How to Choose the Best Hearing Protection for Hunting

Hunting is a thrilling and rewarding activity, but it can also be harmful to your ears. The loud noise of gunshots can cause permanent hearing loss and tinnitus, which can affect your quality of life and your ability to hunt effectively. That’s why it’s important to wear proper hearing protection when hunting, especially if you use high-powered rifles or shotguns, or hunt in enclosed spaces.

But how do you choose the best hearing protection for hunting? There are many options available, from earplugs to earmuffs, from passive to electronic, from cheap to expensive. How do you know which one suits your needs and preferences? In this post, we will answer some of the most common questions that hunters have about hearing protection, and provide some recommendations for the best products on the market.

Best Hearing Protection Products for Hunting

Based on our research and reviews, here are some of the best hearing protection products for hunting that you can buy online:

AXIL XCOR: Electronic Ear Buds

These are the best electronic earplugs for hunting, as they offer high-quality sound, noise reduction, and bluetooth connectivity. They are comfortable, discreet, and easy to use, and they come with a rechargeable case and multiple ear tips. They have an NRR of 25, and they can amplify low-level sounds up to 6x, while suppressing loud sounds above 85 dB. They also have a 5.0 bluetooth feature, which allows you to connect them to your phone, music, or GPS. They are ideal for hunters who want the best performance and functionality in a small package.

Etymotic Gunsport Pro: Electronic Ear Plugs

These are another great option for electronic earplugs for hunting, as they offer natural sound, noise reduction, and automatic shut-off. They are comfortable, durable, and easy to use, and they come with a carrying case and multiple ear tips. They have an NRR of 25, and they can amplify low-level sounds up to 5x, while suppressing loud sounds above 85 dB. They also have an automatic shut-off feature, which turns them off after 4 hours of non-use, to save battery life. They are ideal for hunters who want natural sound and noise reduction in a simple and reliable device.

Howard Leight Impact: Sport Electronic Earmuffs

These are the best electronic earmuffs for hunting, as they offer clear sound, noise reduction, and auxiliary input. They are comfortable, adjustable, and easy to use, and they come with a carrying case and batteries. They have an NRR of 22, and they can amplify low-level sounds up to 4x, while suppressing loud sounds above 82 dB. They also have an auxiliary input, which allows you to connect them to your phone, music, or radio. They are ideal for hunters who want clear sound and noise reduction in a comfortable and versatile device.

Walker’s Razor Slim: Electronic Earmuffs

These are another great option for electronic earmuffs for hunting, as they offer balanced sound, noise reduction, and low-profile design. They are comfortable, lightweight, and easy to use, and they come with batteries. They have an NRR of 23, and they can amplify low-level sounds, while suppressing loud sounds above 89 dB. They also have a low-profile design, which reduces bulk and interference with your headgear and firearm. They are ideal for hunters who want balanced sound and noise reduction in a sleek and compact device.

Mack’s Shooters: Ear Seals Ear Plugs

These are the best passive earplugs for hunting, as they offer high protection, comfort, and convenience. They are made of soft silicone, and they have a flanged design that creates a tight seal in the ear canal. They have an NRR of 27, which is one of the highest among earplugs, and they can block out most of the noise from gunshots. They also have a detachable cord, which allows you to wear them around your neck when not in use, and a carrying case, which keeps them clean and safe. They are ideal for hunters who want high protection and comfort in a simple and affordable device.

3M Peltor Optime 105: Earmuffs

These are the best passive earmuffs for hunting, as they offer maximum protection, comfort, and durability. They are made of plastic and metal, and they have a double-shell design that reduces resonance and noise. They have an NRR of 30, which is one of the highest among earmuffs, and they can block out most of the noise from gunshots. They also have soft foam cushions, which provide comfort and a good seal, and a padded headband, which distributes pressure and reduces heat. They are ideal for hunters who want maximum protection and comfort in a sturdy and reliable device.

What Hearing Protection Do Hunters Use?

Hunters use different types of hearing protection depending on their personal preference, hunting style, and budget. The most common types are:

Earplugs

These are small devices that fit inside the ear canal and block out noise. They are usually made of foam, silicone, or rubber, and come in different sizes and shapes. Earplugs are lightweight, discreet, and easy to carry, but they may not provide enough protection for very loud noises, or fit well in some ears. Some earplugs are also electronic, which means they can amplify low-level sounds, such as animal movements or human voices, while suppressing loud sounds, such as gunshots. Electronic earplugs are more expensive than passive ones, but they offer more functionality and convenience.

Earmuffs

These are devices that cover the entire ear and reduce noise by creating a seal around the ear. They are usually made of plastic, metal, or leather, and have foam or gel cushions for comfort. Earmuffs are more effective than earplugs at blocking out noise, especially low-frequency sounds, but they are also bulkier, heavier, and more noticeable. Some earmuffs are also electronic, which means they have the same features as electronic earplugs, but with larger speakers and microphones. Electronic earmuffs are more comfortable and durable than electronic earplugs, but they are also more expensive and require batteries.

What Is The Best Decibel Level For Ear Protection For Shooting?

Decibels, or dB, are the units that measure how loud a sound is. The louder the sound, the more decibels it has. The more decibels a sound has, the louder it is. To give you an idea, a jet engine has about 140 dB of loudness, a lawn mower has about 90 dB, and normal conversation has about 60 dB. Hearing damage can result from exposure to loud sounds. Sounds that are louder than 85 dB can harm your hearing gradually, while sounds that are louder than 120 dB can harm your hearing instantly.

You need different levels of ear protection for shooting based on the gunshot’s loudness and how much you are exposed to it. Generally speaking, the louder and more frequent the gunshot, the higher the dB of ear protection you need. For example, a .22 caliber rifle produces about 130 dB of noise, while a 12-gauge shotgun produces about 165 dB of noise. Therefore, you need more ear protection for shooting a shotgun than a rifle.

The dB of ear protection is indicated by the NRR, or noise reduction rating, which shows how many decibels the device can reduce the sound by. For example, an earplug with an NRR of 25 can reduce the sound by 25 dB, so a 130 dB gunshot would sound like 105 dB. The higher the NRR, the better the ear protection. However, the NRR is not a precise indicator, as it depends on how well the device fits and seals the ear, and how the sound travels through the air and the bones. Therefore, it is recommended to use the NRR as a guideline, not a guarantee, and to always use the highest NRR possible for your situation.

These tables show how many decibels different sounds have:

What Is The Most Effective Hearing Protection?

The most effective hearing protection is the one that provides the highest NRR, fits well and comfortably, and suits your hunting style and environment. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, as different hunters have different preferences and needs.

However, here are some general tips to help you choose the most effective hearing protection for you:

• If you hunt with a rifle or a handgun, and you only shoot occasionally, you may prefer earplugs, as they are more discreet, lightweight, and easy to use. However, if you hunt with a shotgun, or you shoot frequently, you may prefer earmuffs, as they provide more protection, especially for low-frequency sounds.
• If you hunt in a quiet area, where you need to hear the sounds of nature and your hunting partners, you may prefer electronic hearing protection, as it can amplify low-level sounds, while suppressing loud sounds. However, if you hunt in a noisy area, where there are other hunters or vehicles, you may prefer passive hearing protection, as it can block out all sounds, and prevent distractions and confusion.
• If you hunt in cold weather, you may prefer earmuffs, as they can keep your ears warm and comfortable. However, if you hunt in hot weather, you may prefer earplugs, as they can keep your ears cool and dry.
• If you hunt with a hat, a helmet, or glasses, you may prefer earplugs, as they do not interfere with your headgear. However, if you hunt with a rifle or a shotgun, you may prefer earmuffs, as they do not affect your cheek weld or your sight alignment.

The Bottom Line

If you are a hunter, you know how important it is to protect your hearing from the loud noises of gunshots. Hearing protection can also improve your hunting performance by blocking out unwanted sounds and enhancing the ones you need to hear. But how do you choose the right hearing protection for hunting? There are many aspects to consider, such as the type of device, the noise reduction rating, the comfort level, the design, and the cost. In this post, we have addressed some of the frequently asked questions that hunters have about hearing protection, and suggested some of the best options available in the market. We hope that this post has been useful for you to find the ideal hearing protection for hunting that meets your requirements and tastes. Enjoy your hunting!

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