Men and women alike look forward to hunting season. However, they know they must be conscientious gun owners and remain safe while out looking for deer, turkey, and more. Sadly, they don’t take similar precautions when it comes to their hearing.
Recent studies show roughly 95 percent of hunters today fail to use hearing protection. This will cost them in the long run, as a shotgun blast measures 140 decibels. Every hunter needs to use protection to prevent noise-induced hearing loss.
What is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?
Noise-induced hearing loss occurs when a person is exposed to loud noises for an extended period. The noise kills cells within their inner ear, and the cells cannot be repaired. As a result, this damage is permanent, and the person will find it difficult to understand speech.
This loss occurs gradually and begins with a ringing in the ears. Over time, the person will find it hard to decipher words when talking with others. Treatment options are available, but the best treatment is prevention, and hunters find a suppressor 223 is ideal for their needs.
Why Hunters are at Risk of Hearing Loss
Hunters must be able to communicate with each other while out in the field. Earplugs interfere with their ability to do so. Earmuffs also diminish a person’s hearing, so many hunters will not wear them. They have the option of using noise-canceling devices so they can communicate normally while blocking noise over a specific decibel level.
However, a hunter might feel these devices interfere with their ability to enjoy the sport. In this situation, they can turn to devices designed to muffle the noise of a shotgun blast to reduce the risk of hearing damage. This is where a suppressor comes into play.
The Dangers of Hearing Loss
A person might view hearing loss as nothing more than an inconvenience or blame it on the aging process. However, hearing loss can lead to problems in relationships and may interfere with a person’s job. When a person cannot communicate clearly with others, misunderstandings may arise, which can lead to mistakes, hurt feelings, and more.
A person’s inability to hear clearly may even put their life at risk. They cannot hear when others warn them of dangers. If they don’t react quickly enough, they could be seriously harmed or killed. Hunters are at a high risk of hearing loss and must consider the potential consequences when determining how best to protect their hearing.
The Prevalence of Hearing Loss Among Hunters
The University of Wisconsin conducted a study involving several thousand men over the age of 40. Every male participating in the study hunted each season. They found these males were more likely to suffer from high-frequency hearing loss.
For every five years the male hunted, the risk of noise-induced hearing loss increased by seven percent. A person with high-frequency hearing loss struggles to hear certain consonants, such as V and S. It sounds to them as if other people are mumbling when they are actually talking clearly.
Why Use a Suppressor?
Researchers have found that the best way to reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing loss while hunting is to use modern muzzle-level suppression. In fact, they state this is the only way to hunt safely in many situations. They have found standard hearing protectors aren’t enough to reduce the noise of the blast to acceptable levels.
The best course of action is to use a suppressor in conjunction with earmuffs or earplugs. Doing so ensures the hearing remains protected at all times. When this isn’t possible, use a suppressor. This helps to reduce the noise from the shotgun blast while also reducing the risk of noise-induced hearing loss. Hunters are sure to appreciate this.
