It is vital to ensure that your eyes and ears are protected at all times when shooting, whether that be at the range, stand or out in the field. Shotguns can produce high, impulse sound frequencies that range in the 150-160dB range when shooting 12-20 gauge, similar can be said of firearms with a small .22 rifle producing 140dB while big-bore rifles and pistols can go as high as 175dB.
Hearing loss can happen at around 70dB with anything over 120dB causing immediate harm to your ears. It is well reported that the average shooter has a much higher risk of sustaining damage to their hearing over time compared to those who do not.
For these reasons alone it is imperative that if you go shooting you must wear hearing protection.
Up Step the Ear Defenders
At The Sportsman Gun Centre, we stock a large array of different ear protection devices for men, women and kids, from simple in-ear plugs to electronic over-the-ear headsets that cater to the type of shooting you will be doing and the environment you’ll be in, you can even double in-ear and over-ear to increase your level of protection. For hunting, we recommend that you go for an electronic device that will allow for enhanced hearing – blocking out the sound of the gun whilst keeping key noise such as talking so that you can still communicate effectively.
Don’t Forget Your Glasses
Safety glasses for shooting are also a necessary piece of PPE. If you’re shooting clays it’s possible for debris from the shattered target to hurtle back down to earth towards you – or for residue from the shot to irritate your eyes. There’s also the chance that at any time, your firearm could malfunction or rupture. When hunting, the glasses protect against worsening weather conditions, twigs, leaves or other material from falling when in wooder areas and striking your eyes.
Eyewear and Hearing Protection at a Glance
We supply hearing and eye protection from some of the world’s leading personal protection brands, including but not limited to:
