@Steve-G (and @Trmptr64 ) just a couple of thoughts on what might help, although we’re in experimental territory since I haven’t noticed this experience this myself.
I know for me when something is happening “to” me and I don’t feel in control of it, it makes the experience considerably worse - I start to anticipate the experience and that amplifies the effect. Maybe giving her something to experiment with and discover what affects the experience will give her some sense of control, and help her figure out for herself what personally works best.
I’d suggest going to the range with her with a purpose of exploring this - you shoot at a pace she sets while she tries different things to see what helps. When she’s done experimenting, pack up and head out to dinner and discuss what she discovered (by that I mean “listen to her experience and ask questions, don’t give advice” )
Here are some things that come to mind as things to try:
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definitely try gum since you have some indication that it works - she may be able to use this as a reference for other techniques
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try having her hold her mouth open and mouth breathe (people working near demolitions do this to decrease the effect of the shockwave)
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try regulated breathing: in for 4 count, out for 4 count
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try square breathing: in for 4 count, hold for 4 count, out for 4 count, hold for 4 count
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switch from in-ear tight fitting earplugs to ear muffs to both - try this with regulated breathing / square breathing / mouth open for each configuration and see if it matters
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try having her count down your shots (3 - 2 - 1 - bang) and see if controlling the anticipation helps
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try eyes-open / eyes-closed
just some ideas to get started with - she’ll probably come up with her own based on her intuition for her internal experience. Maybe somewhere in there will be something that’s >>better<< (if not perfect) and that will give her a place to start working on demoting the experience to no-big-deal.
Hope that helps.