Empower the People | S1: "Suppressed, But Not Silenced"

Published on January 5, 2018
Duration: 1:35

This video explains the function and benefits of firearm suppressors, emphasizing their role in hearing protection. It clarifies that suppressors do not make firearms silent, contrary to popular movie depictions. The discussion highlights the decibel reduction achieved by suppressors, bringing gunshot noise below OSHA's hearing-safe threshold.

Quick Summary

Firearm suppressors reduce gunshot noise significantly, bringing levels down to around 120 decibels from an unsuppressed 168 decibels for a .300 Blackout rifle. This is well below OSHA's hearing-safe threshold of 140 decibels, greatly reducing the risk of permanent hearing damage.

Chapters

  1. 00:02Introduction to Suppressor Division
  2. 00:10Hearing Protection Benefits of Suppressors
  3. 00:15Decibel Levels: Unsuppressed vs. Suppressed
  4. 00:22OSHA Hearing Safe Threshold
  5. 00:34Suppressor vs. Silencer Misconception
  6. 00:51Movie Depictions of Suppressors
  7. 01:09Permanent Hearing Damage Risks
  8. 01:20Reducing Hearing Damage Risk with Suppressors

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do firearm suppressors reduce gunshot noise?

Firearm suppressors significantly reduce gunshot noise. An unsuppressed centerfire rifle like a .300 Blackout can reach around 168 decibels, while a suppressed one can drop to approximately 120 decibels, well below OSHA's hearing-safe level of 140 decibels.

Are firearm suppressors the same as silencers?

While often called silencers, the more accurate term is suppressor. Suppressors reduce the sound of a gunshot but do not make it completely silent, unlike the common portrayal in movies. They aim to bring the noise level down to a safer range for hearing.

What are the risks of unsuppressed gunfire to hearing?

Unsuppressed gunfire poses a significant risk of permanent hearing damage. Sounds exceeding 140 decibels, which many rifle shots do, can cause irreversible damage even from a single exposure. This is especially concerning for individuals who frequently train with firearms.

How do suppressors protect hearing?

Suppressors protect hearing by drastically lowering the decibel level of a gunshot. By reducing the sound wave's intensity, they bring the noise below the threshold where permanent hearing damage can occur, making shooting activities safer for the user's auditory health.

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