New York Firearms Safety Course Practice Exam 2026 - Free Firearms Safety Practice Questions and Study Guide

Wearing hearing protection while shooting serves a critical purpose: it helps prevent hearing damage. Firearms produce loud noises that can exceed 140 decibels, which can cause immediate and permanent hearing loss with even a single exposure. Hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs, acts as a barrier to these harmful sound levels, allowing shooters to protect their auditory health throughout their shooting activities.

The importance of hearing protection is emphasized in shooting ranges and during hunting sessions, where the potential for loud gunfire is significant. This practice is essential not only for those actively participating in shooting but also for anyone in close proximity to the activity. The emphasis on protecting one’s hearing underscores the long-term effects of sound exposure and the high risk of damage without proper safeguards in place.