Prevalence of hearing loss and hearing handicap in recreational firearm users

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and degree of hearing loss among the recreational shooting population and to evaluate the amount of their self-reported hearing handicap. Two hundred and thirty subjects who identified themselves as recreational shooters, were asked to complete a short questionnaire regarding demographic information and shooting practices. Bilateral pure tone audiometric thresholds were obtained using the OSHA audiometric test frequencies (500--6000 Hz). One hundred and seventy-seven of the subjects exhibited varying degrees of high frequency sensorineural hearing loss and were administered the screening version of the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults (HHIA-S). The results revealed high frequency hearing loss and perceived hearing handicap were more prevalent in older male blue-collar workers. who are active firearm users. than any other demographic sub-group. A statistical correlation was noted between the amount of hearing handicap reported and the degree of the high frequency hearing loss incurred.