Should gun silencers be made legal on Guam? And are they a critical tool for hearing protection, or a dangerous accessory that could aid in crime? That’s the debate unfolding with senators today on a bill dubbed the Hearing Protection Act of 2025.

The debate over firearm suppressors locally is nothing new. But now, Senator William Parkinson is pushing to legalize it with Bill 27. “Exposure to noise above 140 decibels can cause immediate and irreversible hearing damage," said the senator. He argues it's a necessary tool to prevent hearing loss for law enforcement, military, and shooting enthusiasts.

Gunfire often exceeds that threshold, sometimes reaching 175 decibels. Supporters say silencers can lower that by 20 to 35 decibels - a crucial difference.

Dr. Adam Mehlenbacher, an audiologist and board member of the American Supressor Association, said, "One of the serious threats to hearing comes from recreational shooting. This is completely preventable.” But others, like Senator Chris Barnett, taking aim at safety concerns – fearing suppressors could make criminal activity harder to detect.

Specifically, he brought up mass shootings stateside where gunmen used suppressors, saying,  “I just ask that they incorporate a lot of these safeguards, which I think are really reasonable.”

Advocates highlight that suppressors are already legal in 42 states, citing statistics showing how rarely they’re actually used in crimes. “The Hearing Protection Act of 2025” will open up access to important hearing protection for the law abiding citizens of Guam," one said.

And Mike Ulloa added, “Every time you purchase a brand new firearm, you must go through additional background checks with the FBI and the ATF.”

Veterans also spoke in support of the measure. “This is part of our right, as veterans and American citizens, of the Second Amendment to be able to have these safety measures in place," noted John Eichenbottom, with Stephen Amaguin adding, "All of this is about preservation. It's about how you’ll be able to protect yourself.”

Additionally, Philip Diaz, a retired policeman, said, “Guam gun owners have shown that they are responsible people.”