I am sorry. I can offer only sympathy. I am very happy, that I have not yet a tinnitus by hearing damage.
I had a pinched nerve for about two weeks from cramps in the shoulders that afforded me a like noise in the ear.
It drove me nuts. I am very thankful, we figured out what it was and were able to treat it.
That let me to think, though and to promote amongst my students and clients hearing protection.
I by no means want to add insult to injury, pray believe. I felt this thread, unfortunately, such a strong advocacy for HP, that I felt compelled to comment.
I agree with the hearing protection and always use it now, but things were different when I started shooting. Hearing protection back then consisted of a cotton ball or an empty cartridge case in your ear. Muffs came years later.
And I agree with your sig line. I don't want coke or ice near my whiskey. Whiskey doesn't stop the ringing in my ears but it makes me not care.