TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2014//
TI  - Auditory risk estimates for youth target shooting
JO  - International journal of audiology
A1  - Meinke, Deanna K.
A1  - Murphy, William J.
A1  - Finan, Donald S.
A1  - Lankford, James E.
A1  - Flamme, Gregory A.
A1  - Stewart, Michael
A1  - Soendergaard, Jacob
A1  - Jerome, Trevor W.
SP  - S16
EP  - S25
VL  - 53
IS  - Suppl 2
N2  - 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>
LA  - en
SN  - 1499-2027
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/14992027.2013.865845
ID  - ref1
ER  -