Titanium golf clubs may cause hearing damage. When a thin-faced titanium golf club makes contact with a golf ball, it produces a sound of as much as 128 decibels — far above the safe limit of 110 decibels for so-called impulse noises, which include explosions and gunshots. Constant use of titanium clubs without ear protection may lead to tinnitus or hearing loss over time in susceptible individuals. Self-defense: Wear earplugs while golfing.