Safety is a priority for every hunter, and proper safety measures should apply to more than firearm use. Protecting your hearing is a must. In addition to affecting your ability to track game, the loud crack of gunshots can cause irreparable damage, and you may require hearing aids later in life to compensate. Understand your options for ear protection so you can be confident you’re taking proper care of yourself.

Protecting Your Ears While Hunting

Risks

Hearing loss occurs at 85 decibels, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Sounds above 120 decibels can cause immediate harm. The average decibel level of a gunshot is between 140 and 190 decibels. Considering how close your gun is to your ears when you fire it, you’re setting yourself up for serious damage. Also consider that outdoor environments can amplify the volume of gunshots. Waterfowlers face a greater risk than other hunters, since they tend to fire shots in quick succession and are often close to other hunters firing.

The damage caused by loud noises is irreversible and can only be corrected through the use of hearing aids. It can first begin as tinnitus, a general ringing in the ears. Hearing loss can gradually make it difficult to distinguish language and detect certain pitches, and it can impact your ability to concentrate while on the hunt, at work, or in social situations.

Solutions

Luckily, there are many ways for you to protect your hearing while hunting. You can use in-ear and over-ear protective devices, or you can choose earplugs with over-ear muffs for added protection. There are also electronic options that offer superior sound filtration and amplify quiet ambient sounds until a loud noise is detected. This can give you an advantage while tracking game. With all the different options available, try several and choose the one that feels the most comfortable.

If you have concerns about your hearing, Glacier Ear Nose & Throat and Glacier Hearing Service can provide you with solutions. They’ve served Kalispell, MT, for over 30 years and offer a variety of services. Their Audiologists can test your hearing, fit you with hearing aids, and resolve other issues you’re facing. Call them at (406) 752-8330 or visit their website to learn more about their services.