Gun noise levels. The Invisible Bullets

Historically, the introduction of guns has had a profound impact on human societies. For the first time, warfare and hunting could be carried out with greater efficiency and speed. However, one often-overlooked aspect of guns is their noise.

Here we’ll explore the historical perspectives on gun noise, examine why guns are loud, compare decibel levels of various calibers, and discuss the health issues and environmental effects associated with gunshot noise.

Historical perspectives on firearms noise

When firearms were first introduced, their noise must have been a terrifying and bewildering experience for those who had never encountered them before. Native American tribes, for instance, had no previous exposure to firearms before European settlers arrived.

One notable account of gun noise comes from the Lakota leader, Black Elk, who described his first experience with firearms in his autobiography, “Black Elk Speaks“:

“I can still remember the first time I ever heard a gun… It was a noise like the loudest thunder, and it made my heart jump with fear.”

Black Elk, Lakota leader

This reaction highlights the startling effect that gunshot noise can exert on human perception and experience.

Why are guns so loud?

Guns are loud primarily because of the rapid expansion of gases generated by the burning gunpowder.

When a firearm is discharged, the gunpowder ignites, creating a high-pressure explosion inside the chamber. This pressure propels the bullet down the barrel and out of the gun, resulting in a loud bang.

The sound is further amplified by the sudden release of pressurized gases from the muzzle, creating a shockwave that travels through the air.

How loud are gunshots?

The loudness of a gunshot varies depending on the firearm’s caliber, type, and environmental factors.

Gunshots are typically measured in decibels (dB), with higher numbers indicating louder sounds. Here are some examples of gunshot decibel levels for various firearms:

• 22 caliber rifle: 130-140 dB
• 9mm handgun: 150-160 dB
• 12-gauge shotgun: 150-165 dB
• 50 caliber machine gun: 160-180 dB

To put the loudness of gunshots into a shocking perspective, consider this: standing next to a firing 9mm handgun (150-160 dB) is equivalent to standing within 100 feet of a roaring jet taking off, which is loud enough to cause immediate and permanent hearing damage.

The World Health Organization classifies exposure to sounds above 120 dB as “painful”, emphasizing the potential danger of being in close proximity to firearm discharges without proper hearing protection.

Health issues caused by gunshot noise

The pervasive noise produced by firearms poses substantial health risks, not only for those who frequently use guns, but also for individuals residing near shooting ranges, military bases, or in regions experiencing armed conflict.

Dr. Daniel Fink, a leading noise pollution expert, has emphasized the significance of gun noise and its impact on public health. In an interview, Dr. Fink stated:

Gunfire noise can cause immediate and permanent hearing loss, and it’s not just a problem for those who shoot guns but also for people who live near shooting ranges or in areas with frequent gunfire. The cumulative exposure to these loud sounds can have severe long-term consequences on hearing and overall health.

Dr. Fink stated

Continual exposure to gunshot sounds can contribute to a multitude of health concerns and negatively impact daily life. Two common health issues related to gunshot noise are hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Both conditions can be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity and duration of exposure to these sounds.

Furthermore, gunshot noise can contribute to hypervigilance in individuals who live near shooting ranges or in areas with frequent gunfire. Hypervigilance is characterized by heightened sensitivity to environmental stimuli, and it can lead to stress, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder.

The effect of gunshot noise on the environment

Gunshot noise can also pose a significant risk to wildlife and ecosystems. Birds and other animals are often disturbed by the loud sounds, causing them to avoid areas near shooting ranges or hunting grounds. This can lead to disrupted feeding and breeding patterns, as well as increased stress levels in affected animals.

For example, a study entitled “War and Wildlife” investigated the effect of the Syrian Civil War on the region’s bird populations, and found a significant decline in bird diversity and abundance in war zones compared to non-conflict areas. This was a clear indication that the noise associated with gunfire can have a substantial effect on wildlife.

Conclusion

The noise generated by firearms, often referred to as the “invisible bullets,” has far-reaching consequences on both human health and the environment.

From the historical accounts of native peoples experiencing the deafening sound of gunfire for the first time, it is evident that the impact of gun noise has been felt across centuries and cultures.

As the philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer once said,

The world is like a dream full of noise and tumult; and when we cease to hear it, it is as if we had awakened.

Arthur Schopenhauer

In the context of firearm noise, we must acknowledge the potential consequences of this ‘noise and tumult’ on our well-being and surroundings.