MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA — The Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) and the American Suppressor Association (ASA) have launched Ear SHIELD Day, a new annual observance focused on preventing firearm-related noise-induced hearing loss among hunters, recreational shooters, military personnel and law enforcement officers.
First recognized on October 2, 2026, Ear SHIELD Day is intended to increase awareness of the potentially permanent auditory effects of firearm noise and encourage the combined use of firearm suppressors and properly fitted hearing protection.
The campaign also provides audiologists with a simple message for counseling patients who use firearms. SHIELD stands for:
Suppressors + Hearing Protection = Insulated Ears, and Lower Decibels.
Reducing Firearm Noise Exposure
Firearm noise can reach levels capable of causing immediate auditory damage. According to the announcement, peak sound pressure levels from firearms can range from approximately 130 to 175 dB. A single gunshot may be sufficient to cause permanent hearing loss, tinnitus or other auditory injuries.
Suppressors can substantially reduce sound levels but do not eliminate the need for hearing protection. Depending on the firearm, ammunition and environment, the organizations report that suppressors can reduce noise at the shooter’s ear by approximately 7 to 32 dB. Even with that reduction, suppressed firearm noise can remain hazardous.
For that reason, Ear SHIELD Day emphasizes a layered approach: combining a suppressor with properly fitted hearing protection rather than relying on either measure alone.
“Hearing loss from firearm noise is 100 percent preventable, and audiologists are on the front line of preventing it,” said Jill Davis, Au.D., president of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology. “Ear SHIELD Day gives every audiologist a simple, evidence-based message to share with patients: use a suppressor and wear hearing protection, every time. We want hunters, service members, officers, and sport shooters to understand that this is a public health issue, and that protecting their hearing today protects their communication, their safety, and their quality of life for decades to come.”
A Role for Audiologists
As part of the initiative, ADA is encouraging audiologists to incorporate questions about firearm noise exposure into routine patient care. That can include asking about hunting, recreational and sport shooting, military service and law enforcement duties during the case history.
The organization also recommends counseling firearm users about combining suppressors with properly fitted hearing protection, including custom earplugs or electronic hearing protection designed to maintain communication while limiting exposure to impulse noise.
For patients regularly exposed to firearm noise, ADA encourages baseline hearing evaluations and periodic monitoring. Audiologists are also being encouraged to share the Ear SHIELD message through their practices and with hunting, shooting and public-safety organizations in their communities.
“Suppressors are hearing safety devices, plain and simple,” said Knox Williams, president and executive director of the American Suppressor Association. “We are proud to stand with the Academy of Doctors of Audiology to establish Ear SHIELD Day. When shooters pair a suppressor with quality ear protection, they dramatically reduce their noise exposure.”
ADA and ASA are also using the initiative to advocate for reducing legal and regulatory barriers to suppressor access, describing access as a hearing-conservation issue.
About Ear SHIELD Day
Ear SHIELD Day will be recognized annually on October 2. The initiative promotes education about firearm-related hearing risks and encourages consistent use of properly fitted hearing protection together with firearm suppressors to reduce noise exposure among people who train, serve, compete, hunt or participate in recreational shooting.
About the Academy of Doctors of Audiology
The Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) is a national professional association dedicated to practitioner excellence, high ethical standards, professional autonomy and sound business practices in the provision of audiologic care. Learn more at www.audiologist.org.
About the American Suppressor Association
The American Suppressor Association (ASA) is an organization representing the suppressor industry through federal and state advocacy, public education and coalition building. Learn more at www.americansuppressorassociation.com.
Source: ADA, ASA
