@article{ref1,
title="The reduction of gunshot noise and auditory risk through the use of firearm suppressors and low-velocity ammunition",
journal="International journal of audiology",
year="2018",
author="Murphy, William J. and Flamme, Gregory A. and Campbell, Adam R. and Zechmann, Edward L. and Tasko, Stephen M. and Lankford, James E. and Meinke, Deanna K. and Finan, Donald S. and Stewart, Michael",
volume="57",
number="Suppl 1",
pages="S28-S41",
abstract="OBJECTIVE: This research assessed the reduction of peak levels, equivalent energy and sound power of firearm suppressors. <br><br>DESIGN: The first study evaluated the effect of three suppressors at four microphone positions around four firearms. The second study assessed the suppressor-related reduction of sound power with a 3 m hemispherical microphone array for two firearms. <br><br>RESULTS: The suppressors reduced exposures at the ear between 17 and 24 dB peak sound pressure level and reduced the 8 h equivalent A-weighted energy between 9 and 21 dB depending upon the firearm and ammunition. Noise reductions observed for the instructor's position about a metre behind the shooter were between 20 and 28 dB peak sound pressure level and between 11 and 26 dB LAeq,8h. Firearm suppressors reduced the measured sound power levels between 2 and 23 dB. Sound power reductions were greater for the low-velocity ammunition than for the same firearms fired with high-velocity ammunition due to the effect of N-waves produced by a supersonic bullet. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Firearm suppressors may reduce noise exposure, and the cumulative exposures of suppressed firearms can still present a significant hearing risk. Therefore, firearm users should always wear hearing protection whenever target shooting or hunting.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1499-2027",
doi="10.1080/14992027.2017.1407459",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14992027.2017.1407459"
}