Protecting Hearing During Hunting Season Is Critical, Expert Says

Hunting builds camaraderie and provides families an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and bring food to the table. However, like any shooting sport, hunting without hearing protection can lead to significant and sometimes permanent hearing loss.

Estimates suggest that in 2024, nearly 40 million hunting licenses, tags, or permits were issued in the United States. Though hunting seasons vary by state and animal species, many occur in the fall months of September, October, and November. So, with the autumn season in full swing, millions of people in the U.S. are likely gathering their gear and heading to the woods and fields to hunt.

However, hearing protection is a critical component that might be missing from many hunter's gear bags. While archery enthusiasts may not need to protect their hearing, those who hunt with firearms may be putting their hearing at risk if they choose to leave the earplugs or muffs at home.

In fact, some hunters have taken to social media to warn others about the dangers of shooting without proper ear protection. For example, one Reddit user said that firing just two shots without hearing protection caused significant hearing loss.

Are there hearing risks associated with hunting?

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a sudden noise exceeding 140 decibels (dB) can cause permanent hearing damage. Depending on caliber and type, firearms can produce peak sound pressure levels ranging from 140 to 175 dB, which is well within the danger zone of hearing loss.

Brian Taylor, a Doctor of Audiology and Senior Director of Audiology at Signia tells Healthnews that the risk of acquiring noise-induced hearing loss from firearm use is extremely high.

"It is almost impossible to avoid noise-induced hearing loss for a person who uses firearms without hearing protection," Taylor adds. "A single gun blast can cause permanent hearing loss and tinnitus."

Taylor says that gunfire is one of the most intense and impulsive sounds known to humankind, and the sudden acoustic energy of a gun blast is one of the worst harms that can be inflicted on the tissues of the cochlea (inner ear).

"The most common symptom of [gunfire-related] hearing loss is tinnitus," Taylor explains. "If a person has tinnitus or notices some hearing loss, seek the guidance of an audiologist and get a hearing test."

People with firearm-related hearing damage tend to have difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds and may not be able to hear what others say clearly. Moreover, hunters who develop tinnitus may have "ringing in the ears" or hear a roaring or buzzing sound. Tinnitus can fade with time or become chronic.

Typically, firearm-related hearing damage is more noticeable in the ear closest to the gun's muzzle.

How hunters can protect their hearing

Despite the hearing risks associated with firearm use, research suggests that 38% of adult target shooters and 95% of adult hunters never wear hearing protection devices while shooting.

Hunting is a challenging activity since it involves a wide range of strategies to improve chances of success. Wind direction, weather, and even the time of day can all impact bird and animal movement, and for a hunter, catching that movement with sight and hearing is critical.

That's why hunters may avoid using hearing protection in the field. Some worry that they might not get the chance to shoot if they can't hear the game approaching.

However, hearing protection technology has advanced over the past few years. Now, hunters and shooting enthusiasts have options that provide the best of both worlds.

"There are electronic systems on the market that provide amplification of the 'hunting scene' or 'shooting scene,' while at the same time providing hearing protection from the gun blast," Taylor tells Healthnews.

Options that suppress all sound include disposable or custom earplugs and standard earmuffs. However, for hunting or shooting firearms, a person should look for hearing protection devices with a minimum Noise Reduction Rating (NNR) of 25 dBP.

In cases where an individual is exposed to excessive gunfire noise, such as a shooting range, higher NNR ear protection devices may be a better option. Using an earmuff over earplugs is another way to ensure maximum protection against firearm-related hearing loss.

"A hunter should see an audiologist when they want to have custom hearing protection systems fitted," Taylor advises. "The best performance and most comfort come from a system that has a customized earmold."

In addition to wearing hearing protection devices, hunters can choose firearms with longer barrel lengths, use subsonic or low velocity (less than 1120 fps) ammunition, and avoid shooting over hard surfaces like a tabletop to lower the risk of hunting-related hearing damage.