Guest post: Hearing Loss Caused by Hunting

Hi my name is John O'Connor, I am a father, outdoorsman and passionnate about living a healthy lifestyle. Over the past few years I have become more and more interested in hearing loss. My father and grandfathers, who are and were all hunters, are affected by hearing loss. I feel that there is a general lack of understanding around this issue and it is our job to spread awareness where we can. Check out my blog at: bloggingwjohno.blogspot.com

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Caused by Hunting

If you are ever exposed to noise that is loud or extremely loud for an extended period of time, you could experience noise-induced hearing loss, often referred to as NIHL. These loud sounds can damage sensitive structures in the ears called hair cells which can result in hearing loss. When the hair cells are damaged, they won't submit the correct signals to the brain when sound enters your ears. Many may not think this but some recreational activities can cause hearing loss. Hunting and shooting in general are common causes of noise-induced hearing loss. Safety while hunting is important, and ear protection is equally critical.

Effects of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

 
Loud sounds can damage both the hair cells and the hearing nerve in the ear. An impulse sound is a one-time exposure to an intensely loud sound that can cause permanent or temporary loss in hearing. It also may result in tinnitus which is a buzzing, ringing or roaring sound in the ears. Both conditions can also occur during exposure to loud sounds over time. In this case, the damage is progressive. With hunting, you probably won't notice the damage right away. In either case, temporary or permanent damage is possible. If it's temporary, it may disappear in about 16 to 48 hours.