Don’t Lose Your Hearing at the Range: Why Protection Isn’t Optional

You pull the trigger. The bang echoes, the adrenaline spikes—and then there’s a ringing sound that doesn’t fade. Ever.

Sound familiar?

If you’ve ever shot a firearm without hearing protection, you’ve taken a serious risk. We’re not being dramatic when we say it—every unprotected shot is damaging your hearing permanently. And while hearing loss might feel like “an old guy’s problem,” it starts a lot sooner than you think.

Let’s break down what really happens to your ears when you fire without protection—and why the cost is way more than just a muffled conversation or a little ringing.

The Science: How Guns Destroy Your Ears

Gunfire isn’t just loud. It’s violently loud.

Most firearms produce sound in the 140–175 decibel range—enough to cause instant damage. For context:

  • Normal conversation: ~60 dB

  • Lawnmower: ~90 dB

  • Threshold of pain: 120 dB

  • Gunshot: 140+ dB

Your ears are delicate. The inner ear contains thousands of microscopic hair cells responsible for transmitting sound to your brain. Loud noises? They kill those cells. Dead means dead—they don’t grow back.

What Happens Without Hearing Protection?

1. Permanent Hearing Loss

  • Even one session without muffs or plugs can cause irreversible damage.

  • Once it starts, it doesn’t stop—it only gets worse with every shot.

2. Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears)

  • That high-pitched buzzing? It’s not temporary for many people.

  • Chronic tinnitus can ruin sleep, concentration, and peace of mind.

3. Auditory Processing Problems

  • You’ll struggle to hear conversations clearly, especially in noisy environments.

  • High-frequency sounds like women’s or children’s voices might fade out.

The Cost: Not Just Your Ears, But Your Wallet and Life

Medical Bills

  • Hearing aids cost $2,000–$7,000 per pair.

  • Most insurance plans don’t cover them.

  • Tinnitus therapies and specialist visits? Also not cheap.

Social Isolation

  • Hearing loss leads to withdrawal from conversations.

  • Shooters with hearing damage often report depression and anxiety from missing social connections.

Safety Risk

  • Not hearing properly can be dangerous at the range or in hunting scenarios—missing cues or warnings could lead to accidents.

Importance of Hearing Protection

Using appropriate hearing protection is crucial for anyone involved in shooting activities. BenchMaster USA offers a range of products designed to safeguard your hearing:Silencer Central+2Verywell Health+2proears.com+2

  • Hearing Protection: High-quality earmuffs and earplugs that reduce harmful noise levels.

  • Shooting Chairs: Comfortable seating options that help maintain proper posture, indirectly aiding in better ear protection by ensuring consistent shooting positions.

Smart Shooters Know: Protect Your Ears

Use hearing protection every single time you shoot. No exceptions. The best options:

Foam Earplugs

  • Cheap and effective (NRR 30–33 dB)

  • Perfect for doubling up under muffs

Electronic Ear Muffs

  • Block dangerous noise but let you hear voices and range commands

  • Ideal for training and competitive shooting

Custom Molded Earplugs

  • High-end option with a perfect fit

  • Great for hunters who need comfort and clarity

Best Practices for Hearing Safety

  • Double Up: Use both earplugs and earmuffs for maximum protection.

  • Regular Breaks: Limit exposure by taking breaks during shooting sessions.

  • Routine Check-Ups: Regular hearing assessments can help detect early signs of damage.

Bonus Tip: Double Protection = Maximum Safety

Using earplugs + earmuffs together can reduce noise exposure by 35–40 dB. That’s what professionals do on indoor ranges—and it’s what you should do too.

Final Thoughts: You Can’t Get Your Ears Back

Protecting your hearing is not just about comfort; it’s about preserving your quality of life. BenchMaster USA‘s range of hearing protection products ensures that you can enjoy shooting sports without compromising your auditory health.

The sad reality? Most shooters only realize the damage after it’s too late. Don’t be that person. Hearing protection takes two seconds to put on and can save you from a lifetime of regret, discomfort, and thousands in bills.

Because once you lose your hearing… it’s gone for good.