A bill that could help gun owners prevent hearing loss has made its way through the Iowa House.

The legislation would legalize the use of firearm suppressors.  State Representative Ralph Watts says he’s in favor of the bill and feels it’s time Iowa gave gun owners the opportunity to use them.

“People that hunt a lot, or do target practice or shoot competitively, over a period of time they can get hearing damage.  Of course there are ear muffs available for that but the suppressors are something that are allowed in 32 other states.  It’s an issue that has been bouncing around Iowa for the last several years” says Watts.

Though the bill passed through the house with an 80 percent yes vote, Watts says it could have an uphill battle ahead in the Democratic controlled Senate.

“It may have some tough sledding on the Senate side.  There are some people in the Senate that are in control of committees there that really don’t want to see any kind of gun bills brought up through the Senate so it’s a matter of time.”

But using these suppressors will cost you… Watts says the device itself costs upwards of $600, plus there would be a $200 federal fine to buy one.  Anyone using a suppressor would also need to pass a thorough FBI background check.