Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1546136
e l e c t r o n i c h e a r i n g p r o t e c t i o n allows shooters to hear what they need to hear, including a coach's instructions, conversations with teammates, or the "pull" command, w h i l e a u t o m a t i c a l l y r e d u c i n g harmful impulse noise from gunfire to safe levels. Rather than choosing between awareness and protection, t o d a y 's a t h l e t e s c a n h a v e b o t h , allowing them to train and compete with confidence. B u i l d i n g a c u l t u r e o f h e a r i n g protection doesn't require sweeping c h a n g e s — j u st c o n s i st e n t h a b i t s. Proper fit is essential, as even the PROTECT THE FUTURE 40 PULLUSA MAGAZINE SUMMER 2026 THE FIELD INSIGH T best hearing protection can only perform as intended when worn c o r r e c t l y. C o a c h e s c a n m a k e a meaningful difference by taking a few minutes at the start of the season t o e n s u r e e a c h a t h l et e 's h e a r i n g p r ot e c t i o n fi t s p r o p e r l y. Ju st a s importantly, coaches, parents, and range staff should lead by example. When young shooters see the adults around them consistently wearing hearing protection, it reinforces that it's not simply a rule for youth competitors, but a lifelong part of participating in the shooting sports. Taking a moment to explain why hearing protection matters, just as we routinely discuss firearm and eye safety, also helps athletes and their families understand that hearing loss is preventable—not inevitable. The USA Clay Target League has built an outstanding program that teaches discipline, responsibility, teamwork, and confidence while introducing young people to the shooting sports in a safe environment. Making hearing protection a routine part of that experience is a natural extension of those values. By treating it with the same importance as eye p r o t e c t i o n , w e c a n h e l p e n s u r e that the lessons, friendships, and memories gained on the range last a lifetime without sacrificing one of our most valuable senses. The best time to protect a young shooter's hearing is before damage occurs. It's a simple habit that asks nothing of their performance but gives them the opportunity to enjoy the shooting sports—and the sounds o f e v e r y d a y l i f e — f o r d e c a d e s t o come. ✪ He a r i n g d a m a g e f r o m g u n f i r e i s p e r m a n e n t , c u m u l a t i v e , a n d completely preventable. A single u n p r o t e c t e d s h o t c a n c a u s e irreversible damag e, while years of repeated exposure can lead to hearing loss and tinnitus that lasts a lifetime. For young athletes who may enjoy shooting sports for decades, protecting their hearing today helps ensure they can continue enjoying the sport—and the conversations and experiences outside of it—for years to come. Fortunately, hearing protection h a s c o m e a l o n g w a y. M o d e r n DID YOU KNOW? One unprotected gunshot can cause permanent hearing damage. sk experienced shooters about their biggest regret, and many will tell you the same thing: they wish they had taken hearing protection seriously from the very beginning. In the USA Clay Target League, where thousands of student athletes step onto the range each season, we have a unique opportunity to build healthy hearing habits from day one. WHY HEARING PROTECTION DESERVES A PLACE ON EVERY YOUNG ATHLETE'S GEAR LIST by JOSEPH FREED , SOUNDGEAR