The 2015-2016 hunting season will be upon us very shortly.  It really doesn’t matter if you hunt deer, bear, turkey or water fowl, shooting guns can damage your hearing.  Do you know which of your patients enjoy hunting?  Do you discuss the impact firing guns has on their ears and hearing?

When people are exposed to noise greater than 140dB, their hearing can be permanently damaged.  Most firearms create noise over 140dB.  A small .22-caliber rifle can produce noise right around the 140dB level, while larger rifles and pistols can often produce sounds well over 175dB.  Anyone who shoots firearms and does not wear hearing protection is at risk for permanent hearing loss.  It doesn’t matter if it’s a single shot or multiple shots, shooting firearms without hearing protection is dangerous.

As an audiologist, I have found that most hunters who lose their hearing, lose it in the high frequency range.  This loss in the high frequencies affects a person’s ability to understand what people are saying to them.  I have also found that in right-handed shooters, it’s the left ear that sustains more hearing loss, because it’s more directly in line with the muzzle of the firearm and the right ear is protected by head shadow.  It would be the opposite for left-handed shooters.  Most hunters with hearing loss report hearing people talking to them, but not always understanding what they’re saying.  They also complain that their family members are simply mumbling, and if they would speak up, there wouldn’t be a problem.  High frequency hearing loss can often take years to detect.  Tinnitus can affect hunters also, resulting from the high frequency hearing loss.

Why not begin the discussion with your patients who hunt about the need to wear hearing protection? There are various types of hearing protective devices (HPDs), from earmuffs and earplugs to electronic devices that shut down once the firearm has been fired.   Electronic HPDs can cost anywhere from $100 for earmuffs to over $1000 for high technology custom made devices.  Protecting your patients’ ears now can reduce their need for hearing aids later.  Have your patients talk to their audiologist about the need for hearing protection and the best options available to them.

Here are some quick tips to pass along to your patients:

• Always use some type of HPD any time you use a firearm.

• Keep disposable HPDs on hand.

• Double protect your hearing when shooting big-bore firearms.

• Choose single-shot firearms instead of lever action, pump or semi-automatic guns.

• Avoid shooting in groups.

• Make sure you know your HPDs are working,  and have regular hearing evaluations at your audiologist’s office.

Theresa H. Bartlett, AuD is a Doctorate Level Audiologist who currently owns and operates a small, private, Audiology practice in Norfolk, Virginia. Dr. Bartlett specializes in Lyric hearing products and will soon be a Golden Circle Audiologist for Sensaphonics hearing conservation products. www.virginiahearing.com.