@article{ref1,
title="Auditory risk estimates for youth target shooting",
journal="International journal of audiology",
year="2014",
author="Meinke, Deanna K. and Murphy, William J. and Finan, Donald S. and Lankford, James E. and Flamme, Gregory A. and Stewart, Michael and Soendergaard, Jacob and Jerome, Trevor W.",
volume="53",
number="Suppl 2",
pages="S16-S25",
abstract="OBJECTIVE: To characterize the impulse noise exposure and auditory risk for youth recreational firearm users engaged in outdoor target shooting events. The youth shooting positions are typically standing or sitting at a table, which places the firearm closer to the ground or reflective surface when compared to adult shooters. Design: Acoustic characteristics were examined and the auditory risk estimates were evaluated using contemporary damage-risk criteria for unprotected adult listeners and the 120-dB peak limit suggested by the World Health Organization (1999) for children. Study sample: Impulses were generated by 26 firearm/ammunition configurations representing rifles, shotguns, and pistols used by youth. Measurements were obtained relative to a youth shooter's left ear. RESULTS: All firearms generated peak levels that exceeded the 120 dB peak limit suggested by the WHO for children. In general, shooting from the seated position over a tabletop increases the peak levels, LAeq8 and reduces the unprotected maximum permissible exposures (MPEs) for both rifles and pistols. Pistols pose the greatest auditory risk when fired over a tabletop. CONCLUSION: Youth should utilize smaller caliber weapons, preferably from the standing position, and always wear hearing protection whenever engaging in shooting activities to reduce the risk for auditory damage.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1499-2027",
doi="10.3109/14992027.2013.865845",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/14992027.2013.865845"
}