Medical Journal Says Suppressors are Effective Hearing Protection

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Posted on 12/23/2024 4:47:43 AM PST by marktwain

On November 18, 2024, the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery issued a statement of support for the use of firearms suppressors as a means of reducing the risk of hearing loss. From entnet.org:

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery endorses the use of firearm suppressors as an effective method of reducing the risk of hearing loss, especially when used in conjunction with conventional hearing protective measures.

The article contains a paragraph clarifying that the publication and organization are not making a legal or political statement. They are stating a medical fact.

The references listed with the statement make clear suppressors are superior to hearing protection that is worn (such as headsets or earplugs). Using both firearms suppressors and worn hearing protection is even better at reducing risk of hearing loss from the noise of shooting firearms or being near to where they are being shot.

References:

• Chen L, Brueck SE. Noise and Lead Exposures at an Outdoor Firing Range ─ California.Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 2011-0069-3140:5:5.
• Branch M,“Comparison of Muzzle Suppression and Ear-Level Hearing Protection in Firearm Use”, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 144(6): 950-953.
• Heiman D, et al., ibid; Le Prell CG. Sound level suppressors for firearm noise reduction: Implications for hearing conservation. Hearing Review. 2017;24(12):26-30

Reference #1 measures the dangers of firearm blasts for hearing loss.

Reference #2 measures the reduction in sound levels using firearms suppressors compared to hearing protection devices worn on the person. The branch found this result:

Conclusion: Modern muzzle-level suppression is vastly superior to ear-level protection and the only available form of suppression capable of making certain sporting arms safe for hearing. The inadequacy of standard hearing protectors with certain common firearms is not recognized by most hearing professionals or their patients

(Excerpt) Read more at ammoland.com ...

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One of the biggest government health care blunders was the denial of effective hearing protection by the effective economic ban on silencers/suppressors in the United States.

1 posted on 12/23/2024 4:47:43 AM PST by marktwain

To: marktwain

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