Gunfire is a common cause of hearing loss and the sudden onset of tinnitus (ringing in the ears). The sound level of a .22 rifle shot registers at 145 dB while the sound level of a 12 gauge shotgun registers at 155 dB. Exposure to sound levels greater than 115 dB lead to hearing loss in a matter of seconds. For this reason, it is important to wear ear protection whenever you are firing weapons.
Many hunters object to wearing sound protection while hunting because they believe it will block out the sounds they need to hear and cause them to miss important opportunities to capture what they are hunting. This is a valid concern. However, newer technology enables the hunter to protect his hearing AND hear surrounding noises in nature. Siemens Hearing Instruments has created "SecureEar." SecureEar is a type of hearing protection that dampens loud noises while enhancing soft sounds. It is battery powered and works to soften the sound of a gun shot while amplifying surrounding noises hunters need to hear- twigs breaking, leaves crunching, etc. Purchasing SecureEar involves having a custom ear mold made (15 minute process, $15 per ear) by a clinical audiologist. Once the ear mold is created, it is sent to Siemens who then uses the mold to create a SecureEar device that fits comfortably within the ear. Pricing information for the SecureEar is available by contacting one of our clinical audiologists.
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