22lr with no ear protection

[rogervzv]

how bad it is? been shootin and dont see side effects as of yet

ruger 10/22 is the rifle

It is very bad. Hearing loss is cumulative, insidious, and irreversible. Don't do it. For the love of God don't shoot without hearing protection.

[rogervzv]

Yea I was going to say that too. For ear protection, you want to look at how much decibel reduction they are rated for. The little cheap foam plugs actually have a much better decibel reduction rating than any ear muffs on the market. If you really want to reduce the noise, put in plugs and muffs.

Yes, I use custom ear plug inserts AND muffs. Hearing is precious.

[G SEDAN]

i'ts not gonna make you jump and go ouch.

But you are slowly killing your hearing abilities.

Like others have said, don't skip the EP.

['ol shooter]

I am 62, and have been shooting for many decades. My ears ring all the time, likely from shooting in my youth with no ear protection. I once foolishly shot my .44 Mag fifty rounds when I was about 20, I could not hear out of my right ear for a month. Foam earplugs work OK for me, I buy the industrial ones by the box. I do own ear muffs, but don't like them for rifle use. I can still hear well enough to enjoy music, which is a big deal to me. Protect your ears and eyes, they are too precious to mistreat.

[tsoiky]

I use CCI quiet on my savage. CCI quiet won't cycle in semi though


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[Win231]

By the time you notice hearing loss or ringing, you'll already have permanent damage.

[Jimi Jah]

I have used earplugs since the 1970's as I'm in the music biz. A couple of Stevie Wonder tours and some heavy metal acts caused me to invest in them at an early age.

On stage SPL's at 1980's Stevie Wonder concerts reached 110db. I recently had a hearing test and that protection has paid off. My left ear is a few db's down at 8k hz, the right ear is flat = perfect. The audiologist said most children now show hearing losses due to earbuds. She said my hearing is better than most 18 year olds.

Watch your kids closely and get them tested.

[tacgunner530]

At least use the foam roll up type?
Those are actually the best, when used properly.

^^^that's what I was thinking! I've found the foam plugs superior to any ear muffs I've found.

[SoloDallas]

I did shoot it in the open (outside) without protection for a while.
Mine was handgun and that Walther Colt M4-ish.
I thought it was sustainable at least for a while.

I would recommend protecting yourself if you plan shooting for more than a few minutes though.

[johnthomas]

Firearms Are Loud

Exposure to noise greater than 140 dB can permanently damage hearing. Almost all firearms create noise that is over the 140-dB level. A small .22-caliber rifle can produce noise around 140 dB, while big-bore rifles and pistols can produce sound over 175 dB. Firing guns in a place where sounds can reverberate, or bounce off walls and other structures, can make noises louder and increase the risk of hearing loss. Also, adding muzzle brakes or other modifications can make the firearm louder. People who do not wear hearing protection while shooting can suffer a severe hearing loss with as little as one shot, if the conditions are right. Audiologists see this often, especially during hunting season when hunters and bystanders may be exposed to rapid fire from big-bore rifles, shotguns, or pistols.
Hearing Loss Due To Firearm Noise

People who use firearms are more likely to develop hearing loss than those who do not. Firearm users tend to have high-frequency permanent hearing loss, which means that they may have trouble hearing speech sounds like "s," "th," or "v" and other high-pitched sounds. The left ear (in right-handed shooters) often suffers more damage than the right ear because it is closer to, and directly in line with, the muzzle of the firearm. Also, the right ear is partially protected by head shadow. People with high-frequency hearing loss may say that they can hear what is said but that it is not clear, and they may accuse others of mumbling. They may not get their hearing tested because they don't think they have a problem. They may also have ringing in their ears, called tinnitus. The ringing, like the hearing loss, can be permanent.

http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/Recreational-Firearm-Noise-Exposure/

[johnthomas]

A friend of mine passed away in December at the ripe old age of 97. I met Bob in 1979, he was hard of hearing then. Over the years it go worse. Two years before he passed, even with hearing aids, I had to yell for him to hear me as did everyone else that wanted to communicate with him. This is serious business OP, please heed the advice of you fellow Calguners and the link I provided.

[SamIAm]

I haven't shot any normal .22 without hearing protection since the early 1990s, when I wised up. As others have said, hearing loss is cumulative. I figure between the firecrackers I played with as a kid, the concerts I went to as a teen, and .22s I shot as a kid, I better protect what I've still got. Heck, when I go to the "comeback" concerts of the bands I listed to 25 years ago, I bring earplugs -- just in case the music gets too loud. I don't want to be one of those senior citizens who can't hear a thing.

[Che762x39]

I never wore ear protection prior to joining the Marines. I shot 22s and 12 ga shotgun hunting and at 40 I had constant ringing in my ears. At 60 I have 50% loss in the left ear and 25% in the right.

[Redneck Geek]

Not that difficult to put the foam plugs in. Lots more difficult to say 'huh?' all the time later.

Buy a box ($19 for 100 pair here: http://www.fullsource.com/elvex-ep-153/ ) and throw them in your range bag/car/whatever so you'll always have them with you.

[boludo12]

Having hearing loss sucks, and so does a constant ringing. Get something.

Harbor Freight has electronic ear protection for cheap and they work. Don't know how long mine will last, but they are better than foam.

I saw some cheepo ears cans at the 99cent only store. Cant get cheaper. If you do, pull out the foam cover and put some cotton balls in the cups for more protection.