entering the range. Not a perfect solution, but it helps.
It is like that other thing that "manly"men make sport of...recoil sensitivity! Years ago, Jim Carmichael, who was a writer for one of the outdoor magazines, and a premier big-bore competitor, wrote that suddenly, in the middle of a match, he could no longer shoot his 30-06.
His shooting just fell apart, and continued that way. IIRC, he said he was diagnosed with extreme recoil sensitivity, which was cumulative through his competition life. He designed a 6.5mm cartridge, which had less recoil than the '06, and went back to competing.
Now, gunwriters seem to generally agree that we shoot best what kicks us least. I suspect that is the reason for the relatively heavy, mild recoil, minor caliber rifle that is issued to our armed forces, instead of the Garand or M-14, and we are given "the story" of more ammo load-out.
Not much to do about either condition, except use noise or recoil reducing products, and enjoy the sport as much as you are able, although the medical profession may have more information about the hearing condition now.
Good luck!
Muffs (the electronic ones that let you hear normal conversation are good) and/or ear plugs... wear them prior to entering the range. Not a perfect solution, but it helps.
It is like that other thing that "manly"men make sport of...recoil sensitivity! Years ago, Jim Carmichael, who was a writer for one of the outdoor magazines, and a premier big-bore competitor, wrote that suddenly, in the middle of a match, he could no longer shoot his 30-06.
His shooting just fell apart, and continued that way. IIRC, he said he was diagnosed with extreme recoil sensitivity, which was cumulative through his competition life. He designed a 6.5mm cartridge, which had less recoil than the '06, and went back to competing.
Now, gunwriters seem to generally agree that we shoot best what kicks us least. I suspect that is the reason for the relatively heavy, mild recoil, minor caliber rifle that is issued to our armed forces, instead of the Garand or M-14, and we are given "the story" of more ammo load-out.
Not much to do about either condition, except use noise or recoil reducing products, and enjoy the sport as much as you are able, although the medical profession may have more information about the hearing condition now.
Good luck!
jbauch357
Member
I had a CO2 canister over pressure in the sun and explode a couple feet in front of me when I was in early elementary. It went off in a grenade like fashion and sent a half dozen of us to the hospital with shrapnel (mostly pebbles from the dirt blast) wounds. Ever since then I'm awfully damn jumpy around loud noises, but still love to shoot. I find all it takes it putting ear plugs under my muffs and I'm instantly much more comfortable on range, and my groups show significant improvements at the same time. Could be worth a try for you, just get used to communicating through hand signals - because you aren't going to hear crap.
Sav .250
Member
Like most have suggested................Hearing protection.
Here`s a thought, maybe a "chill" pill would help. Maybe.
Here`s a thought, maybe a "chill" pill would help. Maybe.
benEzra
Moderator Emeritus
I am very noise sensitive myself. Definitely start with good plugs and muffs, which you have done. Practice at home until you get the earplug fitment right (it is possible to get an incomplete seal otherwise).
Then when at the range, one thing that will help, in my experience, is mindset. Approach it in a zen sort of way. When others are shooting, close your eyes, relax, and visualize the sound as a wave passing harmlessly by you (which is what it actually is, after all); you can even feel it go by as it moves your hair. Instead of tensing as the sound wave passes, relax and let it pass by. Then when shooting, relax and let the sound pass by you in the same way as you direct all your focus on the front sight, your breathing, and slowly squeezing the trigger until it surprises you by firing the shot. That is what worked for me (and I now shoot USPSA, have shot full-house .357s in indoor ranges, shot next to .300 magnums with brakes on the firing line, etc.)....you can definitely get past it!
Then when at the range, one thing that will help, in my experience, is mindset. Approach it in a zen sort of way. When others are shooting, close your eyes, relax, and visualize the sound as a wave passing harmlessly by you (which is what it actually is, after all); you can even feel it go by as it moves your hair. Instead of tensing as the sound wave passes, relax and let it pass by. Then when shooting, relax and let the sound pass by you in the same way as you direct all your focus on the front sight, your breathing, and slowly squeezing the trigger until it surprises you by firing the shot. That is what worked for me (and I now shoot USPSA, have shot full-house .357s in indoor ranges, shot next to .300 magnums with brakes on the firing line, etc.)....you can definitely get past it!
snorko
Member
I hope things went well at your range trip. Remember guns are often louder to someone standing to the side, not the one shooting.
Since you're a Hoosier, give ingunowners.com a look. Might be some good local help there.
Since you're a Hoosier, give ingunowners.com a look. Might be some good local help there.
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