A Cheyenne Audiologist is urging hunters and gun enthusiasts to protect their hearing.

Dr. Brant Christensen of Brant Audiology says the noise created by even one rifle shot, especially from a high caliber gun, can permanently damage your hearing. He says tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and general hearing loss are among the effects suffered by hunters who don't take steps to protect their hearing.

Christensen says it's important to do whatever you can to protect your hearing, adding "doing anything is better than doing nothing". He says custom-made hearing protection that fits your ears is usually the best option. But he says even the common foam roll-up ear plugs "do a great job" when properly used..

Christensen recommends target shooters, who don't necessarily have to hear what is going on around them, to wear earmuffs over the earplugs for extra protection.

 

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