One last science bit before we get into prevention and treatment options, namely understanding how we measure the intensity of air pressure waves (sound). We have all heard of the decibel (db), which is the most common measure of air pressure wave intensity. Here is how it is determined. This is important to know in order to map out a prevention plan. So take out a clean piece of lined paper on your desk and note:

Our ears have an astonishing capacity to detect subtle sounds. We are able to hear a single leaf drop onto the autumn forest floor or the ticking of a wristwatch as we sit motionless in the stand. The range of the intensity of pressure waves that we detect as sound is enormous. One researcher estimated this range in sensitivity from the weakest to the strongest sound that man can hear to be in the order of 100 billion to one! These sorts of numbers are best described using a log scale. This is where bels and decibels (db) come into play.

A bel is defined as the common logarithm of the ratio between two intensities of pressure waves. I can’t say I really know what that means, but use the line at any cocktail party to sound intelligent. We use a tenth of a bel, or decibel to reduce this range of sound intensity from 0 to 160 instead of 0 to a 100 billion. Below is a common range sounds and their intensity in decibels:

No sound...0 db
Whisper...25 db
Quiet office noise...40 db
Normal conversation...55db
Typical car...70 db
City bus...90 db
Subway train...100 db
Twin engine plane...110 db
Pain threshold...130 db

I left out gunshots because the sound intensity is so variable. A .22 pistol is louder to the shooter than the same round out of a rifle. Muzzlebreaks and the like disburse the intense sound waves and where you stand relative to the muzzle (shooter or spotter) makes a lot of difference. Suffice to say that any sound over 80db is bad for your ears and every gunshot is above 80db!

Prevention of hearing loss is therefore quite simple. Eliminate noises above 80db from reaching your eardrum. Custom fit earplugs are ideal and can be obtained from most audiologists and at many gun shows or hunting conventions. Generic plugs and earmuffs also work well. In many hunting scenarios, typical plugs or muffs may not be practical, but at the practice range, the dove field, and the clay games, they are a mandatory safety item.

There is an extensive category of hearing assisted ear protection devices. These electronically augment sounds below a certain db so we can hear our game’s movement better. Importantly, they also electronically dampen out sounds above a certain db and reduce them to safe levels. Hence with these devices, your hearing is both improved and protected. Virtually all of the products on the market from earplugs to ear muffs work well. You have to just choose what is most comfortable for you and your budget but also consider what your hearing is worth to you.

There is an increasing large body of scientific medical evidence that suggests that Presbyacusis and even traumatic hearing loss can be restored to varying degrees with nutrition. A variety of vitamins, herbs and minerals in the correct proportion has been shown to be effective. Those individual ingredients can be purchased separately if one knows the correct studied doses or a newly, correctly formulated combination product such as Sportsmen’s Edge is available.

As always, prevention is worth the proverbial pound of cure. Take care of your hearing. Machismo regarding hearing protection is not a good idea.