Hearing loss

[ljsommer]

Hello all,

   New hunter here. When using a firearm (modern or muzzle) how do you address the concern of discharging a firearm and its impact on hearing? I can't imagine using hearing protection while hunting due to the need to listen and be aware of your surroundings, but a single gunshot can be pretty damaging, let alone decades of gunshots from hunting.

Thoughts? Input?

[92xj]

Listen and hear your surroundings during the hunt, see animal, right before shooitng put in ear protection.

[Pegasus]

Huh? 

[h20hunter]

I carry muffs and frankly would pass on the shot if I don't have time. I can always hunt but hearing loss is forever.

[elkaholic123]

I have been hunting for 43 years and have never wore hearing protection in the field and my hearing while not perfect is very good, I also have a muzzle brake on my rifles. Different story at the range!I think you would be fine UNLESS you are a terrible shot and have to shoot a whole box of bullets... Only sissy's wear protection in the field       

[vandeman17]

I have been hunting for 43 years and have never wore hearing protection in the field and my hearing while not perfect is very good, I also have a muzzle brake on my rifles. Different story at the range!I think you would be fine UNLESS you are a terrible shot and have to shoot a whole box of bullets... Only sissy's wear protection in the field       

This is me for big game hunting, only wear protection at the range. I have started wearing muffs while waterfowl hunting though

[h20hunter]

Put me on the sissy list!  My wife had hearing aids before 40 and that is just bad genes. I double up at the range and have adopted the practice of having plugs on hand while in the field.

[Bob33]

Everyone is different, but make no mistake: one shot can permanently damage your hearing. I've learned that the hard way.

There are several options for protecting your hearing while hunting. I generally use the plugs on a little string. I carry them around my neck and put them in just before shooting if I'm mobile. In a blind or stationary, the amplified ear muffs work great. You can also get something like Walkers Game Ears which amplify and also shut off when a gun is fired.

[boneaddict]

You guys crack me up.  Same guys that use latex to gut their deer Id imagine. LOL


dont forget, campfire smoke is harmful to you as well.    Better mask up

[ljsommer]

You know what got me thinking about this? I am 34 and started hearing a slight tearing sound anytime I'd be near a loud noise. I went in for a hearing test (if you haven't done this, I recommend it) and it is quite thorough. I was shown hard data on my current hearing loss, and when you have a doctor show you with hard data that you've already sustained permanent hearing loss, and she tells you that even one single unmitigated gunshot will cause even more permanent hearing loss, it really changes your outlook.

Pain I don't mind, permanent damage to my senses is not ok.

[Fl0und3rz]

When using a firearm (modern or muzzle) how do you address the concern of discharging a firearm and its impact on hearing?

I try to not find game animals that are covered by my tags.  Otherwise, I don't worry about the occasional one or two shots, unprotected.

[rasbo]

Snowflakes,lol  at the range yes. Let's see ,hearing protection,check. Shoulder pads,check. Vasoline in gloves to keep hands soft,check. Charmin,check. (Don't squeeze). Safe place at camp,check.....

[boneaddict]

You know what got me thinking about this? I am 34 and started hearing a slight tearing sound anytime I'd be near a loud noise. I went in for a hearing test (if you haven't done this, I recommend it) and it is quite thorough. I was shown hard data on my current hearing loss, and when you have a doctor show you with hard data that you've already sustained permanent hearing loss, and she tells you that even one single unmitigated gunshot will cause even more permanent hearing loss, it really changes your outlook.

Pain I don't mind, permanent damage to my senses is not ok.

I can imagine how that would get your attention. 

[fowl smacker]

Silencer

[BULLBLASTER]

Just put some ear plugs in before shooting.