Why Should You Use Ear Protection When Shooting a Firearm?

A single gunshot can permanently change the way you hear the world. That is not an exaggeration or a scare tactic. It is a medical fact backed by decades of research from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Yet despite the overwhelming evidence, studies show that 38% of target shooters and a staggering 95% of hunters report never wearing hearing protection while shooting. The consequences of this negligence are severe: recreational shooters are approximately four times more likely to develop hearing loss than people who do not shoot firearms.

In this guide, we will cover exactly why ear protection is essential every time you pick up a firearm, the science behind noise-induced hearing damage, how to choose the right protection for your shooting activities, and what happens when you skip it.

How Loud Is a Gunshot? Understanding Firearm Decibel Levels

To understand why hearing protection is non-negotiable at the range, you first need to understand the sheer volume of a gunshot. An average gunshot produces between 140 and 175 decibels (dB) of sound pressure, depending on the caliber, barrel length, and ammunition type. To put that in perspective, a normal conversation sits around 60 dB, and a rock concert typically hits about 120 dB.

Because the decibel scale is logarithmic rather than linear, every 10 dB increase represents a tenfold increase in sound intensity. That means a gunshot at 160 dB is not just "a little louder" than a 120 dB concert. It is roughly 10,000 times more intense on your ears.

Decibel Levels by Firearm Type

Here is a breakdown of approximate peak sound pressure levels for common firearms:

• .22 Long Rifle: approximately 140 dB
• .223 Remington / 5.56 NATO (AR-15): approximately 155–165 dB, depending on barrel length
• 9mm handgun: approximately 160–165 dB
• .45 ACP: approximately 165–167 dB
• .44 Magnum: approximately 164 dB
• 12-gauge shotgun: approximately 155–165 dB
• 12-gauge, 3.5" Magnum: approximately 161.5 dB

Even the quietest firearm on this list, a .22 rifle at around 140 dB, exceeds the threshold for immediate hearing damage. Every firearm you will encounter at a shooting range produces enough noise to cause permanent harm without proper protection.

The 85 dB Threshold: What OSHA and NIOSH Say About Noise Exposure

Federal workplace safety agencies have established clear guidelines on noise exposure that put firearm noise levels into stark perspective.

OSHA requires employers to implement a hearing conservation program when noise exposure reaches or exceeds 85 dB as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). OSHA's permissible exposure limit (PEL) is set at 90 dB for an 8-hour workday, using a 5 dB exchange rate, meaning every 5 dB increase cuts the allowable exposure time in half.

NIOSH recommends a stricter standard: all noise exposure should be controlled below 85 dB for eight hours to minimize occupational noise-induced hearing loss. NIOSH uses a 3 dB exchange rate, which means that every 3 dB increase doubles the effective noise dose and halves the recommended exposure time.

What Does This Mean for Shooters?

At 85 dB, you can safely be exposed for 8 hours. At 100 dB, that drops to about 15 minutes under NIOSH guidelines. At 140 dB and above, where every firearm operates, the safe exposure time is effectively zero seconds without hearing protection. There is no "safe" amount of unprotected exposure to gunfire noise.

According to the CDC, impulse noise from firearms is fundamentally different from continuous noise exposure. The sudden, explosive burst of a gunshot creates a shockwave that can damage the delicate structures of the inner ear before your body's natural protective reflexes can engage. The stapedius muscle in your middle ear, which contracts to dampen loud sounds, simply cannot react fast enough to protect your cochlea from a gunshot.

How a Single Gunshot Can Cause Permanent Damage

This is the fact that catches most new shooters off guard: a single gunshot above 140 dB can cause immediate, permanent hearing damage. You do not need to spend years at the range. You do not need to fire hundreds of rounds. One pull of the trigger without ear protection can change your hearing forever.

Here is what happens inside your ear when exposed to a gunshot without protection:

1. The shockwave enters the ear canal and strikes the eardrum with extreme force.
2. The ossicles (tiny middle ear bones) transmit this amplified pressure to the cochlea.
3. The hair cells inside the cochlea, which convert sound vibrations into electrical signals for your brain, are crushed, bent, or destroyed by the force.
4. These hair cells do not regenerate. In humans, once cochlear hair cells are destroyed, they are gone permanently.

Research published in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America confirms that firearms produce peak sound pressure levels between 130 and 175 dB, creating significant risk of noise-induced hearing loss during recreational, occupational, and military operations. The damage is cumulative, meaning each unprotected exposure adds to previous injury, but it can also be catastrophic in a single instance.

If you are wondering how long hearing loss lasts after shooting a gun, the answer depends on the severity. Temporary threshold shifts may resolve in hours or days, but repeated exposure or a single severe acoustic trauma can cause permanent, irreversible hearing loss.

Types of Hearing Damage From Firearms

Firearm-related hearing damage does not present as a single condition. Shooters face several distinct types of auditory injury, each with its own symptoms, severity, and impact on quality of life.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)

NIHL is the most common form of hearing damage among shooters. According to the NIDCD, approximately 40 million Americans aged 20 to 69 show signs of noise-induced hearing loss, and nearly one in four U.S. adults in that age group have audiometric results consistent with NIHL.

For shooters specifically, NIHL typically presents as a "notch" in hearing ability between 2,000 and 6,000 Hz, which corresponds to the high-frequency range critical for understanding speech. This means affected shooters often struggle to hear consonant sounds like "s," "th," and "f," making it difficult to follow conversations, particularly in noisy environments.

The damage is typically worse in the ear closest to the firearm's muzzle. Right-handed shooters often experience more significant hearing loss in their left ear, while left-handed shooters see greater damage to their right ear.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the perception of sound, usually ringing, hissing, buzzing, or clicking, when no external sound is present. According to the American Tinnitus Association, approximately 25 million Americans experience tinnitus, and it is one of the most common service-connected disabilities among military veterans, directly linked to firearms exposure.

In a study of soldiers exposed to rifle shooting without hearing protection, an alarming 94.2% reported tinnitus symptoms. For many people, tinnitus becomes a chronic, daily condition that interferes with sleep, concentration, and mental health.

Tinnitus is often an early indicator of auditory injury. If you experience ringing in your ears after shooting, even temporarily, it is a warning sign that hearing damage has occurred and that you need better protection going forward.

Hyperacusis

Hyperacusis is an increased sensitivity to everyday sounds that most people tolerate without discomfort. A door closing, dishes clinking, or someone speaking at a normal volume can become painfully loud for someone with hyperacusis.

This condition results from damage to the cochlear structures that regulate how your brain processes sound intensity. Acoustic trauma from gunfire is a well-documented cause. People with hyperacusis often also have tinnitus, and the combination can be severely debilitating, limiting social activities, work capacity, and overall quality of life.

Acoustic Trauma

Acoustic trauma refers to hearing damage caused by a single exposure to an extremely loud impulse sound, exactly the type of noise a firearm produces. Symptoms can include sudden hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, a feeling of fullness in the ear, and headache. Unlike gradual NIHL from cumulative exposure, acoustic trauma is immediate and can be devastating from a single incident.

The Statistics: Hearing Loss Among Recreational Shooters

The data on hearing loss among recreational shooters is sobering:

• Recreational shooters are 4 times more likely to develop hearing loss compared to non-shooters, according to CDC-funded research.
• 10 million Americans have already suffered irreversible noise-induced hearing loss, with an additional 30 million exposed to dangerous noise levels daily.
• 38% of target shooters report never wearing hearing protection while at the range.
• 95% of hunters report never wearing hearing protection while shooting in the field.
• Among men who regularly engage in target shooting, there is a statistically significant increase in marked high-frequency hearing loss.
• The risk of hearing loss increases by approximately 7% for every 5 years of regular hunting activity.
• Firing 1,000 or more lifetime rounds without consistent protection is associated with a significant increase in speech-frequency hearing impairment.

These numbers reveal a clear pattern: many shooters underestimate the risk, underuse hearing protection, and pay for it with permanent hearing damage. The gap between knowing that protection is important and actually wearing it consistently is where most hearing injuries occur.

Legal and Range Requirements for Hearing Protection

Beyond the health reasons, there are practical and legal factors that make hearing protection essential for shooters.

Indoor and Outdoor Range Rules

Nearly all commercial shooting ranges, both indoor and outdoor, require shooters and spectators to wear hearing protection at all times on the firing line. This is not optional guidance. It is a condition of entry, and violating it will get you removed from the range. If you are new to range shooting, make sure to review our guide to the best ear protection for shooting before your first visit.

Indoor ranges present an even greater risk than outdoor shooting because the enclosed space reflects and amplifies sound waves. The effective noise level at an indoor range can be significantly higher than the same firearm fired outdoors, making quality hearing protection even more critical.

Workplace and Instructor Requirements

Range safety officers, firearms instructors, and gun store employees who work around firearms noise are covered by OSHA's hearing conservation standard (29 CFR 1910.95). Employers must provide hearing protection, conduct annual audiometric testing, and maintain a hearing conservation program when noise exposure meets or exceeds the action level of 85 dB TWA.

Hunting Considerations

While there are no federal laws requiring hearing protection for hunters, the health risks are identical. Many hunters skip ear protection because they want to hear their surroundings, which is understandable from a situational awareness perspective, but it comes at a serious cost. Electronic ear protection solves this problem by amplifying ambient sounds while automatically blocking harmful impulse noise from gunfire.

Choosing the Right Protection Level for Your Shooting

Not all hearing protection is created equal, and the type of shooting you do should determine the level of protection you choose. The key metric to understand is the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR).

Understanding NRR Ratings

The NRR is a standardized measurement that indicates how many decibels of noise reduction a hearing protection device provides under ideal laboratory conditions. In real-world use, the effective reduction is typically calculated by subtracting 7 from the NRR, then dividing by 2, and subtracting the result from the ambient noise level.

For example, with an NRR 28 earmuff in a 160 dB environment:

• (28 - 7) / 2 = 10.5 dB effective reduction
• 160 - 10.5 = approximately 149.5 dB at the ear

While this real-world calculation shows that a single layer of protection may still leave you above the damage threshold, it significantly reduces the dose of noise your ears receive. For higher-caliber firearms or extended shooting sessions, doubling up on protection is the safest approach.

Earmuffs vs. Earplugs vs. Dual Protection

Understanding the differences between passive and electronic earmuffs will help you make the right choice:

• Over-ear earmuffs (passive): Typically offer NRR 20–30. They are easy to put on and remove quickly, making them ideal for range use. TradeSmart Safety earmuffs provide an NRR of 28, placing them at the top end of the earmuff protection range.
• Foam earplugs: Typically offer NRR 25–33. When inserted correctly, they can provide superior noise reduction to earmuffs alone. TradeSmart Safety NRR 33 earplugs deliver maximum foam earplug protection. If you are not sure about proper insertion technique, check out our guide on how to put in ear plugs.
• Electronic earmuffs: Combine hearing protection with sound amplification, allowing you to hear range commands and conversation while blocking harmful impulse noise. The TradeSmart TacticalEdge electronic earmuffs offer NRR 24 with directional microphones for situational awareness.
• Dual protection (earmuffs + earplugs): Wearing both simultaneously can achieve an effective combined NRR of approximately 36. This is the recommended approach for indoor ranges, high-caliber firearms, and extended shooting sessions.

When to Use Each Type

• Casual outdoor range shooting: Quality earmuffs (NRR 28) are sufficient for most standard calibers.
• Indoor range shooting: Dual protection (earmuffs + earplugs) is strongly recommended due to amplified sound levels in enclosed spaces.
• Hunting: Electronic earmuffs are the best choice, as they allow you to hear your environment while still protecting against gunfire.
• High-caliber or magnum firearms: Always use dual protection regardless of setting.
• Competition shooting: Electronic earmuffs allow you to hear range commands and timers while staying protected.

TradeSmart Safety Ear Protection Options

TradeSmart Safety offers a complete lineup of hearing protection designed specifically for shooters, backed by a 10-year warranty and free shipping on every order.

• Shooting Range Kit: Includes NRR 28 earmuffs and ANSI Z87.1+ certified safety glasses. Everything you need for a safe day at the range in one package.
• Premium Range Kit: Includes NRR 28 earmuffs, NRR 33 foam earplugs for dual protection, ANSI Z87.1+ safety glasses, and a hard-shell carrying case.
• Professional Range Kit: The complete setup with earmuffs, earplugs, clear and tinted safety glasses for both indoor and outdoor shooting, and a protective case.
• TacticalEdge Electronic Earmuffs: NRR 24 electronic earmuffs with directional microphones and sound amplification, ideal for hunting and competition shooting.
• Electronic Ear and Eye Protection Kit: Combines electronic earmuffs with ANSI Z87.1+ safety glasses for complete sensory protection.
• NRR 33 Foam Earplugs (Bulk): High-performance disposable earplugs for maximum noise reduction, perfect for doubling up with earmuffs.

Every TradeSmart Safety kit includes access to the free Range Confidence Course, an online firearms fundamentals program designed to help new and experienced shooters build safe habits and confidence at the range.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should you use ear protection when shooting a firearm?

Firearms produce sound levels between 140 and 175 dB, far exceeding the 85 dB threshold that OSHA and NIOSH identify as the starting point for hearing damage risk. Even a single gunshot without hearing protection can cause immediate, permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, or hyperacusis. The hair cells in your inner ear that convert sound to electrical signals cannot regenerate once destroyed. Wearing proper ear protection, such as NRR 28 earmuffs or NRR 33 earplugs, reduces the noise reaching your ears to safer levels and prevents irreversible auditory damage.

How many decibels is a gunshot?

Gunshot decibel levels vary by caliber, barrel length, and ammunition type. A .22 Long Rifle produces approximately 140 dB, a 9mm handgun generates 160–165 dB, a .45 ACP reaches 165–167 dB, and a 12-gauge shotgun produces 155–165 dB. For reference, NIOSH considers any noise above 140 dB to pose a risk of immediate hearing damage. Every commonly used firearm exceeds this threshold.

Is NRR 25 good enough for shooting?

An NRR of 25 provides meaningful protection for casual outdoor shooting with standard calibers, but it may not be sufficient for indoor ranges, high-caliber firearms, or extended shooting sessions. For maximum protection, look for earmuffs with an NRR of 28 or higher, or combine earmuffs with NRR 33 earplugs for dual protection that can achieve an effective NRR of approximately 36. TradeSmart Safety earmuffs offer an NRR of 28, providing top-tier passive protection.

Can you go deaf from shooting a gun without ear protection?

Yes. A single gunshot above 140 dB can cause permanent hearing loss through acoustic trauma. The damage may manifest as partial high-frequency hearing loss, making it difficult to understand speech, or in severe cases, it can result in significant hearing impairment. Research shows that firing 1,000 or more lifetime rounds without consistent hearing protection is associated with measurable speech-frequency hearing loss. Cumulative exposure without protection makes total or near-total hearing loss in certain frequency ranges increasingly likely over time.

What type of ear protection is best for shooting?

The best type of ear protection depends on your shooting activity. For general range use, over-ear earmuffs with an NRR of 28 offer reliable, easy-to-use protection. For indoor ranges or high-caliber firearms, dual protection (earmuffs plus earplugs) is recommended. For hunting and competition shooting, electronic earmuffs are ideal because they amplify ambient sounds for situational awareness while blocking harmful impulse noise. TradeSmart Safety offers options for every scenario, from basic range kits to electronic earmuffs.

Do I need ear protection for outdoor shooting?

Absolutely. While outdoor shooting produces slightly lower perceived noise levels than indoor ranges because there are no walls to reflect sound, the actual decibel output at the muzzle is identical. A 9mm handgun produces 160–165 dB whether you fire it indoors or outdoors. That is well above the threshold for immediate hearing damage. There is no outdoor environment that reduces gunshot noise to safe levels for unprotected ears. Every shot fired without protection contributes to cumulative and potentially permanent hearing damage.

Protect Your Hearing Starting Today

Your hearing is one of those things you do not appreciate until it starts to go. And unlike a broken bone or a cut, hearing loss from noise exposure does not heal. The hair cells in your cochlea do not grow back. The tinnitus does not fade. The damage is permanent.

The good news is that prevention is straightforward and affordable. Quality hearing protection, worn consistently every time you shoot, eliminates the vast majority of risk. Whether you are a new shooter heading to the range for the first time or an experienced marksman who has been shooting for decades, there is never a wrong time to start protecting your hearing, or to upgrade to better protection.

TradeSmart Safety makes it easy to get fully equipped with complete shooting range kits that include NRR 28 earmuffs, ANSI Z87.1+ safety glasses, and access to the free Range Confidence Course. Every product comes with a 10-year warranty and free shipping, because protecting your hearing should never be complicated or expensive.

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