Recreational Firearm Noise Exposure

How Loud Is Too Loud?

Firearms can produce dangerously loud sound levels. The noise from a firearm is an example of impulse noise—a single loud blast or explosion. The intensity or “loudness” of an impulse noise is measured in dB peak sound pressure level. Firearms are capable of producing between 140 dB and more than 175 dB peak sound pressure level.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), impulse noise greater than 140 dB peak sound pressure level is considered hazardous. The amount of time you are exposed to loud noises (even repeated impulse noises) is also important. And while OSHA's standards are aimed at workplace safety, your ears don’t distinguish between occupational and recreational noise. The risk is the same—whether you're on a job site or at a shooting range.

How Does the Noise From Firearms Affect Hearing?

Exposure to loud impulse noise from firearms can result in permanent hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing in the ears). For firearm users, hearing damage is often:

• sudden: occurring from just one gunshot if no hearing protection is used
• high-frequency: making high-pitched sounds harder to hear (for example, speech sounds like “s” or “th”)
• asymmetrical: worse in one ear (for example, the ear closer to the firearm muzzle when shooting rifles and shotguns)

Unfortunately, many people with early high-frequency hearing loss don’t realize there's a problem and delay getting their hearing tested.

Hearing Protection for Firearm Users

You can reduce your risk of hearing loss by using hearing protection. There are two main categories of hearing protection devices (HPDs), and many styles to choose from.

Standard Hearing Protection

Standard HPDs decrease the volume of all sounds equally. These devices, which do not use electronics, include:

• foam earplugs: inexpensive and disposable
• custom-molded earplugs: tailored to the shape of your ear for a better fit
• earmuffs: cover the entire ear

Electronic Hearing Protection

Electronic HPDs can be especially useful for hunters and tactical shooters. They allow wearers to hear sounds that are soft or average in volume—like voices or wildlife movement. But when a loud sound is detected—like gunfire—they provide hearing protection. Electronic HPDs may also include communication features.

Important note: HPDs must fit properly and be used consistently to be effective. A poor fit and/or inconsistent use reduces the protection level. An audiologist can help you choose the right product and ensure proper usage.

Tips to Protect Your Hearing While Shooting

These tips are for people using firearms for a variety of purposes and may not be applicable to all situations.

• Always use hearing protection when using a firearm or around someone using a firearm.
• Keep hearing protection devices handy and available for use.
• Double-protect your ears by using earplugs and earmuffs when shooting large-caliber firearms or practicing at indoor ranges.
• Choose smaller caliber firearms for practice.
• Choose single-shot weapons over semi-automatic or pump-action models.
• Avoid shooting in enclosed or reverberant environments.
• Consider firearm suppressors, sometimes called silencers, to reduce the peak sound pressure level of firearm noise.

What to Do If You Notice Signs of Hearing Loss

If you think you may have a hearing loss, are experiencing tinnitus, or are concerned about hazardous levels of noise, get your hearing checked by an audiologist. An audiologist can evaluate your hearing and help you select HPDs tailored to your needs and lifestyle.

To find an audiologist near you, visit ProFind.

Resources

Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement.

• National Hearing Conservation Association
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration standard 1910.95