Shooting without hearing protection

[desertjosh]

I only shoot .22 without ear pro. Anything bigger I protect my ears.

[calif 15-22]

I've shot my AR once without ear protection outdoors at a BLM spot up near Arnold CA. I wanted to feel what it was like.

I won't be doing that again.

People do lots of things that are bad for you everyday . . . that doesn't make them "stupid". Stupid is when you do them again!

[Meety Peety]

I never understood how people could stand shooting without hearing protection. I mean, personal preference aside, I was deaf from the ringing for like 4 hours and in pain after a single round of .38spl outdoors in a valley. I can't imagine what a whole days worth of shooting would do.. and I am someone who has spent many, many nights listening to loud music, both on stage and in the crowd. There is nothing close to comparison. Maybe in "overall damage", but not in terms of what it does to your hearing/senses in the immediate short term.

I wanted to know what it was like, and I learned. WHAT?

[Jeff L]

Hearing loss is accumulative.

[jeffafa]

I've shot my AR once without ear protection outdoors at a BLM spot up near Arnold CA. I wanted to feel what it was like.

I won't be doing that again.

People do lots of things that are bad for you everyday . . . that doesn't make them "stupid". Stupid is when you do them again!

I'd be curious to know how many of the snarky remarks in this thread were made by guys who regularly smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, eat fatty foods... you get the idea.

And yes, I also know that I won't be doing it again on purpose, but don't regret doing it once.

[cc56]

I would not recommend doing that. Almost with certainty I would say you will cause damage to your ears, the chances of you getting into a gun fight are slim. Also there are plenty of police out there who have been in shootings and won without doing this. Also if you read around police officers will say they did not hear the gun shot when they pulled the trigger. So knowing what the LOUD bang will be like is probably moot. It is your hearing though and you can think it gives you a tactical advantage if you want. I would not encourage others to do permanent damage unless you can back it up as really better.

[CSACANNONEER]

I believe you have been shooting long enough to remember before extreme safety became an anal retentive sport. What did you do when you first started shooting?

I have worn ear protection since the mid 70's except when hunting.

[calif 15-22]

I'd be curious to know how many of the snarky remarks in this thread were made by guys who regularly smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, eat fatty foods... you get the idea.

And yes, I also know that I won't be doing it again on purpose, but don't regret doing it once.

HAHA! I was going to post a list but thought it might come across as too snarky!

When I fired my AR it was 2 quick shots followed by 2 quick shots and it was LOUD! Even on the mountain top where I was it echo'd and was a bit uncomfortable for a few seconds. No need to try that one again!
I went to a Sammy Hagar concert 3 nights in a row . . . in the mosh pit up front! Didn't bring my ear protection (or any protection for that matter ). That was 30 yrs ago and my ears are still ringing

[thomashoward]

I'd advise not doing that, as intentionally doing damage to your hearing just to see if it's as bad as everyone says it is... is dumb.

^^ I wish I had paid more attention to hearing protection 30 years ago. Now its closed caption on the TV and a variety if missed conversations.
you can't bring it back

[kmas]

Don't Do It !!

Wear hearing protection always.

When I was in the military, we had no ear protection at the range. During enlistment we were given hearing tests and most of us had 20Hz - 20kHz plus hearing capability (my left ear was 22kHz).
Anyway, after my stint, I got a job where they required a hearing test - yes, you guessed it, massive high frequency losses and even some other frequencies were below average.

Hearing loss is PERMANENT.

Add your "loud noise" losses to aging losses and you'll be a deaf old geezer way too soon.

Get those earplugs, please.

[drifts1]

No ear protection is bad, but hardly as bad as some make it out be. There are many everyday sounds that are nearly as bad and i dont see people carry/wear ear plugs on the regular, but doesn't mean im gonna call them idiots or dumb.

[Tommy C]

No ear protection is bad, but hardly as bad as some make it out be. There are many everyday sounds that are nearly as bad and i dont see people carry/wear ear plugs on the regular, but doesn't mean im gonna call them idiots or dumb.

Yeah, I think you are on to something, right there. I attribute my hearing loss & tinnitus to Stratocasters & Fender Twins cranked up to 8, not the occasional pew-pew of a small caliber rifle.

[tenclip]

I have shot hundreds of thousands of round over my life and only once have I ever forgot plugs and will NEVER again, as it literally sounded like the gun blew up. I reflect back on that day every time I pick up the pistol so it is valuable lesson that stays with you forever.

[SWalt]

If anything, lots of good stories in here that people can learn from. One of the best things of CGN.

[SWalt]

I have worn ear protection since the mid 70's except when hunting.

One of the great things about electronic muffs, you can use them hunting. But putting the batteries in is a PITA, atleast on the ones I have.