November 21st 2021. What’s the deal? How to Prevent Severe Hearing Loss
Source: NRA Blog. The Risk of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can be progressive or irreversible. This is serious business if you are a shooter. The NRA Blog warns that you may not realize that your hearing is being damaged. Hearing loss can occur gradually and may not be noticed until severe symptoms develop. The damage is done. Nobody wants to become deaf. We often see shooters walking a few yards from the firing line without hearing protection. Even if you’re not directly in front of the firing line, gunshot noises can cause hearing damage. Effective hearing protection must be worn every time you visit the range. While good foam earplugs are very affordable, they can help prevent you from becoming deaf in later years. People also prefer to wear muffs to earplugs. Sound levels for common noises: 9mm Luger pistol 160 dB Jet aircraft engine (near), 140 dB.22LR pistol:134 dB Normal human discomfort threshold: 120 dB Noisy nightclub: 110 dB Riding motorcycle at 65 mph is 103 db Power lawnmower 95 dB Hearing damage: 85 dB (sustained 8+ hours) Ringing telephone: 80 dB Normal conversation 60 dB.22LR
NRA Blog points out that many rimfire shooters, especially those using the beloved.22 Long Rifle, believe that the small.22 LR caliber produces too little sound to cause hearing damage. Is that true? Or is it a myth. A.22 LR pistol can produce sound levels as high as 134 dB. This is well above the normal human pain threshold. Ear muffs that are compact and low-profile, NRR 26 dB-rated are preferred by competitive shooters and hunters. These ear muffs have a lower Noise Reduction Rating (NRR 22-27), so we recommend using earplugs underneath. You should still be able hear range commands even if you use low-profile electronic muffles like the Howard Leight Impact Sport Muffles. Hearing bands are another option for hunters and range visitors. These are basically earplugs that are connected to a semi-rigid, plastic band. These products are “quick access” for hunters and provide hearing protection. These can be worn around the neck to help you spot game and then inserted before you shoot. Howard Leight MAX NRR33 Earplugs – Just $8.50 for 50 pairs 20 Pairs 50 Pairs The Howard Leight Max NRR33 Max-1 Plugs, which are the Editor’s favorite foam plugs, are available in 50 pairs. Howard Leight foam plugs are in my ears about 3-4 times a week, depending on whether I am shooting, motorcycling, or mowing lawns. They are very comfortable and the flared outer edge improves the NRR. A Max-30 corded version is also available with the same 33 dB Noise Reduction rating. Amazon has five Max-30 Corded plugs for $6.65, and 100 Max-30s at $27.86.
Similar Posts: Tags: decibels, Ear Muffs, Earplugs, Hearing Loss, Muffs, NRR, Sound Levels
