Indoor Gun Range Decibel Levels

[Wolfears]

Just out of curiosity... Has anyone taken a decibel meter to an indoor gun range and if so, what were the results?

It has been some time since I set my foot in one of those...well before my Tinnitus started.

I remember that the standard ear muffs did a great job at protecting me back then (at least I felt like they did), but now I'm a little paranoid.

Friends are trying to convince me to come out for a bit, dust off the hardware and join the fun, but I'm kind of on the fence.

Although my Tinnitus went from loud and debilitating to mostly just hissing static, I still feel pretty vulnerable.

Trigger finger is getting itchy for sure, but not sure what to do.

Any tinnitus shooters on this board?

 

[bSiDeQuiEtWaTeRS]

I'm only chiming in superficially since I know nothing of guns or ranges....but if I had to go to one for some reason I would double-up on protection, meaning fat foam earplugs (inserted deeply) and the best earmuffs I could find. I know on packages of earplugs they state that they are rated for continuous noise and may not be as effective against impulsive noise like gunfire.

If you have had loud and debilitating tinnitus before I would assume it could be that way again someday...I'm not saying you should be afraid of that, but be careful. Tinnitus is rough, we gotta do things we love but we gotta love our ears too. Is there some alternate way you could enjoy something similar with your friends...say archery or shooting in some fashion or form that is not as loud?

Take care @Wolfears

 

[New Guy]

I'm going to vote no. I notice you got t this year. I'd stay away. Perhaps a nice whitewater rafting trip or zip lining or how about camping and drinking. That's a good male bonding experience.

 

[annV]

I would do ANYTHING else but indoor gun range. Why take that risk?

Even double protection will only give you 30-35 dB of protection, adding a second layer of protection gives you only a few decibels more protection.

PLEASE BE CAREFUL!

 

[TuneOut]

but now I'm a little paranoid.

Good. Stay a little paranoid. That will help keep you safe. I honestly can't believe you are asking this question. It's not worth the risk for some temporary thrill.

 

[fishbone]

I would avoid this. You don't want further setback, because of this activity....

 

[sjtinguy]

I would strongly recommend against this activity if you have any form of hearing damage.. even with perfect ears I would recommend against it!

The peak sound pressure levels for the various weapons ranged from 156 to 170 decibels (dB SPL), which are greater than the recommended allowable 140 dB SPL exposure guideline from NIOSH. The earplugs, ear muffs, and customized SWAT team hearing protectors provided between 25 and 35 dB of peak reduction. Double hearing protection (plugs plus muffs) added 15-20 dB of peak reduction.

link

This means even if you have double hearing protection, in ideal circumstances it will reduce db levels ~50db which will still mean you are exposed to levels over 100db

 

[Contrast]

outdoor gun ranges exist

 

[BobbyH]

Decibel meter inside an indoor range will vary depending on the caliber and pressure of the ammunition in the lanes next to you. When Clint Eastwood fires that Colt .44 Magnum in the lane next to you, there will be hell to pay.

 

[RingerBell]

Just out of curiosity... Has anyone taken a decibel meter to an indoor gun range and if so, what were the results?

Most sound pressure level meters (the real devices, not apps) seem to have their upper limit ~130dB. Otherwise, they'll cost a fortune. I'd guess that the peak SPL could be higher than that.

 

[Wolfears]

I would avoid this. You don't want further setback, because of this activity....

Yes ...I decided that the risk is too great on that one after all...won't be going any time soon I think.