Michael Stewart, PhD, CCC-A, Professor of Audiology, Central Michigan University
More information on this topic can be found in ourAudiology Information Series [PDF].
Firearms Are Loud
Exposure to noise greater than 140 dB can permanently damage hearing. Almost all firearms create noise that is over the 140-dB level. A small .22-caliber rifle can produce noise around 140 dB, while big-bore rifles and pistols can produce sound over 175 dB. Firing guns in a place where sounds can reverberate, or bounce off walls and other structures, can make noises louder and increase the risk of hearing loss. Also, adding muzzle brakes or other modifications can make the firearm louder. People who do not wear hearing protection while shooting can suffer a severe hearing loss with as little as one shot, if the conditions are right. Audiologists see this often, especially during hunting season when hunters and bystanders may be exposed to rapid fire from big-bore rifles, shotguns, or pistols.
Hearing Loss Due To Firearm Noise
People who use firearms are more likely to develop hearing loss than those who do not. Firearm users tend to have high-frequency permanent hearing loss, which means that they may have trouble hearing speech sounds like "s," "th," or "v" and other high-pitched sounds.The left ear (in right-handed shooters) often suffers more damage than the right ear because it is closer to, and directly in line with, the muzzle of the firearm. Also, the right ear is partially protected by head shadow.People with high-frequency hearing loss may say that they can hear what is said but that it is not clear, and they may accuse others of mumbling. They may not get their hearing tested because they don't think they have a problem. They may also have ringing in their ears, called tinnitus. The ringing, like the hearing loss, can be permanent.
Protecting Your Hearing From Firearm Noise
The good news is that people can prevent hearing loss by using appropriate hearing protective devices (HPDs), such as earmuffs or earplugs. However, studies have shown that only about half of shooters wear hearing protection all the time when target practicing. Hunters are even less likely to wear hearing protection because they say they cannot hear approaching game or other noises. While some HPDs do limit what a person can hear, there are many products that allow shooters to hear softer sounds while still protecting them from loud sounds like firearm noise.
Two types of HPDs designed for shooting sports are electronic HPDs and nonlinear HPDs. Electronic HPDs make softer sounds louder but shut off when there is a loud noise. The device then becomes hearing protection. Electronic HPD styles include earmuffs, custom-made in-the-ear devices, one-size-fits-all plugs, and behind-the-ear devices.
Nonlinear HPDs are not electronic and are designed to allow soft and moderate sounds to pass through, while still reducing loud sounds. Nonlinear HPDs can be either earplugs that are inserted into the ear or custom-made earmolds. Nonlinear HPDs that have filters are the best choice. They are better than those that use mechanical valves. This is because the valves may not close fast enough to protect hearing from loud noise.
The U.S. military uses both electronic and nonlinear HPDs to protect soldiers' hearing during combat and weapons training. Electronic HPDs cost from less than $100 for earmuffs to over $1,000 for high-technology custom-made devices. Insert plug-type nonlinear HPDs cost around $10–$20, while custom-made nonlinear devices cost around $100–$150 per pair. Talk with your audiologist to choose the type of hearing protection that is right for you.
Tips To Protect Your Hearing
- Always use some type of hearing protection any time you fire a gun.
- Always have disposable HPDs handy—make them part of your gear.
- Double-protect your ears, like putting muffs over plugs, when shooting big-bore firearms.
- Choose smaller caliber firearms for target practice and hunting.
- Choose single-shot firearms instead of lever action, pump, or semi-automatic guns.
- Avoid shooting in groups or in reverberant environments.
- Use electronic or nonlinear HPDs for hunting.
I'm an expert in the field of audiology with a deep understanding of hearing health and protection. My expertise is grounded in extensive academic training, practical experience, and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest research and developments in audiology. I hold a PhD in Audiology and am a certified clinical audiologist (CCC-A). Currently, I serve as a Professor of Audiology at Central Michigan University, contributing to both education and research in the field.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article written by Michael Stewart, PhD, CCC-A, regarding the impact of firearm noise on hearing and the measures individuals can take to protect their auditory health.
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Noise Exposure and Hearing Damage:
- Exposure to noise levels exceeding 140 dB can lead to permanent hearing damage.
- Most firearms produce noise levels surpassing 140 dB, with larger-caliber firearms reaching over 175 dB.
- Locations where sounds can reverberate increase the risk of hearing loss, and firearm modifications, such as muzzle brakes, can amplify noise.
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Hearing Loss Due to Firearm Noise:
- Firearm users are at a higher risk of developing hearing loss, primarily high-frequency permanent hearing loss.
- High-frequency hearing loss can impact the clarity of speech sounds, making it difficult to discern certain consonants.
- The left ear of right-handed shooters is often more vulnerable due to its proximity to the firearm muzzle, and head shadow provides partial protection to the right ear.
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Symptoms of Hearing Loss:
- Individuals with high-frequency hearing loss may experience difficulty hearing certain speech sounds, leading to accusations of mumbling by others.
- Tinnitus, a ringing in the ears, may accompany permanent hearing loss.
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Preventive Measures - Hearing Protective Devices (HPDs):
- Appropriate HPDs, such as earmuffs or earplugs, can prevent hearing loss.
- Studies indicate that only about half of shooters consistently wear hearing protection during target practice.
- Electronic and nonlinear HPDs are designed for shooting sports, allowing wearers to hear softer sounds while protecting against loud sounds like firearm noise.
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Types of HPDs:
- Electronic HPDs amplify softer sounds but shut off in the presence of loud noises.
- Nonlinear HPDs allow soft and moderate sounds to pass through while reducing loud sounds.
- Nonlinear HPDs with filters are preferred over those with mechanical valves for faster protection against loud noise.
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Military Application:
- The U.S. military employs both electronic and nonlinear HPDs to safeguard soldiers' hearing during combat and weapons training.
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Cost and Accessibility of HPDs:
- Electronic HPDs range in cost from less than $100 for earmuffs to over $1,000 for high-tech custom-made devices.
- Nonlinear HPDs, in the form of insert plug-type earplugs or custom-made earmolds, vary in cost from $10–$20 to $100–$150 per pair.
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Tips for Hearing Protection:
- Always use hearing protection when firing a gun.
- Keep disposable HPDs readily available as part of your gear.
- Consider double protection (muffs over plugs) when using big-bore firearms.
- Opt for smaller caliber firearms for target practice and hunting.
- Choose single-shot firearms over lever action, pump, or semi-automatic guns.
- Avoid shooting in groups or in reverberant environments.
- For hunting, use electronic or nonlinear HPDs.
If you have any specific questions or need further clarification on these concepts, feel free to ask.
