Hunting and Hearing Loss How to Protect
Yourself
Hunting is a very popular sport and hobby but it can also be very
detrimental to your hearing. To avoid hearing loss when hunting, you should
make sure you wear the appropriate protection. My father was a hunter for many years but often did not pay
much attention to his hearing levels while he was out on a hunt or practicing
his shooting while at the range.
Due to these choices, my father is now affected severely by hearing
loss. To help with his hearing
levels, he now wears hearing aids that
amplify sounds around him. You
will find out more about the different types of ear wear protection in the text
below.
How You Can Protect Your Hearing at the Shooting Range
When you go to the shooting range, you must protect your ears from excessive noises. Earmuffs, earplugs or electronic earmuffs should be used to protect your ears while practicing shooting. In a shooting range, most people prefer to use electronic earmuffs with noise cancelling properties. This will allow hunters to hear their friends talking in the firing range between rounds without removing the earmuffs. If you need an affordable pair of earmuffs, there are some budget-friendly options in the stores or online.
Hearing Should Be Protected While Hunting
Hearing should be protected while hunting also. The same type of protection used in the firing range can also be used while hunting. When hunting, you need the ability to hear sounds below 80 dB. Most hunters need to hear falling branches and the rustling of the leaves in order to shoot the prey. If hunters cannot hear sounds other than firing, the prey cannot be identified and hunted. Consider noise-cancelling earmuffs to hear sounds below 80 dB when you or another person is not firing a gun.
Primary Causes of
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is caused primarily by hunting without ear protection. A single firing of a shotgun over 140 dB can cause permanent hearing damage. You need ear protection, and you need to participate in shooting activities outdoors instead of indoors. Consider going outdoors to shoot instead of going to an indoor firing range. This practice can also preserve hearing. Many experts suggest wearing the gear and monitoring your firing habits to preserve hearing.
Hearing Loss is Preventable
Hearing loss is preventable if the right ear protection is purchased. Consider how purchasing ear protection can help prevent hearing loss. The loss is often gradual, but eventually, the loss may develop into a permanent hearing loss. Every hunter should use earmuffs consistently to protect hearing at all times.
Hi my name is John O'Connor, I am a father, outdoorsman and passionate about living a healthy lifestyle. Over the past few years I have become more and more interesting in hearing loss. My father and grandfathers, who are and were all hunters, are affected by hearing loss. I feel that there is a general lack of understanding around the issue and it is our job to spread awareness where e can. Check out my new blog at bloggingwjohno.blogspot.com!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
This was a guest post by John O'Connor. Feel free to contact him if you have any questions or stop by his blog! :)
Thank you John for the information you provided me with. This is definitely an interesting topic that needs more attention, another area where to spread awareness!
Bionic Poetry Girl,
Sandra
