Meinke Deanna K, Finan Donald S, Flamme Gregory A, Murphy William J, Stewart Michael, Lankford James E, Tasko Stephen
Audiology and Speech-Language Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado.
Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Semin Hear. 2017 Nov;38(4):267-281. doi: 10.1055/s-0037-1606323. Epub 2017 Oct 10.
In the United States and other parts of the world, recreational firearm shooting is a popular sport that puts the hearing of the shooter at risk. Peak sound pressure levels (SPLs) from firearms range from ∼140 to 175 dB. The majority of recreational firearms (excluding small-caliber 0.17 and 0.22 rifles and air rifles) generate between 150 and 165 dB peak SPLs. High-intensity impulse sounds will permanently damage delicate cochlear structures, and thus individuals who shoot firearms are at a higher risk of bilateral, high-frequency, noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) than peer groups who do not shoot. In this article, we describe several factors that influence the risk of NIHL including the use of a muzzle brake, the number of shots fired, the distance between shooters, the shooting environment, the choice of ammunition, the use of a suppressor, and hearing protection fit and use. Prevention strategies that address these factors and recommendations for specialized hearing protectors designed for shooting sports are offered. Partnerships are needed between the hearing health community, shooting sport groups, and wildlife conservation organizations to develop and disseminate accurate information and promote organizational resources that support hearing loss prevention efforts.
在美国和世界其他地区，娱乐性枪支射击是一项广受欢迎的运动，但这会使射击者的听力面临风险。枪支产生的峰值声压级（SPL）在140至175分贝之间。大多数娱乐性枪支（不包括小口径0.17和0.22步枪及气步枪）产生的峰值声压级在150至165分贝之间。高强度脉冲声音会永久性损伤脆弱的耳蜗结构，因此与不射击的同龄人相比，射击枪支的人患双侧高频噪声性听力损失（NIHL）的风险更高。在本文中，我们描述了影响NIHL风险的几个因素，包括枪口制退器的使用、射击次数、射击者之间的距离、射击环境、弹药选择、消音器的使用以及听力保护装置的贴合度和使用情况。我们还提供了针对这些因素的预防策略以及为射击运动设计的专业听力保护装置的建议。听力健康社区、射击运动团体和野生动物保护组织之间需要建立合作关系，以开发和传播准确信息，并推广支持听力损失预防工作的组织资源。
