Acoustic Assessment of Rifle Shots While Hunting by Audiometric Tests, Interviews and Online Survey

摘要

Hunters expose their hearing - without suitable precautions - with each shot an extreme sound level. Shots with up to 160 dB close to the muzzle are particularly harmful to the ears and can sooner or later cause permanent hearing loss. However, the ability to wear a hearing protection when firing a shot is perceived by many hunters as disturbing and therefore often encounters rejection. Initially, a subjective survey was conducted. Thus, information about noise exposure of the hunters in everyday life, about their shooting behavior, the dangers of hunting, the level of knowledge of the hunters regarding possible hearing hazards and existing safety precautions could be obtained. The survey was attended by 74 active but non-professional hunters of different age and occupational groups. The evaluation of the survey revealed that the danger to hearing caused by the pop of a shot is largely known to the hunters. Nevertheless, the use of hearing protection on the hunt is largely neglected. Additionally, audiometric investigations were carried out. The results of 20 surveyed hunters show in some cases dramatic changes in the audiogram at 6000 Hz. This can be interpreted as an indication of an existing bang trauma. Furthermore, the evaluation of the measurement revealed that there is a clear differentiation concerning hearing loss between the ear which is facing the weapon and which is on the far side.