Hearing Damage from a .22lr

[Landlubber]

Hello, I’m a new member. Glad to be here. I have a question about hearing damage that I’ve been unable to find a clear answer to online or even from audiologists (I’ve called two). I’m hoping one of you is knowledgeable enough in this area to help.

Would a .22lr fired without ear protection from a handgun do less damage to the hearing than a centerfire? A .22lr produces fewer decibels, but I’ve read that because it has a higher frequency, or pitch, it can harm the hearing as much as a louder centerfire.

It’s important to me to answer this question because I have substantial hearing loss and tinnitus from unprotected shooting when I was young and ignorant. I want to protect my hearing from any more damage and am thinking about switching from centerfire to.22lr carry in case I have to suddenly defend myself. But I don’t want to make the switch unless the .22lr is truly easier on the ears. If the rumors about damage from the .22lr’s higher frequency is valid, I won’t switch.

Please understand that I’m not interested in resurrecting the debate about the .22lr’s effectiveness as a defense caliber. I’ve researched that subject thoroughly and have my own opinion. I want only to know whether or not an unprotected shot from a .22lr revolver would do less damage, considering the higher frequency. I realize that hearing damage is accumulative. My hearing has already accumulated too much abuse, and a single shot is a big deal to me.

Thanks for your help.

 

[arjay]

Just from my own experience it hurts as bad as a 38.I haven't been dumb enough to shoot any other handguns without protection [emoji57]

 

[sophie]

If I am just target shooting I use hearing protection for all calibers. I injured my ears over 50 years ago from being stupid so I don't take any chances. I don't think the difference in loudness will make much difference if you are in self defense situation. The adrenalin will be pretty high at that point.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[Arik]

Here's a question. Why not just wear ear protection and it wouldn't matter. In a self defense situation no one is going to be getting their ear protection on first.

A 22 will probably do damage if shot over a long period of time. A few shots in self defense won't matter. The damage you did in your younger days was from prolonged exposure not from 2 - 6 rounds.

 

[hoc9sw]

I want to protect my hearing from any more damage and am thinking about switching from centerfire to.22lr carry in case I have to suddenly defend myself.

You said a single shot is a big deal for you. But a single shot in a self defense situation should be the rarest of events you could experience. I know many LEOs who never fired their service weapons unless at the range.

Plan / train for it, OK. But have it happen, I certainly hope not.

 

[Ματθιας]

Being alive and deaf is better than being dead.
I'd rather have hearing damage and ringing ears after a self-defense situation than being killed by someone who wouldn't go down after shooting them with an ineffective caliber because I was worried about my hearing! But that's just me.

 

[Engineer1911]

I don't believe anyone wore ear protection in Viet Nam, Korea, or WW II.

 

[gen3guy]

The short answer to your question is 'yes', and it is avoidable. Wear hearing protection all of the time when you shoot. A self defense situation may further damage your hearing but most agree that it would be a small price to pay and odds are in your favor that it will never happen. I have friends who saw combat in Vietnam who are in their 60s now and a large percentage of them are suffering serious hearing loss. In a stressful situation your brain may not register the noise but your eardrums take the beating just the same.

 

[marinevet]

The answer to your question is simple, and quick…..yes, any loud noise, be it a gunshot, of any caliber, loud music,(I did grow up in that era), jet engines, even machinery. Take some advice from someone who will say, huh? more than once in most conversations….wear ear protection when ever you can…..you will thank yourself when you get older.

Semper Fi!

 

[Bocephus]

Whad ga say?

Hearing aids are expensive! Hearing protection is invaluable!

 

[Peak53]

I don't think anyone really answered the OP's question, theoretical as it may be, about whether the impulse from a 22 is any more or less damaging than say a 38. I have also heard (between the ringing in my ears) that the frequency of a 22 is worse. I don't know if this is internet/urban/rural legend or not. Any experts out there?

I believe the OP intends to wear ear protection at all except the most unusual of times. Me too.

 

[shocker]

I've shot 22 HV shorts from a model 63 and it was loud enough to ring the ears for a couple of seconds.

Pepper spray and taser are silent.

 

[Dot_mdb]

.22s are a higher pressure round than .38 specials. Out of a handgun the sound level of the two cartridges is likely to be similar. There would likely be some damage to hearing shooting either one without hearing protection, especially indoors. If you want to lower the chances of damage, stay away from the magnum rounds and 9mm also.

Bill

 

[tbgunner88]

Hearing loss is the least of your worries should a self defense scenario arise, and it should not be the deciding factor of what gun you carry.

 

[Landlubber]

I believe the OP intends to wear ear protection at all except the most unusual of times. Me too.

Yes, ear protection whenever I have a choice. The question in the thread starter was assuming a defense situation that did not allow time for ear protection.

 

[alwslate]

I believe you are way overthinking this issue. Defense shootings are
very rare events, if they ever happen, for most folks. The average
number of shots fired is around two I think. Selecting a defensive
caliber based on the noise level it produces is to ignore much more
important factors. Centerfire calibers are more reliable than the rimfire
22 round as well as being much more effective.

 

[16thVACav]

Carry the most effective cartridge you can shoot well.

It is unlikely that the one or two shots fired in a self defense situation will cause any measureable change in your hearing.

 

[ralph7]

It must be somewhat frustrating to get almost 20 answers to a post and still not get your question answered.
I am awaiting a definitive answer as well.

 

[slickracer]

I wear both plugs and muffs to shoot anything. Maybe overkill for .22 but better safe than sorry.

 

[RobertJ.]

I don't think a .22 LR will do any more or less damage to your ears than a .38 Special. For self defense, I wouldn't worry about it in the slightest. Of course, for anything other than self defense carry, use proper hearing protection.

Now, the .22 Magnum, especially in a handgun, is another story entirely. Those are downright painful!

I have friends who laugh at me for wearing muffs while shooting the lowly .22 LR. I've tried to explain that anything that makes your ears ring is doing damage, but it falls on deaf ears. (pun intended!)

And, welcome to The Forum!