Eye and Ear Protection at the Range
By Weapons.com Editorial Team · Published
Why gunfire can damage hearing, why NIOSH recommends doubling up on hearing protection, and what to know about eye protection and lead at indoor ranges.
Eye and ear protection are some of the cheapest gear you'll buy, and some of the most important. The NRA's safety rules say shooters and spectators should both wear them.
Why hearing protection matters
NIOSH considers noise hazardous at 85 A-weighted decibels (dBA) or higher, and notes that noise-related hearing loss is permanent but preventable. Gunfire is far louder than that. NIOSH reports that firearm discharge at indoor ranges produces peak noise levels above the 140 dB limit it uses for impulse noise. Hearing loss is also linked to tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing in the ears that can be permanent.
Doubling up: plugs and muffs
For people who shoot regularly at work, such as law enforcement officers, NIOSH recommends double hearing protection: earplugs and earmuffs worn together.
Fit matters. Earplugs only work if they're inserted properly, and earmuffs need a good seal around the ear.
Glasses and muffs together
The NRA's rules note that guns can throw debris and hot gases. NIOSH points out that safety glasses worn under earmuffs can break the muffs' seal and reduce protection, so choose glasses with thin temples that fit well under your muffs.
Lead at indoor ranges
NIOSH notes that lead from bullets and primers can be inhaled at indoor ranges or settle on surfaces and hands. Its recommendations for range workers include washing hands, forearms and face before eating, drinking or smoking; changing clothes and shoes before leaving; and washing range clothes separately from the family's laundry. These are good habits for anyone who shoots indoors.
Get started
A beginner class will show you how to wear protection properly and what a given range requires. If you're thinking about working at a range, see the range safety officer guide and range jobs.