Auditory changes following firearm noise exposure, a review.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Scoping review synthesizing heterogeneous literature without meta-analysis
PubMed 35364940 · doi:10.1121/10.0009675
What was done
The authors conducted a scoping review of the literature evaluating auditory changes, such as noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus, following firearm noise exposure across occupational, recreational, and military contexts.
What was found
Firearms produce peak sound pressure levels between approximately 130 and 175 dB peak SPL. The abstract reports no quantitative clinical outcome numbers or effect estimates, noting that meta-analysis was impossible due to extensive heterogeneity in study designs, endpoint definitions, study protocols, and assessment methodologies.
Why it matters
Firearm noise presents a substantial risk of noise-induced hearing loss, but current literature lacks standardized testing protocols and endpoint definitions necessary to rigorously evaluate preventive and therapeutic interventions.
Limits
The abstract does not state the number of studies or participants included, the databases searched, or specific inclusion criteria. High heterogeneity across study designs precluded quantitative synthesis, limiting the conclusions to qualitative review and recommendations.
Cited by
- supports Tinnitus or ringing in the ears frequently results from prior exposure to loud sounds or explosions that caused ear damage.