02/03/2026
What significance does this number have?
⚫️ Is it your aerobic heart rate?
⚫️ Is it the speed of a race car driver?
⚫️ Is it the peak temperature during an Arizona summer?
⚫️ Is it your current credit score? (I hope not 😉)
Ok, yes, it could be anything of these things, but not this time!
⚠️ Today, I would like to bring attention to this number, 140, which is the dB SPL that OSHA says will damage your hearing INSTANTLY.
I speak with hunters ALL THE TIME who tell me that they do not use hearing protection when they're hunting because they need to hear. I can't tell you how many times I've heard, "It's just one shot."
Yes, hearing IS important while hunting. SO IS PROTECTION! And yes, it IS just one shot, but, and it's a big BUT, keep reading below to understand why just one shot can cause damage.
🔫 Small game fi****ms = min of 140 dB SPL.
🦌 Medium game fi****ms = min of 155 dB SPL
🐻 Large/dangerous game fi****ms = 150 to 175+ dB SPL.
🧠 Takeaway: Even the lowest caliber hunting fi****ms output a minimum of 140 dB SPL, which could instantly damage your hearing.
So, what to do?
#️⃣ 1: Use hearing protection. If you need to hear AND protect, get some electronic plugs, muffs, or molds. They'll amplify soft sound, allow you to hear between shots, and protect when you take a shot.
#️⃣ 2: If you can, use a suppressor! Suppressors vary GREATLY in how much they reduce acoustic output, but they do help.
📜 As of January 1, 2026, the longstanding $200 tax imposed on the sale of suppressors has been eliminated after almost 100 years. However, suppressors remain illegal in the following states:
California
Delaware
Hawaii
Illinois
Massachusetts
New Jersey
New York
Rhode Island
District of Columbia (Washington D.C.)
#️⃣ 3: Consider subsonic ammo. It's not ideal for game hunting, but if you're just practicing, it's quieter than high-velocity ammo.
Between these three, you stand a good chance at lowering your sound exposures at the level of the ear and reducing your risk of instant hearing damage.
Spread the word to educate firearm users and help them prevent damage they will regret later.
