Thread: Hunting without a suppressor.......... ear plugs or cop the lot?

Originally Posted by sneeze

...I have shot a lot less but have some loss in my left ear, mostly from heavy machinery.....

By definition, industrial noise (eg heavy machinery/motors/grinding/..) will produce a symmetrical hearing loss. Left ears get damaged far more quickly in right-shouldered shooters..

You can't change genetics and time will ravage your hearing to an unknown extent but the one thing you have control over is noise exposure.

Originally Posted by 6x47

By definition, industrial noise (eg heavy machinery/motors/grinding/..) will produce a symmetrical hearing loss. Left ears get damaged far more quickly in right-shouldered shooters..

You can't change genetics and time will ravage your hearing to an unknown extent but the one thing you have control over is noise exposure.

Yes but in my case its 30+ years of driving diggers with the door open on the left. In the early days worn track gear, makes a horrible racket, along with other things.

I've worn ear plugs /ear muffs most of my work life ,30 plus years ( Refinery construction /maintenance ), but never when duck shooting or general hunting , mostly with a 243.
Now have Cicadas buzzing permanently ( Tinnitus) and its not pleasant .
I would strongly recommend fitting a suppressor and protecting your hearing at all costs.
Hearing loss as you get older makes it very hard to gain employment as well .

Originally Posted by bazz61

I've worn ear plugs /ear muffs most of my work life ,30 plus years ( Refinery construction /maintenance ), but never when duck shooting or general hunting , mostly with a 243.
Now have Cicadas buzzing permanently ( Tinnitus) and its not pleasant .
I would strongly recommend fitting a suppressor and protecting your hearing at all costs.
Hearing loss as you get older makes it very hard to gain employment as well .

Not to mention annoys your wife immensely, I know cause I have bad tinnitus