Final answer:
Wearing ear protection when shooting is important to prevent damaging the cochlea's hair cells caused by loud sounds, which is a common cause of permanent hearing loss. The recommended safe exposure limit is 85 dB for 8 hours without ear protection. Earplugs and earmuffs are effective in reducing the risk of hearing damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is important to wear ear protection when shooting because exposure to loud sounds, such as gunfire, which can exceed 80 decibels (dB), can damage hearing over time. Loud sounds can kill the tiny hair cells lining the cochlea in the inner ear. These hair cells, once destroyed, do not regenerate, leading to permanent hearing loss. Moreover, several government agencies and health-related professional associations recommend that 85 dB not be exceeded for 8-hour daily exposures in the absence of hearing protection to prevent noise-induced hearing loss.
Ear protectors such as earplugs or earmuffs can help reduce the force transmitted to the cochlea and safeguard against hearing damage, preserving the delicate mechanisms involved in both hearing and balance. This is crucial for overall ear health and maintaining the ability to hear and balance properly throughout one's lifetime. Safety measures should always include ear protection, alongside other protective gear like safety goggles and helmets, when participating in potentially hazardous activities like shooting.