A crucial decision you should make as a shooter is finding the right set of hearing protection. The best hearing protection for shooting reduces the noise you hear while firing and keeps your ears safe. The market today has no shortage of hearing protection, making it challenging to find reliable hearing protection options. But don't worry. In this post, we have described the best options you can easily trust.
Why Use Hearing Protection When Shooting?
Hearing protection is essential when shooting because it protects your ears from the extremely loud sound that comes from firing. If you don't protect your ears while shooting, it will lead to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). This hearing loss disturbs high-frequency 's,' 'f', or 'h' sounds. Exposing yourself to the sound of gunshots near you can even lead to permanent hearing loss.
When you are without a hearing protection device, you will experience your ears ringing post-firing. It happens due to the concussive energy that rattles small bones in the different parts of the ear. Over time, it prevents you from hearing properly before and after shooting. Thus, it is essential to use hearing protection like an earmuff or an earplug with a high Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) that blocks damaging levels of sound from firing.
What Type of Hearing Protection Is Best for Shooting?
The best hearing protection for shooting includes earplugs, earmuffs, electronic earmuffs, and a combination of earmuffs and earplugs.
Foam Earplugs
Foam earplugs are inexpensive and protect from as much as 33 decibels (dB) of noise. Among them, custom-molded earplugs offer high comfort and a nice fit.
Earmuffs
Hearing protection devices such as earmuffs are of two types: passive earmuffs and electronic earmuffs. The former protects your ears from the loud noise of equipment, such as chainsaws or jackhammers. Electronic earmuffs are compatible with Bluetooth and enhance ambient sounds and conversation while simultaneously eliminating sounds that exceed 82-85 dB.
Combination of Earmuffs and Earplugs
Finally, a combination of earmuffs and earplugs ensures maximum protection from very high-decibel sounds. This type of hearing protection is best for shooters who are constantly exposed to loud or high-density noise of firearms like magnum calibers.
Features of the Best Hearing Protection for Shooting
The best hearing protection for shooting has a minimum NRR of 25 dB and has a fit that feels comfortable for extended periods. Additionally, the device should block loud noise while allowing you to hear conversations around you. Here are the key features that should be a part of your hearing protection device:
- Adjustable headband for maximum comfort and support.
- Over 25 dB NRR
- Sound amplification capability (for electronic earmuffs)
- Lightweight design and portability
- Good battery life (for electronic earmuffs)
- Custom-molded design of the earplugs
- Waterproof rating
- Ability to offer you situational awareness
Recommendations for the Best Hearing Protection for Shooting
Now that you know the importance of hearing protection devices and their essential features, here are the ten best ones to try.
1. Caldwell E-Max Shadow PRO Earplugs 1136234
The Caldwell E-Max Shadow PRO Earplugs allow you to change the ambient noise and volume and control your voice assistant app. You can even answer phone calls using these earplugs. They are ideal for both students who are learning the use of rifles and shotguns and also instructors who need to hear other guns going off in the range and what their students are saying.
You can find earplugs in various sizes and find one that fits your needs. The rechargeable batteries ensure that you don't need to keep them plugged in throughout the day. Recharging the case once every four to six weeks is enough. In addition, you can connect the hearing protection for shooting to your phone via Bluetooth to drown out the noises around.
Pros- NRR: 25 dB
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Adjustable size
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Customized foam tips
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Can be connected to the device through Bluetooth for up to six hours
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Rechargeable batteries
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LED battery level indicator
Cons
- The right earbud loses charge after around six months.
Price: $113
2. AXIL TRACKR Electronic Earmuffs
AXIL TRACKER is one of the best hearing protection for shooting that is compact, affordable, and comfortable. It enhances the hearing 6X when shooting outdoors. So, you can hear others talking and be situationally aware. It has auto-shut-offs to protect you from sudden loud sounds that exceed 85 dB.
The earmuffs are resistant to sweat and water. They come with 2 AAA batteries and don't need to be charged for several months. The Bluetooth 5.0 audio ensures that you can listen to songs or take hands-free phone calls. This hearing protection is designed to be worn all day comfortably while using rifles and handguns in the outdoors or any other environment.
Pros
- NRR: 25 Db
- The hearing protection for shooting is equipped with three technologies: hearing enhancement, hearing protection, and Bluetooth audio. You can use either a single technology or all of them at once.
- AXIL TRACKR Electronic Earmuffs block shots and amplify speech
- The ear protection has a 2-year replacement guarantee.
- Auto shut-off protects you from sudden loud noises.
- The batteries shut off automatically after four hours to last long.
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Increasing the volume a bit gives a background humming noise, which can feel annoying.
- It can feel tight initially.
Price: $65
3. Westone DefendEar Digital DX5 Custom Shooter's Ear Plugs
A great hearing protection for shooting and hunting is DefendEar Digital DX5. It is ideal if you are shooting in a forest or engaging in competitive or clay shooting. The earplugs block gunshots and protect in-ear hearing protectors in your ear. Still, you can hear everything else, like conversations.
Moreover, you can modify the five programmed modes and achieve hearing protection according to where you are shooting. Every mode features sound enhancement and impulse suppression to keep your ears safe.
A notable feature of DefendEar Digital hearing protection is the range mode for protecting ears against auditory assault at indoor ranges and the wireless communication program. The DX5 Neck Loop delivers highly clear, crisp sound quality for reliable communications outdoors. These digital earplugs are also equipped with an auto-save feature which stores the memory of the last mode you were using and the volume it was set up to.
Pros
- NRR: 26
- Ideal for outdoor game shooting, general outdoor shooting, clay range, and outdoor game shooting.
- Various body and door color options
- The Vocal Feedback feature informs you about the mode you are using
- The Mute function blocks external distractions for the best performance
- Shows a low-battery warning
- 2-year warranty from the manufacturer
Cons
- If worn constantly throughout the day, the battery can die down.
Price: $1,295
4. Peltor Sport Tactical 500 Smart Electronic Hearing Protector, Bluetooth Wireless Ear Muffs
The ear muffs by Peltor Sports are highly-rated hearing protection for indoor and outdoor shooting. One of its standout features is the dynamic suppression time, which measures the gunshot noise's energy and sets suppression time to minimize the reverberation. It filters noise effectively so you can hear the conversations around you and even drown out the voices of people to a low rumble.
These ear muffs sync with Bluetooth easily so you can take calls and listen to music when outside. The headband is vented and adjustable. It is fully compatible with large hats and as a whole, the ear muffs fit fine with thin safety glasses.
Pros
- NRR: 26
- Headphones are collapsible, facilitating better storage
- Recessed microphones reduce wind and fan noise
- Easy to set with intuitive buttons and voice guidance
- The auto shut-off feature protects you from sudden and sharp noise
- Keep the ears warm
- 30-day return policy
Cons
- The headphones could be a bit lighter
Price: $149
5. ShellShock Protection EXO PRO
EXO PRO Electronic Earmuffs are best for pistol and rifle users for sound dampening and quickness. The earmuffs come with gel air seals, which makes wearing them easier and more comfortable. So you can wear them for a longer duration.
This hearing protection is equipped with digital compression technology, offering a rapid 0.005 attack time. It amplifies ambient sounds up to 82dB and filters away harmful noises. The gel earpads are sweat-proof and water-resistant.
Pros
- NRR: 28dB
- Comfortable gel earpad
- Comes with a free shock-proof hard case
- Ideal for long uses
- Adjustable padded metal frame
- Low profile design
Cons
- The earmuffs feel tight if you don't stretch them before using
Price: $99
6. OTTO's Noize Barrier Micro Ear Protection
Another one of the top hearing protection for shooting that facilitates incredible situational awareness is OTTO's Noise Barrier Micro Earplugs. It offers comfort and a battery that lasts for a long duration. The earbuds and their case are water-resistant and have an internal LCD of the current battery charge. You experience a dual-mode hearing enhancement with a noise reduction of up to 40 dB.
This hearing protection features Accu-Technology that allows you to detect the sound's location. They can be used up to 12 hours every day for more than two weeks. You can charge them on the included charging dock without needing to charge the docking station.
Pros
- NRR: 40dB
- 15 dB of adaptive noise attenuation
- Earplugs have 16-hour rechargeable battery life
- The case of the earplugs functions as a charging dock
- Earbuds have small magnets that keep them steady during charging.
- The earbuds have three tip sizes and phone tips.
Cons
- The earbuds pick up slight wind noises in natural settings
Price: $452
7. Howard Leight Leightning L3 Shooting Earuff
Lightweight earmuffs with soft ear cushions and adjustable headbands make up for top-notch hearing protection for shooting and hunting. All these features are found in Howard Leight Leightning L3 Shooting Earuff.
This hearing protection is made with the patented Air Flow Control technology, which regulates the air circulation within it. It then reduces sound levels across frequencies without increasing the earcup size. If you do a lot of shooting, you should consider investing in Howard's earmuffs, as they provide an impressive 30dB of sound reduction.
The headband is adjustable and padded. It, along with the soft ear cushions, removes the distinct squeezing sensation that is experienced in the head while shooting. They are fully compatible with the brand's shooting glasses.
Pros
- NRR: 30dB
- Facilitates sound reduction across various frequencies in different shooting environments
- The cushion can be replaced with the snap-in feature
- The telescopic headband can withstand rough handling
- Offers noise attenuation at different frequencies
- Ideal for indoor pistol shooting
Cons
- Shooters with a larger head may find it difficult to fit the headband
Price: $43
8. Surefire EP9 Sonic Defenders Ultra-Filtered Foam-Tipped Earplugs
Surefire's foam-tipped earplugs are made using patented technology. It protects you against noise-induced hearing loss without preventing you from hearing routine conversations.
One of their distinctive features is the foam-tipped stem design, which has very soft Comply Canal Tips. They are made of hypoallergenic and medical-grade polymer. These tips fit the ears of most people. The earplugs have a special noise-reducing filter, which minimizes harmful noises over 85dB. If your job involves a lot of rifles and handling shooting outdoors, these earplugs will help you.
They also have proprietary EarLock retention rings that use seven contact points to keep the earpieces in place. The earplugs are one of the best noise-isolating devices, and they have a nice fit that makes them feel comfortable all day long.
Pros
- NRR: 28 dB
- Low profile design
- The earplugs stay in place even while wearing a hat, helmet, or a mask
- Available in different sizes according to your ear's dimensions
- It comes with attached filter caps that block out lower-level noise
- 30-day moneyback
Cons
- It does not sync with Bluetooth
Price: $23.99
9. Soundgear Phantom Ear Protection
Soundgear Phantom Ear Protection for shooting has been the favorite of shooters since 2020. This ear protection provides the best features that fully justify its price. They are pre-programmed to normal to moderate hearing loss range and are compatible with Bluetooth. The 23 hours of battery life ensures that you can wear the hearing protection for shooting all day long.
Besides the lithium-ion rechargeable battery, the device comes with a custom charger. The company custom molds the devices to fit individual ears for supreme comfort. It reaches out to you after you purchase the device and connects you with a local hearing professional who takes custom ear impressions. On its basis, the device is developed and sent to you.
A great feature is that the earplugs not only allow normal sounds, such as conversations or the sound of rustling leaves, but they also amplify it. This is especially useful for hunting situations that demand situational awareness.
Pros
- NRR: 30dB
- 22dB of noise reduction rating
- Equipped with 2.4 GHz technology for streaming audio
- 23 hours of battery life
- Available in different colors of faceplate shell
- Adaptive feedback canceller
- Helps in managing wind noise
- Bluetooth connectivity with both Apple and Android phones
- 1-year repair warranty
- Ideal for hunting, sporting clays, tactical shooting, USPSA, industry, and skeet
Cons
- To connect with Bluetooth, you first need to connect the device with accessibility options on your iPhone and then install them as hearing devices.
Price: $1599
10. Safariland Liberator HP 2.0 Hearing Protection
Safariland's hearing protection for hunting features novel multi-mode adjustability. This feature facilitates noise reduction and cancellation at the same time. It offers hearing protection in all environments with three protection modes.
The hearing protection is especially easier to mount on helmets. Besides mounting it on the helmet, you can configure the headset to be worn over the head and behind the head. The earmuffs provide incredibly clear audio and detect sound perfectly. They also offer consistent background audio quality to facilitate optimal situational awareness.
This protective device by Safariland runs on AAA batteries or a single CR123. The battery-saver mode turns on after five minutes of non-usage and prompts every 15 minutes when you reach less than 20 hours of battery life.
Pros
- NRR: 26 dB
- Compatible with two AAA batteries or one CR123 battery.
- Automatic battery saver mode
- HD speakers with improved electronics
- 160 to 330 hours of runtime, dependent on the mode
- It can be converted into a dual or single comm headset
Cons
- Liberators IV and V
- The noise reduction rating could be higher
Price: $349 to $499
Summing Up
Now, you don't need to feel confused upon seeing the endless options for hearing protection for shooting in the market. The recommendations above will keep your ears safe and prepare you for unexpected situations. They have high NRR, are lightweight, comfortable, and amplify noises so you can hear better when shooting or preparing to shoot.
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