The following chart indicates the noise levels of various types of guns. Unprotected exposures are hazardous. Hearing protection is recommended at all times.

Remember, noise-induced hearing loss is 100 percent preventable by properly using earplugs and/or earmuffs regularly. A rule of thumb is that when noise is loud enough that you need to 'raise your voice' to be heard at a distance of three feet or less, you are risking long-term hearing damage. It is recommended that hearing protection be used when the noise level around you meets or exceeds 85 dBA.

Words Worth Hearing About
To help promote a better understanding of hearing protection, here are a few often-used words and their definitions.

Decibel (dB)

A unit for measuring the relative volume level or intensity of sound.

Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)

NRR is a standardized rating that indicates the overall laboratory-measured noise reduction (in dB) for a hearing protector.

Attenuation

In hearing protection, this refers to the noise-reducing capabilities of the protector.

Tinnitus

Ringing, hissing, or humming noises perceived within the head, in the absence of noise, often resulting from excessive noise exposures.