Protect Your Hearing!

Protect Your Hearing at the Range: 5 Essential Tips

Here at The DEN, Safety is our top priority!

Shooting sports are a blast, but the intense noise (often exceeding 140 dB—that's loud!) can seriously damage your hearing. Don't risk it!

Protect your hearing with these five essential tips.:

1. Know Your Environment:

Where you shoot matters. Outdoor ranges allow sound to dissipate, reducing the impact. Indoor ranges, however, trap sound, creating a much louder and more dangerous environment. Always wear appropriate hearing protection, regardless of location.

2. Understanding Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR):

Don't be fooled by price tags. The Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) is your key to protection. A higher NRR means greater noise reduction.

• NRR Reality Check: While foam plugs can reach an NRR of 33 dB and earmuffs around 31 dB, remember that these are lab-tested values. Real-world use often provides less protection. A good rule of thumb is to:

  1. Subtract 7 from the advertised NRR.

  2. Divide the result by 2. Example: A 30 NRR earmuff effectively provides around 11.5 db of protection (30-7=23; 23/2=11.5).
     

  DEN Tip: Double Up: Indoor ranges can reach 140 dB, and anything above 85 dB can cause hearing damage. For maximum protection indoors, consider using both earmuffs and earplugs.

3. Electronic Earmuffs: A Smart Choice:

Electronic earmuffs offer a great balance. They amplify low-level sounds (like range commands) while suppressing loud noises. However, not all electronic earmuffs are created equal. Focus on:

• High NRR: Aim for at least 30 dB.

• Fast Reaction Time: The earmuffs' ability to quickly suppress loud noises is critical. A slow reaction time means less protection.

  DEN Recommended Options: (Always check current ratings and reviews)

  • 3M Peltor X5A Over-the-Head Earmuffs (NRR: 31 dB)

  • Howard Leight by Honeywell Impact Pro (NRR: 30 DB)

4. The Perception of Sound:

It's important to understand how we perceive sound. A 3 dB increase in NRR halves the sound power, but it takes a 10 dB increase for most people to perceive a noticeable difference in loudness.

DEN Tip: Don't underestimate the importance of even small NRR improvements.

5. Verify the Claims:

Be wary of unsubstantiated claims. Look for recognized certifications to ensure the hearing protection meets established standards.

• Key Standards:

  • ANSI S3.19-1974 (The standard the EPA uses for NRR labeling)

  • ANSI/ASA S12.6-2016 (A newer standard with two testing methods)

Join The DEN community and make safety your priority at the range!