For complete hearing protection, earplugs shooting are a good start but are not enough on their own. Combining earplugs with earmuffs provides the best protection, ensuring you stay safe in noisy environments like shooting ranges.
Sound Levels of Different Gunshots
Handguns:
9mm pistol: Around 160 dB.
.45 caliber pistol: Around 165 dB.
.22 caliber pistol: Around 140–150 dB.
Rifles:
.223/5.56mm rifle: Around 165–170 dB.
.308/7.62mm rifle: Around 170–175 dB.
.50 BMG rifle: Around 185 dB (extremely loud).
Shotguns:
12-gauge shotgun: Around 165–170 dB.
High-Powered Rifles (e.g., military sniper rifles):
Can exceed 175 dB or more, depending on the caliber.
Sound levels for indoor and outdoor shooting ranges
Below is a table to compare the sound levels Between Indoor and Outdoor Shooting Range:
| Factor | Indoor Shooting Range | Outdoor Shooting Range |
| Typical Sound Level | 140 dB to 190 dB | 130 dB to 170 dB |
| Average Exposure | 150 dB to 170 dB | 130 dB to 150 dB |
| Sound Reflection | High (due to enclosed space) | Low (open environment) |
| Sound Dissipation | Limited (walls reflect sound) | High (open space for sound to disperse) |
| Noise Reduction Needed | High (ear protection essential) | Moderate (ear protection still needed) |
Key Considerations for Hearing Protection:
Indoor Shooting Range: Due to the high reflection of sound, hearing protection must be more robust. Custom earplugs or earmuffs with high NRR are essential to prevent hearing damage.
Outdoor Shooting Range: While the sound is lower, ear protection is still necessary, particularly for high-caliber firearms. Best earplugs for shooting should still be used for optimal protection.
What noise levels could cause hearing loss?
TopriseSafety provides a table in details about noise levels and the associated hearing loss risks based on exposure duration. Kindly follow the guidance of professional safety earmuffs manufacturers as below:
| Noise Level (dB) | Possible Hearing Loss Risk |
| 70 dB | Prolonged exposure may cause hearing strain |
| 85 dB | Safe for up to 8 hours |
| 90 dB | Safe for up to 4 hours |
| 100 dB | Safe for up to 2 hours |
| 110 dB | Safe for up to 30 minutes |
| 120 dB | Hearing damage likely within 7.5 minutes |
| 130 dB | Hearing damage likely within 2 minutes |
| 140 dB+ | Immediate hearing damage |
The Importance of Earplugs Shooting
Given the intensity of gunshot sounds, it’s critical to wear earplugs shooting to prevent hearing damage. Using high-quality ear protection equipment with a good Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) can significantly reduce the harmful effects of these loud sounds.
For higher protection, shooters can also use earmuffs, which can be worn in combination with earplugs for shooting for dual protection. This is particularly important in environments like shooting ranges or when using large-caliber firearms.
Earplugs shooting together with earmuffs?
Let’s work out the estimated sound level with earplugs shooting on:
Assuming the sound level of the shooting range is 130dB, the earplugs shooting under ANSI S3.19-1974 is of NRR up to 31dB. Then the estimated exposure would be 130dB – (31dB – 7dB) = 106dB. That is a sound level, safe for up to 30 minutes to 2 hours.
If wearing earplugs shooting together with earmuffs,
Assuming the sound level of the shooting range is 130dB, the earplugs shooting under ANSI S3.19-1974 is of NRR up to 31dB. The earmuff is of NRR up to 27dB. Then the estimated exposure would be 130dB – (31dB-7dB +5dB) = 101dB. That is a sound level safe up to 2 hours.
In environments of noise up to 130dB, it is likely to cause hearing damage within 2 minutes. However, we could extend the safe time up to 2 hours with the help of earplugs shooting and earmuffs.
Conclusion
It’s not suggested to wear earplugs shooting only for indoor shooting range. It’s highly possible to get hearing damage. But for short time shooting outdoor, it would be enough. The best way is to get dual protection from earplugs shooting and earmuffs in the shooting range, especially for those working there.
