Hearing Protection: Necessary When a 50 BMG Fires 16 Meters Away?

This article explores whether hearing protection is necessary when a 50 BMG rifle is fired 16 meters away. Based on firsthand experience, the concussive force from the .50 BMG cartridge can be significant, even from a distance. Understanding the potential risks and proper precautions is crucial for maintaining hearing health.

Firsthand Experience with the 50 BMG

During my spotting experience with a .50 BMG (12.7mm) rifle from 16 meters (52ft) away, I learned quite a lot about the sound and its effects. When a rifle of this caliber discharges, the acoustic blast can be immense. The image below shows how far the shooter in the picture had to retreat to avoid the concussive force. In such scenarios, sitting directly behind the shooter is not recommended.

When the .50 BMG cartridge is fired, the concussion can cause discomfort, but it typically does not result in permanent damage. However, prolonged exposure to loud noises like gunshots can indeed cause significant hearing damage. It is common to experience ringing in the ears after such exposures, which is your body's way of warning you that your hearing has been compromised.

Factors Affecting Hearing Damage

Several factors influence the potential hearing damage from a 50 BMG round, including the location and environment:

Open Field vs. Enclosed Area: Firing a .50 BMG in an open field is less likely to cause lasting damage compared to an enclosed or wooded area. For instance, an outdoor range is far safer than an indoor setting where the sound can reverberate off walls and structures. Muzzle Brake Design: Rifles with a muzzle brake, such as the Browning M2HB (shown in the second picture), cause less ear damage because the immense recoil is directed away from the shooter's shoulder. This design makes the .50 BMG more tolerable concerning ear-protection. Rapid Shots vs. Single Shot: In a situation with rapid, continuous fire, the protective effects of adrenaline can mute the perceived loudness, reducing the likelihood of hearing damage. Adrenaline can quickly elevate the internal pressure in your ears, similar to the pressure changes experienced during an airplane descent, thus temporarily masking the sound.

Adrenaline Dump and Hearing Protection

When adrenaline is released due to stress or excitement, it can have an almost immediate protective effect on hearing. This is similar to the initial response to a sudden loud noise, which can temporarily "muffle" the sound. In scenarios with rapid firing, the adrenaline response can effectively dampen the perceived loudness, reducing the risk of hearing damage.

It is important to note that while an average gunshot can expose a person to noise levels between 110 to 145 dB, the .50 BMG typically produces an even higher intensity noise, around 155 dB. However, the exposure time is extremely short, and from 50 feet away, the noise level is likely to be significantly below these peak values.

Long-Term Health Considerations

Despite the short exposure time, repeated firings can cause cumulative damage to the ears. Consistent exposure to loud noise, like mowing the lawn once a week, over an extended period, can be more damaging than a single gunshot. In fact, earbud headphones can cause hearing damage on a much larger scale due to prolonged exposure to high-frequency sounds.

Figures and graphs can help illustrate the relationship between decibel levels and the duration of exposure. The image below shows how decibel levels and time of exposure correlate with hearing damage.

A simple, common-sense rule is that if a sound causes you to involuntarily flinch and want to cover your ears, you should definitely use hearing protection.

Conclusion

For those engaged in activities with high-decibel noises like the .50 BMG, understanding the risks and taking proper precautions is essential. Whether in an open field or even a modern outdoor range, hearing protection should be a standard practice to safeguard your hearing health.