By Mike Silverthorn
UNPROTECTED HUNTERS AT RISK OF HEARING LOSS
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich.--Young deer hunters who bring home a trophy buck during firearm season also may be returning with an unwanted acquisition: permanent hearing loss.
The results of a new survey by a Central Michigan University researcher show that most young recreational firearm shooters between the ages of 18 and 30 are in danger of permanently damaging their hearing.
"Unprotected exposure to firearm noise can significantly increase the risk of hearing loss," says Michael Stewart, an audiologist who specializes in hearing conservation. "Our research shows that shooters suffer more hearing loss and at a faster rate than non-shooters.
"But those most vulnerable to hearing loss are younger hunters with normal hearing who don't protect their hearing during hunting activities," he said. "When your hearing is normal, there is more hearing to lose. In other words, individuals who have more to lose are putting themselves at greater risk."
Stewart's survey of 300 shooters last fall found that nearly 40 percent never used hearing protection during target practice. Less than 12 percent reported using hearing protection devises 100 percent of the time during target practice.
Shooters under the age of 30 were the most frequent violators.
"This is alarming data to an audiologist," said Stewart, an avid hunter himself who experienced a noice-induced hearing loss at a young age. "To not use hearing protection during target practice is like not buckling your seat belt when driving."
The survey also found that:
--more than 80 percent of shooters use no hearing protection while hunting;
--the most popular small and large game guns--12 gauge and 30.06--are also the loudest guns; and
--about 50 percent of shooters experienced ringing in the ears at least once in the past year.
"If you experience tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, after shooting, you have been exposed to noise levels loud enough to cause damage," said Stewart. "Young shooters are experiencing tinnitus more often than older shooters."
Repeated exposure to gun blasts that produce as much as 170 decibels of sound can cause significant damage, especially in the "gun blast ear," the ear closest and most directly in line with the firearm muzzle, said Stewart. For right-handed individuals, the gun blast ear is the left ear.
"An individual who hunts from a blind is especially at risk because of the increased sound level due to reverberation in an enclosed area," he said. "The key question is how many shots are fired in a given time period. If several shots are fired quickly--in three to five seconds, for example--the potential for permanent hearing loss is great."
The solution is to wear ear protection, such as muffs or ear plugs. Electronic in-the-ear or behind-the-ear devices, which allow hunters to have normal hearing while waiting for game but protects their hearing when the trigger is pulled, are another good option, said Stewart.
However, too many hunters lack knowledge about hearing protection or believe the devices are inconvenient or too costly, he said. Prices can range from $200 to $600.
"I strongly advise hunters to protect their hearing and consider investing in electronic hearing protection," he said. "In the long run, they will preserve their hearing, avoid constant ringing and save a lot of money in hearing aids and batteries.
"Hunters will plop down $1,000 for a gun without batting an eye. Investing in ear protection is just as important. Electronic protection should be part of every hunter's gear," he said.
Finding ways to educate young shooters about the potential for permanent hearing loss should be a priority, said Stewart. The problem for audiologists is that they rarely see individuals in the 18 to 30 age group. Most office clients are older individuals who are experiencing hearing losses that have accumulated over time.
"Information about the dangers of hearing loss should be incorporated into hunter safety courses for young shooters," said Stewart. "Had I known about the importance of protecting my hearing when I was a kid, I wouldn't have ringing in my ears now."
CMU is one of only five universities in the nation that offers the professional doctorate of audiology degree. The Au.D. program works closely with CMU's audiology clinic, which has offered hearing services for more than 25 years.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Mike Silverthorn Office of Public Relations & Marketing Central Michigan University (517) 774-3197 [email protected]
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