Going Out Shooting? Don’t Forget ‘Body Armor’ for Your Ears
When it comes to choosing the best hearing protection for your ears, there is a lot to understand and consider the products that are available on the market today.
It takes no time at all for the headset to reset and get back to listening for noises over an unacceptable level.
The sound amplification, which is found in several high-quality models of electronic hearing protection devices, allows the user to continue to hear low-level sounds including commands on the range and conversations within earshot.
These professional ear muffs can help prevent hearing loss from exposure to loud noises and can provide a high level of noise amplification, so you don’t miss anything while shooting. In order to work, hearing protection devices must be worn diligently and regularly.
Be sure to follow the instructions for use and fit before attempting to shoot a firearm.
Walker’s Alpha Series Power Muffs
This top-of-the-line hearing protection device by Walker features a sound-reducing ear muff, antimicrobial ear pads to reduce the risk of infection, a noise reduction rating of 24 dB, and is powered by 2 AAA batteries — which are included in the earmuffs with purchase.
The earmuffs offer wind resistance, as well as high-frequency stereo microphones to allow for directional amplification of noises in the immediate area. Wearers will enjoy up to 5 times more hearing ability through the top-of-the-line enhancement features on these earmuffs.
There are two independent volume controls, sound-activated compression which stops noise from getting into the ear canal and provides a lightweight solution to drowning out sound while on the range or in the woods shooting firearms.
When it comes to protecting your hearing, you want a product that offers high-quality construction and reliability. If worn properly, the Walker Alpha Series Power Muffs can provide a great deal of hearing protection from a trusted brand.
With lots of options and features, this is a very functional and useful hearing protection device for any shooter or recreational sports enthusiast.
It’s hard to argue the brand name Glock. It’s synonymous with high quality and performance. If you are thinking that the logo is just an evil ploy to get you to buy a mediocre set of hearing protection earmuffs, think again.
This set of earmuffs deliver. They offer a great deal of hearing protection and comfort and most people say they like the way this set fits over other sets in the review lineup.
These hearing protection earmuffs are best for close range or open rifle shooting. They do an excellent job of blocking the noise and offer one of the best prices on the market for a pair of earmuffs of this quality.
However, like all great products, they have skeletons in the closet too. These have been known to peel and crack where the finish is laid. But if you are out in the woods or on the range, you might not care about how they look after a while.
As always, you need to make sure you get a good seal around your ears to ensure the best protection possible. They help to block out all kinds of loud noises, so they are good for general construction, raceways, and shooting of course.
3M PELTOR TEP-100 Tactical Digital Earplug
If you are interested in purchasing an earplug design hearing protection device but want the protection of an electronic device, then the 3M Peltor digital earplug is for you.
Presented by one of the most innovative brands in the world, these earplugs offer 2 rechargeable and water-resistant earplugs that come with their own charging case and an optional lanyard for carrying comfort and convenience.
They are extremely lightweight at less than 4 ounces and are go anywhere and do anything with hearing protection devices. These electronic earplugs offer dependent hearing protection; they recognize unacceptably loud sounds and reduce the noise immediately, just like the larger models we have reviewed so far.
Because of their small size, these hearing protection earplugs are great for hunting and shooting in the woods, as well as for professionals such as law officers and the military. They allow the user to continue to hear surrounding sounds while blocking out much louder noises, such as sudden gunfire or rapid gunfire.
With multiple uses and its convenient size, this hearing protection earplug set is great for anyone who could be exposed to short-term or long-term hearing dangers.
Ear Pro By Surefire 4 Sonic Defender Ear Plugs
Another popular option for earplug-style hearing protection device lovers is the Ear Pro by Surefire.
These earplugs offer a noise reduction rating of 24 dB! That’s impressive considering their small size. They have filter caps that need to be inserted in order to achieve these kinds of noise reduction levels, so as long as they are inserted into your ear canals, you can achieve a really great reduction in loud noises.
These earplugs allow the user to continue to hear the normal noises around them when the filter caps are not inserted. They are soft to the touch and offer adjustable stems to provide even more security in fitting them properly in the ear canals.
Users report being able to wear them all day without issue because of how comfortable they are. They offer a low profile design that makes sure they stay in place whether users are wearing helmets, butting against the rifle or need to wear a mask, such as in a military operation.
You can also use the Ear Pro plugs to supplement non-electronic earmuff sets. These easily fit into ears and users can place ear muffs over them without difficulty.
Made from soft and durable hypoallergenic plastic that lasts for up to 6 months with regular use and wear, the Ear Pro offers a patented EarLock ® technology that prevents the earplugs from falling out during use.
The earplugs are available in a variety of colors including clear, black, or orange for hunters and shooters in the woods. They have the ability to reduce loud noise levels to below 85 dB, which is tolerable to most people.
With two wearing options: filters in or out, they are perfect for a variety of applications including construction, military, recreational shooting, and more. What’s more, they can be worn as earphones for your MP3 player or smartphone.
Do You Really Need to Protect Your Ears?
It’s no secret that protecting your hearing is important. When it comes to shooting rifles and other firearms on a range or in the woods, you know they can be very loud.
It doesn’t take much to cause permanent hearing loss when working with a firearm, especially with repeated use. Permanent hearing loss can happen around 140 decibels (dB), and a small-caliber rifle can reach those noise levels pretty quickly. Larger rifles can produce 25% more decibels, causing even greater damage to your hearing.
What’s more, if you are shooting indoors for target practice or if you are in close proximity to walls, the sound can bounce off surrounding structures and cause even more damage to your hearing because the sound resonates for much longer than in the open air of the woods and outdoor ranges.
With the continued use of loud firearms, shooters can expect to lose some function of their hearing. Even with protection, hearing loss may still occur if the hearing protection is not being worn properly and consistently; or, if the hearing protection is not appropriate for shooting firearms.
What’s more, depending on whether or not you are a right-handed or left-handed shooter, you may experience more hearing loss on one side than the other, which can be very disorienting for a lot of people.
Statistics have shown that only about half of the people who actually shoot rifles and other firearms are actually wearing the proper hearing protection devices for the activity and the rifle they are using.
It’s important to use a hearing protection product designed for shooting; other hearing reduction products may help dull the sound, but a properly fitted and consistently worn hearing protection device will preserve hearing the longest amongst shooters.
What is Noise Reduction Rating for Ear Plugs (NRR)?
Hearing protection devices, such as earplugs and earmuffs have a noise reduction rating (NRR) that is used to measure the effectiveness of the hearing protection. Devices such as these are required to state how much sound exposure they limit for the user in a given working environment.
Noise is measured in decibels (dB), and that describes the amount of sound or the power of sound that is present in a given environment or from a particular device. Hearing protection devices need to be tested and approved by associations such as the American National Standards to meet certain occupational and health-related standards.
The way the rating system works is the higher than number associated with the NRR rating, the better the hearing protection for the individual wearing the devices.
By wearing approved and certified hearing protection devices, shooters can limit the amount of noise that they are exposed to greatly. The amount of hearing reduction is not exactly decibel for decibel, however.