Of course we would all choose to swap our hearing to buy more time on this planet, and I would never hesitate to use my CCW in self-defense. But I must say I was surprised at the metering of my CCW choice. It registered HIGHER than a AR15. Wow.
So, just how screwed are you? We ran a common array of CCW types and SD ammo and this is what we found
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Istwl0juKsA
Cool video. I wonder what the biggest factor is in determining the db level. Is it barrel length? Do subsonic rounds make a difference? Maybe it’s not something worth worrying about since all handguns will likely be above the level that causes hearing damage. Even so, I’d still rather have a lower db gun/ammo combo. Maybe a 147 grain from a glock 17?
Barrel length was the factor. And remember that the dB scale is logarithmic so any fluctuation in dB’s is large difference in sound pressure between to two numbers.
And to answer your question, subsonic and supersonic ammo out of pistol length barrels have the same dB’s ratings.
Yes. Get your .22 pistol and .22 rifle out, then shoot them both in an indoor range. You’ll notice a night and day difference in DB.
I would not be worried about significant hearing loss due to a few shots inside from a pistol. You might get some. And you might hear a ringing for a few days, but you’ll be fine soon, and still have your life.
Very interesting. Now in regards to auditory exclusion when one goes through an actual life threatening situation, will our ears be spared the HIGH dbs? Here’s an article that you may have read.
[b]Auditory Exclusion: Will It Happen Every Time?[/b]
“Can you hear me now?”
What sucks about using amplified hearing protection in a situation like that, is that you loose your ability to interpret spacial sound to a degree.
Did that sound come from the bathroom or the kitchen?
Just shoot through a 2-liter. Works for Seagal 
Having been in multiple situations of firearm discharges without ear pro, I can tell you that you do not consider it. Many times you either get some auditory exclusion going or inclusion.
For HD, if you can get a high end ear pro, sordin or something, that’ll give you directional hearing then go for it. Otherwise, no ear pro is fine. Not really something you want to be thinking about anyway.
The video wasn’t meant to not fire in fear of hearing loss. Auditory exclusion still does not stop your physical ear from being damaged though. This is why my wife and I have weapon lights and a suppressor on our nightstand guns. We have every advantage.
Nice video but they placed the meter off to the side of the shooter. To get a true reading they should have placed the meter next to the guys head. If they did that I am sure the results would have been much lower. If I can remember to, I’ll bring home the meter at work and compare the 2 different positions and see what the differences are.
Makes me want to see about getting a suppressor for my home guns, but for carry I guess I would just have to suck up the bit of hearing loss for a few more years of life if that kind of situation presented itself!
I was in the Marines from 1967 to 1971. I don’t remember ever wearing real hearing protection. During rifle qualifying at P.I. they gave us some cotton to stick in our ears, but when I was “in country” we had nada, nothing, zip. So I’m asking the guys who did tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, did they provide you with ear protection. Did you buy plugs yourself or just go without?
The thing is that auditory exclusion doesn’t actually protect your hearing. The damage occurs whether or not we feel the pain associated with it.
I can state that .45+P, from a 5" barrel, without earpro, inside a structure, is ****ing LOUD.
I read about this years ago. I take extra anti-oxidants before I go to the range and after. I haven’t lost any more hearing in the 8 years I have been tested.
http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/early/2013/11/06/ajcn.113.068437
And you can take them immediately after the trauma and it works too.
That I clearly understand.
Heavy Metal,
Would you mind posting the dosage you take?
Now that I know what I didn’t know then, I wear ear pro as much as possible, I even now use it more often than not when stand hunting. I do have some ringing in my ears now and then. I chalk it up to many factors, years of shooting, some without ear pro, and some kick ass rock concerts in my younger years, in addition to dirt bikes, and power tools.
400IU of E. 3000 of C and three Calcium, Zinc and Magnesium tabs a day.
I take extra C when I am on the range all day. I double my intake of C. I take it in 1000IU doses.
I also take Resveratrol.
If I get exposed to something without my earpro, I pop extra C.
Eye and ear protection is issued equipment these days. Not saying that there might be some exception, but along with the dreaded reflective vest,safety first! It has become our religion.
I don’t know how you guys did it back in the day without going deaf.
The muzzle of the 50 cal is just outside the cockpit door on the H-60. It is loud as heck even with earplugs and a helmet. Startled me every time even when I knew it was coming.
I keep foamies stashed all over the place.
Sort of off topic but there is something I have always wondered. Military guys that were deployed is the ear pro electronic and do you always wear it with your helmet? Like walking in patrol if you had regular ear pro on you wouldn’t be able to hear shit. Just something I’m curious about. If anyone has a link to what they were issued it would be cool.
