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Citation |
Meinke DK, Murphy WJ, Finan DS, Lankford JE, Flamme GA, Stewart M, Soendergaard J, Jerome TW. Int. J. Audiol. 2014; 53(Suppl 2): S16-S25. |
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Affiliation |
* Audiology and Speech-Language Sciences, University of Northern Colorado , Greeley , USA. |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 2014, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group) |
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DOI |
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PMID |
24564688 |
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Abstract |
OBJECTIVE: To characterize the impulse noise exposure and auditory risk for youth recreational firearm users engaged in outdoor target shooting events. The youth shooting positions are typically standing or sitting at a table, which places the firearm closer to the ground or reflective surface when compared to adult shooters. Design: Acoustic characteristics were examined and the auditory risk estimates were evaluated using contemporary damage-risk criteria for unprotected adult listeners and the 120-dB peak limit suggested by the World Health Organization (1999) for children. Study sample: Impulses were generated by 26 firearm/ammunition configurations representing rifles, shotguns, and pistols used by youth. Measurements were obtained relative to a youth shooter's left ear. RESULTS: All firearms generated peak levels that exceeded the 120 dB peak limit suggested by the WHO for children. In general, shooting from the seated position over a tabletop increases the peak levels, LAeq8 and reduces the unprotected maximum permissible exposures (MPEs) for both rifles and pistols. Pistols pose the greatest auditory risk when fired over a tabletop. CONCLUSION: Youth should utilize smaller caliber weapons, preferably from the standing position, and always wear hearing protection whenever engaging in shooting activities to reduce the risk for auditory damage. Language: en |