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idpashooter
02-15-2012, 11:41 PM
So I'm looking at getting an aac ti-rant and I looked at the dbs it puts out of 133.8 average how is it safe to use without hearing protection when 115 can stay to cause hearing loss and pain

And does anybody know if the cleo for sterling heights area will sign off?

Joeywhat
02-15-2012, 11:53 PM
Hearing loss and dB level is not a linear thing...exposure levels and frequency make a difference as well. Touching off a rifle that may reach 150 dB or more with no hearing protection once is very unlikely to cause any noticeable permanent hearing loss, and that would be considerably loud. Likewise, constant exposure to sounds of say 110 dB (or even lower) can cause permanent hearing loss over time.

In short, it's about how loud it is plus how long you're exposed to it. "Hearing safe" is a term that is mostly over used and certainly misunderstood...most things louder then 60 dB or so will eventually cause hearing loss with lengthy exposure.

It should be noted that using subsonic ammunition will also reduce the noise a bit (at least for regularly supersonic cartridges). Having shot a 9mm with both super and sub sonic ammo (suppressed), there certainly is a difference, and both are 'hearing safe' in that they do not hurt your ears, and limited exposure is unlikely to cause permanent damage. Not something you'd want to go shoot 500+ rounds through all day without ear pro, but not bad for popping off a few rounds.