WVU TODAY
Each fall, people across West Virginia participate in several hunting seasons from white-tailed deer to wild turkeys.
Monday marks the beginning of deer season across the state.
While hunters invest in safety equipment, such as blaze orange vests and tree stand harnesses, experts from the West Virginia University School of Medicine urge them to protect one other important thing — their hearing.
“Permanent hearing loss from exposure to loud noises, including gunshots, is preventable and only takes a few additional seconds to ensure that you’re protected,” said Leah Morse, assistant professor in the Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders. “Disposable and custom hearing protection can protect from loud noise and can easily fit in a hunting kit.”
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), the sound of firearms measures at 140 dBA, comparable to a jet engine. Continuous use of firearms has been linked to hearing loss in hunters.
Morse also said that it can take only one instance of extremely loud noise to cause damage that leads to permanent hearing loss.
“Noise exposure is a dosage, in that the louder the sound, the shorter amount of time you can be exposed before potentially damaging your hearing,” Morse said. “Since gun shots are extremely loud, it takes an extremely short period of time for there to be damage to your hearing.”
Along with increased likelihood for hearing loss, exposure to loud noises such as firearms can have other negative effects on the body including tinnitus, or perceived sounds, increased blood pressure as well as poor digestion and sleep.
While limiting time exposed to loud noise is the best way to prevent hearing loss, Morse also recommends using earplugs and earmuffs when being continuously exposed to noise.
“Hearing protection can be as advanced as some electronic versions, which can filter the sound of gunshots while amplifying other sounds so that the experience isn’t altered by the use of hearing protection,” said Morse. “Protection can also be as simple as foam earplugs, which are incredibly effective when worn properly.”
To view how to insert foam hearing protection, visit cdc.gov/niosh/mining/content/earplug.html.
Morse recommends regular hearing tests performed by a certified audiologist to anyone frequently exposed to loud noise, noting that noise-induced hearing loss can occur, but these tests can also screen for hearing loss due to other factors, like age.
“When you are regularly exposed to dangerous levels of noise you should monitor the progression of your hearing by scheduling annual hearing evaluations,” Morse said.
The WVU Speech Language and Hearing clinic offers community hearing screenings, comprehensive diagnostic hearing evaluations, tinnitus evaluations, custom hearing protection, and many other services to support the community with their hearing health needs.
For more information on audiology services contact the WVU Communication Sciences and
Disorders Clinic at 304-293-4241.
