NHCA POSITION STATEMENT Recreational Firearm Noise

Recreational firearm use is a popular leisure-time activity in the United States enjoyed by millions of individuals across all age groups. Recreational firearms produce impulse noise levels that exceed 140 decibels peak sound pressure levels (dB peak SPL). Unprotected ear exposure to this high-level impulse noise can cause immediate and irreversible damage to delicate inner ear structures of both the shooter and bystanders in close proximity. This damage includes noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and tinnitus. The potential increased risk of NIHL and tinnitus associated with recreational firearms noise may not be evident to recreational shooters, or nearby bystanders such as instructors and spectators. NHCA developed this guidance document to assist hearing conservationists, audiologists, physicians and other hearing conservation professionals, in managing and mitigating the risk of NIHL associated with recreational firearm noise. Recreational Firearm Prevalence in the United States Recreational firearm use by civilians is prevalent in the United States. Americans own an estimated 270310 million firearms (Jütersonke et al., 2007; Krouse, 2012), more than any other country in the world. Data collected by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (2011) revealed that approximately 15.7 million individuals over the age of 16 years used several types of firearms (rifles, shotguns, pistols, muzzle loaders) for hunting purposes while approximately 7.1 million people participated in target shooting in preparation for hunting. According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (2009), over 30 million Americans are actively involved in the shooting sports. Several states allow children 10 years of age and younger to use firearms for hunting when accompanied by an adult family member (National Shooting Sports Foundation, 2010). Recreational Firearm Noise Sound Pressure Levels Although firearms are used by millions of U.S. citizens for recreational activities related to the shooting sports, these individuals may not be aware that exposure to high-level firearm noise can be hazardous to their hearing. This need for awareness also extends to those that are exposed as nearby bystanders, e.g. instructors, spectators. Almost all firearms generate peak impulse noise levels that exceed the 140 decibel peak sound pressure level (dB peak SPL) exposure limit mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA. 1983) and the A-weighted 140 decibel (dBA) limit recommended by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH, 1998) for adults in occupational settings. The World