Haven’t You Heard?
The following chart indicates the noise levels of various types of guns. Unprotected exposures are hazardous. Hearing protection is recommended at all times.

Peak Sound Pressure Levels
Type of Gun	Peak Sound Pressure Level
.44 Revolver	170 dB
45 Automatic	165 dB
M-16	160 dB
.357 Revolver	160 dB
12 Gauge Shotgun	155 dB
.38 Revolver	150 dB
.22 Rifle	145 dB

Remember, noise-induced hearing loss is 100 percent preventable by properly using earplugs and/or earmuffs regularly. A rule of thumb is that when noise is loud enough that you need to 'raise your voice' to be heard at a distance of three feet or less, you are risking long-term hearing damage. It is recommended that hearing protection be used when the noise level around you meets or exceeds 85 dBA.

Words Worth Hearing About
To help promote a better understanding of hearing protection, here are a few often-used words and their definitions.

Decibel (dB)

A unit for measuring the relative volume level or intensity of sound.

Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)

NRR is a standardized rating that indicates the overall laboratory-measured noise reduction (in dB) for a hearing protector.

Attenuation

In hearing protection, this refers to the noise-reducing capabilities of the protector.

Tinnitus

Ringing, hissing, or humming noises perceived within the head, in the absence of noise, often resulting from excessive noise exposures.