Firearms can keep families safe and increase their ability to participate in various hobbies when used correctly. As a gun owner, it’s vital to practice proper firearm safety habits, including protecting your hearing. The firearms safety education professionals from Gun Safety Training Pros, your premier choice when you’re looking for a high-quality handgun safety course online, explain some of the reasons it’s crucial to wear hearing protection when firing a gun.
Loud Noise
One of the top causes of hearing damage is loud noise. When shooting a gun, whether you’re at a range or in a forest, the sound could cause significant damage to your eardrums, and the noise can bounce off walls or other structures. However, wearing hearing protection can reduce the effects of the sound and lower the odds of hearing damage and even deafness.
Keep in mind that shooting a firearm without hearing protection, whether it’s only once or multiple times, could lead to permanent damage, which is why you should always wear safety gear. Even when you’re not shooting your gun, it’s best to wear earplugs or muffs when others around you are shooting. For example, if you’re hunting with friends, you’re likely to be exposed to the sound of rifles and pistols firing even if you’re not shooting your own firearm.
Risks
Although the head acts as a buffer for the non-dominant ear, the sound will still travel and may cause significant damage. The sound waves impact the hair cells in the inner ear, and once those cells are gone, they don’t grow back. Each time your ear is exposed to a loud noise such as a gunshot, you’re at risk for hearing loss, both temporary and permanent. Remember that hearing naturally declines as you age. With activities that include extremely loud sound bursts, such as shooting handguns, the inner ear could experience damage at a faster pace, and the eardrum can even rupture. Therefore, wearing hearing protective gear is vital.
Protection
If you have disposable hearing protection devices handy, these items can become part of your regular shooting gear. The devices typically come in nonlinear and electronic options and can make the sounds softer while shutting out loud noise. In addition to earplugs, it’s beneficial to use muffs, especially when shooting big-bore firearms. If you shoot in groups, you should wear protective hearing gear at all times.
Tips to Consider when Purchasing Gear
The gear you select should always have a good noise reduction rating and fit comfortably. It could be a waste of money and a health risk to purchase earplugs for one weapon and use them with another more powerful firearm. Base your buying decisions on the handgun and type of activity. For the devices to work correctly, they’ll need to fit flush and fully expand deep inside your ear canal, which isn’t possible if you purchase the wrong type or size. It would also be beneficial to enroll in a gun safety course to learn more about hearing protection and the correct type of gear to purchase.
Protecting your hearing is just one of the important aspects of firearms safety. If you already own a firearm or you’re considering purchasing one, it’s essential to know how to use it safely. If you’d like to learn more about gun safety from experienced professionals at a premier school of firearms, reach out to the experts at Gun Safety Training Pros. Contact us today at [email protected].
