Hearing Health Tips for Hunters

Centennial, CO, September 27, 2013 --(PR.com)-- With hunting season in full swing, hunters are susceptible to hearing loss and/or damage due to loud firearm noise and even loud game calls. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, exposure to noise greater than 90 dB can permanently damage hearing. Dr. Julie Prutsman of Sound Relief Hearing Center, Colorado’s premier provider of hearing and tinnitus services, educates hunters about the current state of hunter hearing health and offers them tips for how to be proactive and prevent hearing loss and damage.

Dr. Julie advises hunters to be mindful that hearing loss is a gradual process and that it is often not detected until the damage has already been done. Over time a hunter may realize they are having trouble hearing and then take a reactive approach to fixing their hearing situation. She states that hunters may have trouble hearing speech sounds like “s,” “th,” or “f.” The first sign of this type of damage is usually tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, a condition Dr. Julie specializes in treating.

“What many people don’t realize is that hearing loss and damage can occur at any age,” stated Dr. Julie. “It is important for hunters to know what low cost hearing protection devices are available and that those devices can provide significant protection to their hearing without compromising the hunting experience.”

The Sound Relief Hearing Center helps hunters get protected while still being able to hear vital noises and sounds that make for a successful outdoor venture. With the right tools, hunters can protect their hearing and remain in audible range of game calls and peer conversation. Dr. Julie recommends hunters consider hearing protective devices (HPDs) that come in a variety of styles, including customized, one-size-fits-all earmuffs, and even behind the ear devices. Such HPDs are so popular that even the U.S. military uses both electronic and nonlinear HPDs to protect soldier’s hearing during combat and weapons training.

Dr. Julie’s tips align with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s guidelines:
• Always use some type of hearing protection any time a gun is fired.
• Always have disposable ear plugs handy—make them part of the gear.
• Double-protect ears, like putting muffs over plugs, when shooting big-bore firearms.
• Choose smaller caliber firearms for target practice and hunting.
• Choose single-shot firearms instead of lever action, pump, or semi-automatic guns.
• Avoid shooting in groups or in reverberant environments.
• Use electronic or nonlinear hearing protection devices for hunting.

Sound Relief Hearing Center offers consultations to hunters and their families concerned with hearing protection and hearing health issues. To learn more about Sound Relief Hearing Center, visit www.YourEarDoc.com.

About Sound Relief Hearing Center
Sound Relief Hearing Center is a family-owned-and-operated audiology practice with a rich family history in the hearing health industry. Representing the family’s second and third generation respectively, this mother/daughter team of hearing professionals has a combined 45 years of experience in providing the best possible hearing care to Colorado. With offices in Centennial and Highlands Ranch, Sound Relief Hearing Center offers a full range of diagnostic and preventative hearing health services, including tinnitus testing and treatment, hearing screening, evaluations, hearing aid sales, and rehabilitative and preventative counseling. For more information, visit www.YourEarDoc.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.