Jonesboro, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – The arrival of fall means back-to-school, cooler weather, and time spent outdoors with family and friends. For many in Northeast Arkansas, it also means hunting season is approaching.

With deer and duck hunting seasons near, it’s a good time to discuss something hunters don’t always consider: Hearing protection.

Firearms are among the loudest noises most people will ever experience. A shotgun or rifle blast can reach levels between 140 and 170 decibels (dB).

For reference, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires hearing protection devices be used in the workplace when noise levels exceed 90 dB. And it doesn’t take much; even a single gunshot
can cause permanent damage to the hearing system.

In my 20 years in the clinic, I have seen too many patients to count who have experienced a sudden permanent hearing loss from just one episode of exposure–just one gunshot, just one morning in the duck blind, or just one time at the firing range.

The result is muffled and sometimes distorted hearing that can reduce the ability to hear sounds and make understanding conversation significantly more difficult.

For many, what’s worse is the secondary symptom of constant high-pitched ringing in the ears. Hearing loss and tinnitus are symptoms result from damage to the delicate receptor cells in the inner ear. Once the damage occurs, it is permanent.

“But I need to hear what’s happening around me.”

This is one of the most common reasons why hunters report they do not use hearing protection. It is completely understandable. It is vital to be aware of our surroundings when hunting.

Fortunately, there are many types of hearing protection devices that solve the problem of “I need to hear while protecting my hearing.” They come in muff or in-the-ear style devices that are electronic; they have a microphone that allows sound in, and they turn off when noise is loud.

With these, hunters place them on the ears, they hear the game, they can communicate with hunting partners normally, and hearing is protected when gunfire happens. These devices are readily available and can be found at most sporting goods stores. Get them!

If you spend time hunting, shooting recreationally, or in other loud environments, regular hearing evaluations are important. Catching hearing changes early can help us make adjustments to our hearing protection regimen and prevent further hearing decline.

Have questions about hearing protection? Harvest Hearing is here to help. Protecting your hearing now helps ensure you can have healthy hearing for years to come.

To contact Harvest Hearing about any questions or concerns, or to set up an appointment, call 870-336-7313. Harvest Hearing is located at 2704 Alexander Drive, Suite D1, in Jonesboro.