Today marks the inaugural Ear SHIELD Day. The American Suppressor Association and the Academy of Doctors of Audiology have joined together to establish October 2 as an annual day dedicated to raising awareness about firearm-related hearing loss and the importance of protecting your hearing every time you shoot. The message is simple: Suppressors + Hearing Protection = SHIELD
Insulated Ears, and Lower Decibels Firearm noise can cause immediate, permanent hearing damage. Suppressors can significantly reduce noise exposure, but they do not make firearms quiet. That’s why Ear SHIELD Day encourages shooters to pair suppressors with properly fitted hearing protection. Academy of Doctors of Audiology President Jill Davis, Au.D., said:  “Ear SHIELD Day gives every audiologist a simple, evidence-based message to share with patients: use a suppressor and wear hearing protection, every time.” ASA President and Executive Director Knox Williams said:  “Suppressors are hearing safety devices, plain and simple.” ASA and ADA are also calling on policymakers to remove remaining barriers to suppressor access and recognize hearing conservation as a public health priority.