The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - chances of hearing damage from different calibers?

Noreaster · November 7, 2012, 07:19 AM

I have fired handgun and long gun in SD situations and never heard the muzzle report and it didn't bother me afterwards,(no pain, no headache, no hearing loss that I can ID.) One time was a full magazine of 357 sig inside a very small room. I'm not saying nothing bad happened to my ears but I am not aware of any effects. I have used the same pistol to put down a deer hit by a car without ear protection and it hurt. Just my experiences, I'm not advocating firing a firearm without ear protection. I believe a slower 38spl, 40S&W, 44spl, 45acp would be easier on your hearing if you don't have time for plugs.

November 7, 2012, 07:19 AM	#27
Noreaster Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2011 Location: New England Posts: 1,449	I have fired handgun and long gun in SD situations and never heard the muzzle report and it didn't bother me afterwards,(no pain, no headache, no hearing loss that I can ID.) One time was a full magazine of 357 sig inside a very small room. I'm not saying nothing bad happened to my ears but I am not aware of any effects. I have used the same pistol to put down a deer hit by a car without ear protection and it hurt. Just my experiences, I'm not advocating firing a firearm without ear protection. I believe a slower 38spl, 40S&W, 44spl, 45acp would be easier on your hearing if you don't have time for plugs.