How Shooting Affects Your Hearing

Education / Hearing Safety

Why Hearing Protection Matters

Whether you're at a shooting range or hunting outdoors, exposure to gunfire can affect your hearing. Without adequate protection, the effects of loud noise may be long-lasting or permanent.

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) explains that repeated or prolonged exposure to noise at or above 85 decibels can cause noise-induced hearing loss. Gunshots can be substantially louder, and even a single impulse may be hazardous.

01 / Compare the Noise

How Do Noises Compare?

A decibel (dB) measures sound level. The original infographic compares familiar sounds with several examples of firearm noise.

Bar chart showing 9mm pistol 160 dB, .38 Special 158 dB, 12-gauge shotgun 156 dB, jet takeoff 140 dB, emergency siren 120 dB, chainsaw 110 dB and conversation 60 dB.

Figures reproduced from the supplied infographic. Actual levels depend on the firearm, ammunition, distance, environment, and how sound is measured.

02 / Warning Signs

Signs of Hearing Damage

Muffled sound

Sounds seem dull or less clear than usual.

Trouble understanding speech

Difficulty distinguishing words when other people talk.

Difficulty locating sounds

Trouble determining which direction a sound is coming from.

Ringing or buzzing

Tinnitus after exposure to loud noise.

Exposure matters. The louder the sound, the less time it takes to cause damage. The source infographic gives examples of 8 hours at 90 dB, 4 hours at 95 dB, and 2 hours at 100 dB. These are examples from the original graphic, not recommended safe limits for gunshots.

03 / Equipment

Hearing Protection Options

Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) is a laboratory rating used to describe hearing protectors. Real-world protection depends heavily on fit and use.

Protection	Description	NRR in source
Earplugs	Fit inside the ear canal.	Approx. 20–30 dB
Passive earmuffs	Fit over the ears.	Approx. 17–33 dB
Electronic earmuffs	Fit over the ears, with electronic sound management features.	Approx. 17–33 dB

Ranges reflect the supplied infographic, not ratings for specific products. The actual NRR is printed on each protector's packaging.

04 / Double Up

Double Hearing Protection

Using properly fitted earplugs underneath earmuffs can provide more protection than either device alone. This is especially useful around impulse noise from firearms.

Earplugs + earmuffs is the combination. Their NRR values should not simply be added together; actual combined protection varies with fit, equipment, and conditions.

Original Source

Article Credit

Original article submitted by The Smoking Barrel. The figures and protection categories above have been reorganized for readability.