Abstract
Shooting is an activity that exposes military personnel to noise impact, which may cause irreversible
effects on hearing.
Objective: To evaluate impact noise on the hearing of military personnel that practice shooting.
Study design: A case-control retrospective study.
Methods: 115 military personnel were enrolled; 65 had been exposed to impact noise and 50 were
non-exposed. Firearm noise levels were evaluated, subjects answered a questionnaire and underwent
threshold tonal audiometry and otoacoustic emissions testing.
Results: The average noise level was 125dB(C). Most subjects (78%) believe that noise may cause
hearing loss; nearly all (92.3%) used ear noise protectors while shooting, but most (32.3%) had never
received guidance for using this equipment. There were significant differences between the two
groups in relation to changes suggesting impact noise-induced hearing loss.
Conclusion: The differences between groups show that noise-exposed military personnel are
more likely to develop hearing loss. The goal of a hearing conservation program for this population
should be to preserve hearing and educate these individuals about the importance of using hearing
protection correctly.