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Best Shooting Ear Protection
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Going to the range is my all-time favorite outdoor activity, but protecting my hearing is paramount. If you plan to shoot, make hearing protection a priority by choosing one of the best shooting ear protection options from our list below.
What is shooting ear protection?
Shooting ear protection refers to using earplugs, earmuffs, or electronic hearing protection to safeguard the shooter’s ears from the harmful noises of firearms.
It works by blocking out the high-pressure waves caused by gunshots and reducing the decibel level of the sound. It is crucial in protecting the shooter’s hearing, as every gunshot has the potential to cause permanent hearing damage.
Whether you are a casual shooter or a seasoned veteran, investing in high-quality ear protection is essential for preventing hearing loss or damage.
Best Hearing Protection for Shooting
Shellshock EXO PRO Electronic Earmuff
SNR: 28dB
Weight: 13.2oz
Ear cushion: Replaceable gel pads
Weight: 13.2oz
Ear cushion: Replaceable gel pads
Here are our picks for the best ear pro for shooting on the range or in competition.
Peltor Ear Muffs
My go-to for hearing protection on the range is the Peltor Sport Tactical 500 electronic earmuffs.
I love the noise canceling feature because the mic will amplify voice but cut out on louder noises like shooting.
The contoured design of the earmuffs works well with loud guns, and the recessed controls provide a lower profile.
The replaceable ear cups and ventilated headband make these earmuffs comfortable for extended periods.
Shellshock EXO PRO Electronic Earmuff
I’ve been using the EXO Pro for the last few weeks, and I have to say I like them a lot in terms of comfort and noise cancellation.
I used them during the PSA Gathering event, where there was non-stop shooting all day long, and they never got uncomfortable or unbearable.
I even wore them during the night shoot, which had a nice drizzle going all evening, and they didn’t miss a beat. The gathering event always brings rain, not sure why.
I like how compact they are; the gel ear pads are extremely comfortable.
Walker’s Razor
Walker’s Razor Slim hearing protection earmuffs are a top choice for shooters.
They feature four omnidirectional microphones that provide excellent situational awareness and a padded headband and soft ear cups that offer all-day comfort.
They provide ample electronic ear protection under most circumstances.
They also have Bluetooth technology, a low-profile design, and are easy to pack.
Protecting your hearing while shooting is crucial, and Walker’s Razor Slim earmuffs provide the comfort and protection needed for a successful shooting experience.
Impact Sport
The Howard Leight Impact Sport earmuffs are probably one of the most popular on the market today. In terms of hearing protection, they offer both passive and active hearing protection for shooting.
These earmuffs amplify ambient sounds up to 5x but turn off when shooting, allowing you to have conversations on the range.
Like most electronic ear pro, when any sound over 85 decibels is detected, the electronic protection kicks in to provide hearing protection.
The ear cups were designed specifically to provide a good fit to protect your hearing at all times.
They run on two AAA batteries and have an auto-shutoff feature to conserve power, offering up to 350 hours of battery life.
Overall, the Impact Sport earmuffs are a reliable and effective option for shooting ear protection.
Surefire Sonic Defenders
The SureFire Sonic Defenders are passive earplugs with filter caps that block out noise above 85 dB with a pressure diaphragm.
The caps come in small, medium, or large sizes with a triple-flange tip for the best seal.
They are an excellent choice for hunting and range time and are low-profile.
They have a patented EarLock design and a port-plug opening for passive sound.
The Sonic Defenders are trusted by the military and law enforcement and come in multiple color options.
The earplugs have a wire attaching the left and right plugs to avoid getting lost and have a porthole that runs through them with a closing cap that allows for hearing and talking while still protecting the ears from loud discharges.
Impact Pro
The Impact Sport model is a great value choice for hunting ear protection. However, the Impact Pro headset may be a better choice for those who want better performance.
The Impact Pro headset has better noise reduction, making it a better shooting range choice.
At the same time, they are a little larger than the Impact Sports.
Axil GS Digital
The Axil GS Digital is a high-tech solution for hearing protection while shooting.
It offers 50% more decibel protection than other in-ear options and can run for up to 25 hours on a single charge.
The Bluetooth-capable earbuds feature multiple function modes, including noise cancellation and hearing enhancement.
The earbuds also come with a 3-year, no questions asked, replacement guarantee.
While on the pricey side, the Axil GS Digital is a compact and lightweight option that offers industry-leading hearing protection and enhancement.
Axil GS Extreme 2.0
The Axil GS Extreme 2.0 ear protection for shooting is lightweight and Bluetooth-capable, and it blocks noise when properly worn.
It has foam plugs come in various sizes, ensuring an adjustable fit.
The earbuds enhance ambient sound while eliminating high dB noises, making them perfect for shooting.
It has sport hooks to get the best fit over the ear, and multiple sizes of tips to get a good fit.
It can run for up to 25 hours with USB charging. The earbuds are also equipped with Bluetooth connectivity and volume control.
The earbuds are comfortable to wear for long periods and won’t affect your cheek weld when shooting a long gun.
AXIL TRACKR Blu
The AXIL TRACKR BLU electronic ear muffs use advanced technology to block out loud noises and amplify quiet ones, while also protecting the bones of hearing behind the eardrum from damage caused by the pressure wave produced by gunshots.
The Tracker is easily adjusted using the simple volume wheel on the side.
Its low-profile design makes it a great option for hunters and shooters who prefer ear muffs over earbuds.
AXIL XP Defender
The AXIL XP Defender earplugs are the ideal hearing protection for shooting, and they are available in different sizes to provide a secure fit for any shooter.
These earplugs offer excellent protection from loud noises while having an extremely low profile.
The unique filter technology of the EP Defender earplugs allows for clear communication while still blocking out harmful noises.
These earplugs are trusted by military and law enforcement and come in multiple color options for use in tactical, hunting, and civilian situations.
The port-plug opening allows for passive sound, making them perfect for hunting or other situations where you need to hear your surroundings.
With a secure fit ear hook design, these earplugs will stay in place even during intense activity.
Protecting your hearing while shooting is crucial, and the AXIL XP Defender earplugs provide the necessary protection without sacrificing communication or comfort.
Benefits Hearing Protection
It seems like a no-brainer that hearing protection is a must, and it is for most people, but there’s always one billy badass of the group that thinks ear pro is beneath them.
Protection against Permanent Hearing Loss
Loud noises, such as gunshots, can cause permanent hearing damage. This damage can result in muffled sounds, ear ringing, and even hearing loss.
However, wearing proper shooting ear protection can greatly reduce the risk of hearing damage.
The goal of hearing protection for shooting is to get gunshots under the 140 dB limit, the level at which exposure can cause permanent damage.
By wearing shooting ear protection, you can protect your ears from the harmful effects of loud noises and ensure that your sense of hearing remains intact for years to come.
Ambient Noise Amplification
Using ear protection while shooting can significantly improve your shooting experience by enhancing ambient noise and communication.
Shooting ear protection blocks harmful noise levels while allowing you to hear important sounds, such as safety commands, conversations, and natural sounds around you.
Active hearing protection is particularly helpful because it blocks loud sounds like gunshots and amplifies sounds that are not harmful to your hearing.
Using ear protection ensures a safe and enjoyable shooting experience while also protecting your hearing from permanent damage.
Comfort
Wearing comfortable ear pro is key to enjoying your range day and not calling it quits early because you aren’t comfortable.
It allows you to wear the protection for prolonged periods without feeling uncomfortable or experiencing pain.
Good quality ear protection will feature comfort-enhancing items such as gel earcups, padded headbands, and ergonomically formed designs so that you won’t feel tempted to do without your hearing protection in the name of comfort.
When selecting ear protection, it’s essential to consider the fit and padding used in over-ear and in-ear protection.
Comfort is essential if you wear hearing protection for a long period.
Ability to Use Audio Devices with Muffs
Shooting muffs often come with an AUX input that allows for connecting external audio devices, such as two-way radios or Bluetooth devices.
This feature lets the wearer stay connected with their team or listen to music while providing hearing protection.
I don’t particularly care about this, but some people always need to be reachable, so I can see how a phone connection to your active hearing protection might be beneficial.
Improved Hunting Performance
Active hearing protection can greatly improve hunting performance by preventing hearing damage and enhancing situational awareness.
Electronic earmuffs, like the Walkers Razors, allow for clear communication and the ability to hear important sounds in the environment while still protecting from loud gunshots.
This can help hunters stay alert and aware of their surroundings, potentially leading to better accuracy and a safer overall experience.
FAQ
Here are some of the most common ear pro questions.
What are the best shooting ear protection products?
Three types of shooting ear protection are available in the market: earplugs, earmuffs, and electronic hearing protection.
- Earplugs are the least expensive option and fit in the ear, typically made of foam.
- Earmuffs fit over the ear and can be used repeatedly.
- Electronic hearing protection earmuffs reduce the sound of the shot while amplifying conversation and voice, allowing the wearer to hear conversations while protecting them from gunshot noises.
The best ear protection for shooting depends on individual needs.
Earplugs are affordable, but earmuffs offer better protection.
Electronic earmuffs are the most advanced option but also the most expensive.
The Peltor Sport Tactical 500 is good for indoor shooting ranges, the Walker’s Razor is good for hunters, and the Howard Leight Leightning L3 is the best passive ear protection.
What is the difference between earplugs and earmuffs?
Ear plugs and ear muffs are both effective forms of hearing protection when shooting, but they differ in comfort, convenience, and level of protection.
Ear muffs are easier to put on and take off and offer a one-size-fits-all approach. They also provide higher noise reduction levels and can have passthrough audio capabilities.
On the other hand, ear plugs require custom fitting and can be prone to misuse and improper sizing.
They offer more comfort and protection than muffs but with a lower protection level.
Do ear muffs reduce noise to a safe level?
Yes, ear muffs can reduce noise to a safe level when used correctly.
Look for ear muffs with a minimum noise reduction of 15dB, but 30dB is preferable.
Pairing a good set of earplugs with muffs can further reduce noise by 10 to 15 dB.
Unpowered earmuffs offer similar sound reduction levels to earplugs but can be bulkier and prevent you from hearing.
Wearing ear muffs correctly and consistently is important to protect your hearing from damage.
Are there any particular features to look for when purchasing shooting ear protection?
Cut-outs in ear cups can contour the shape of safety glasses or gunstock to the side of your head, while tactile controls are essential for easy use with shooting gloves.
Durability is another important factor, with electronic or passive earmuffs ideal for most shooters’ needs.
Other features include Bluetooth compatibility, audio jacks, battery life, replaceable ear cups, and padded headbands.
Earplugs, earmuffs, and electronic hearing protection are three types of shooting ear protection available, each with its own benefits and suitability for different shooting applications.
Ultimately, the best shooting ear protection is high quality, worn properly and well-maintained.
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