Christmas Sale | Up to 40% Off! Shop Now

Choosing The Right Hearing Protection for Shooting: A Complete Guide

- Updated
8 minute read

BANG! That’s the last sound you want to hear clearly at the range, but by then, it might be too late for your ears. Whether you’re plinking with a .22 or unleashing a 12-gauge, every shot risks your hearing – and that persistent ringing isn’t just a souvenir, it’s a warning. This guide is your golden ticket to keeping your hearing sharp while still enjoying the sweet sound of freedom, covering everything from basic foam plugs to high-tech electronic muffs. Lock and load as we target the right hearing protection for your shooting style!

Why Hearing Protection Matters

Exposure to loud noises, especially the sharp report of firearms, can cause permanent hearing damage. Most firearms produce sound levels well above 140 decibels (dB), which is significantly higher than the 85 dB threshold where hearing damage can occur. Even a single gunshot without proper protection can lead to immediate and irreversible hearing loss.

Choosing The Right Hearing Protection for Shooting: A Complete Guide

Types of Hearing Protection for Shooting

First, we should touch on what “electronic” means in terms of hearing protection. This usually implies some sort of audio technology that cuts out sounds at a certain decibel level while allowing the user to be able to hear and communicate with the world around them without the worry of gunshots blowing holes in their hearing.

1. Earplugs

Earplugs are small, portable devices that fit directly into your ear canal. They’re lightweight, easy to carry, and can be worn with other gear like hats or safety glasses. They typically come in the cheap foam disposable format but there are also reusable formed types.

Choosing The Right Hearing Protection for Shooting: A Complete Guide

Pros:

  • Affordable and widely available
  • Compact and easy to carry
  • Can be worn comfortably with other equipment
  • Often provide a greater decible reduction than any other form of ear pro

Cons:

  • Can be tricky to insert it properly
  • “One size fits all” typically
  • May provide less protection than earmuffs if the fit isnt perfect
  • Easy to lose

2. Electronic Earplugs

Electronic earplugs combine the compact size of traditional earplugs with the advanced features of electronic earmuffs.

Choosing The Right Hearing Protection for Shooting: A Complete Guide

Pros:

  • Compact and discreet
  • Allow for communication and situational awareness
  • Can be worn comfortably for extended periods
  • Often come with different-sized canal pieces
  • Some Bluetooth models can be used for general-use earbuds

Cons:

  • Can be easily misplaced due to the small size
  • Far more expensive than traditional earplugs
  • Require batteries or charging

3. Passive Earmuffs

Passive earmuffs cover your entire ear, creating a physical barrier against noise. They’re simple to use and don’t require any power source. Think of them as your run-of-the-mill hearing protection for most applications.

Choosing The Right Hearing Protection for Shooting: A Complete Guide

Pros:

  • Easy to put on and take off
  • Provide consistent protection
  • Often much more affordable than electronic options

Cons:

  • Can be bulky and uncomfortable in hot weather
  • May interfere with cheek weld on firearms
  • Block all sounds, including potentially important range communication

4. Electronic Earmuffs

Electronic earmuffs use battery-powered technology to block out harmful noise levels while allowing softer sounds, like voices, to pass through. Some have audio jacks or Bluetooth so you can connect to music or even set up coms systems.

Choosing The Right Hearing Protection for Shooting: A Complete Guide

Pros:

  • Allow for normal conversation and situational awareness
  • Can amplify low-level sounds
  • Often include additional features like Bluetooth connectivity
  • Tend to be slimmer than traditional passive earmuffs

Cons:

  • More expensive than passive options
  • Require batteries or charging
  • Heavier than passive earmuffs or earplugs

Choosing the Right Hearing Protection

When selecting hearing protection for shooting, consider the following factors:

  1. Noise Reduction Rating (NRR): Look for a minimum NRR of 22 dB, with higher ratings offering more protection.
  2. Comfort: Ensure the protection fits well and is comfortable for extended wear.
  3. Compatibility: If you wear glasses or use other protective gear, ensure your hearing protection is compatible.
  4. Environment: Consider where you’ll be shooting (indoor range, outdoor range, hunting) when choosing your protection.
  5. Communication needs: If you need to hear range commands or communicate while shooting, electronic options might be best.
Choosing The Right Hearing Protection for Shooting: A Complete Guide
Recently we have been sporting of of the Shell Shock branded ear pro and have been impressed with the comfort and quality. Expect to see it on the home site ASAP!

“Double Muffing”

Double muffing is a serious approach to hearing protection for shooters, combining earplugs and earmuffs for enhanced safety. This method offers a significant reduction in noise exposure, which is crucial when dealing with loud reports of firearms. While it may seem excessive to some, experienced shooters often swear by this dual-layer defense against potential hearing damage.

The practice is particularly valuable in indoor ranges or when using high-caliber weapons, where sound levels can be especially intense. Though it may take some getting used to, many find that the extra protection allows them to focus better on their shooting technique without worrying about long-term hearing effects. It’s a practical solution that balances the enjoyment of the sport with responsible health precautions.

Choosing The Right Hearing Protection for Shooting: A Complete Guide

Hear Us Out!

Investing in quality hearing protection is crucial for anyone involved in shooting sports. By understanding the types of protection available and following best practices, you can preserve your hearing while enjoying your passion for shooting. Remember, the right hearing protection is the one you’ll use consistently. Choose a solution that offers both comfort and adequate protection to ensure you never compromise on your hearing health.

By prioritizing hearing protection, you’re not just safeguarding your ears; you’re ensuring you can enjoy shooting sports for years to come. Whether you opt for simple earplugs or advanced electronic systems, make hearing protection an integral part of your shooting routine.

Choosing The Right Hearing Protection for Shooting: A Complete Guide

FAQs

What decibel protection is needed for shooting?

Sounds above 85 decibels are considered harmful. Any hearing protection that subtracts substantially from the 140 decibels that a gunshot generates is ideal. Plugs typically reduce sound by around 32db whereas passive muffs, electronic muffs, and electronic plugs reduce by around 25db on average.

Should I double up ear protection shooting?

It is proven that this does in fact help prevent damage to your hearing. Putting a plug in and muffs on top will very much deafen the world around you.

Are electronic shooting muffs worth it?

Totally! You protect your hearing while being able to not only listen to your environment but also communicate with others effortlessly.

Is it bad to wear earmuffs or plugs for extended periods of time?

Muffs can become uncomfortable and rub on the skin around your ears and plugs inserted too deep can hurt your ears but beyond that no there should be no worry about wearing either for long periods.

Should you wear hearing protection while hunting

This is a dilemma. Since a single gunshot during say, deer hunting isn’t a prolonged high-decibel sound we typically take the risk of not wearing hearing protection in favor of hearing the world around us. Wearing electronic ear protection can also be sort of loud in the sense that the quiet is amplified so much so that hunting in general feels loud and your ears get fatigued. On top of this, there is a phenomenon called “selective auditory attention”. This is where your brain basically will sometimes intentionally and subconsciously block out loud noise while shooting a single shot at game. It is the dealer’s choice. Should you? Yeah, probably if you are solely worried about your hearing. Does it hurt your hunt? Yes, probably.

One Last Tip

If there’s anyone that knows the AR-15 platform, it’s the US military. As a special offer for our readers, you can get the Official US Army Manual for AR-15/M4/M16 right now – for free. Click here to snag a copy.

ONE THOUGHTS ON "Choosing The Right Hearing Protection for Shooting: A Complete Guide"

  1. William R Jordan Jr

    My tinnitus started in my early 60s and is permanent. To all you younger readers protect your ears, tinnitus sucks big time.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *