What Is The Best Ear Protection For Shooting? The Ultimate Guide For Shooters

Going to the range with friends and spending the day shooting several rounds does sound like fun. But it also gives rise to a serious problem. And I’m not pointing out to the fact that you expose yourself to beers and loaded weapons.

I’m talking about a more dangerous problem; the loud noise of firing shots. You may not realize this, but you’re putting your ears in grave danger. And you do this by not wearing the best ear protection for shooting.

We can also call it electronic ear protection for shooting. What it does is safeguard your ears from the constant blaring sounds of firing shots. These devices do not compromise the hearing ability in any way.

In fact, they keep you completely aware of the current situation at all times. So you can carry on shooting while also listening to friends or the instructor in the background.

Quick Comparison: 5 Best Ear Protection for Shooting​ List

Preview

Product

Our Rating

Price

Howard Leight by Honeywell Impact Pro Sound Amplification Electronic Earmuff

Howard Leight by Honeywell Impact Sport Sound Amplification Electronic Earmuff

ClearArmor 141001 Safety Ear Muffs Shooters Hearing Protection Folding-Padded Head Band Ear Cups

ClearArmor 141001 Safety Ear Muffs Shooters Hearing Protection Folding-Padded Head Band Ear Cups 

(Editor’s Choice)

Professional Safety Ear Muffs by Decibel Defense

Professional Safety Ear Muffs by Decibel Defense

3M Peltor TacticalPro Communications Headset MT15H7F SV, Headband

3M Peltor TacticalPro Communications Headset MT15H7F SV, Headband

Caldwell Low Profile E-Max Electronic Ear Muffs

Caldwell Low Profile E-Max Electronic Ear Muffs

* Below, you’ll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see customer reviews and current prices on Amazon.com

best-ear-protection-for-shooting

Why do you need ear protection for shooting?

To cause significant hearing loss, a sound needs to be as loud as 140dB. Did you know that? Most firearms produce sounds that begin from that particular decibel mark. The smallest rifle generates a sound of 140dB.

So you can imagine how much louder a more potent firearm can be. And if this wasn’t enough to cause significant hearing loss! There came into existence muzzle breaks along with blast magnifying adjustments.

These elements produce reverberations and echoes that boost the effect. This just means more damage to the ears.

Many hunters and gun enthusiasts still don’t opt for electronic ear protection for shooting. Countless noise-canceling devices are available today. Thanks to the advancement of technology! So it comes as a surprise to me now that they still look for excuses to not use the ear protection for shooting.

As a human being with all five senses intact, you must realize the importance of your hearing ability. And if you’re a gun user who values his or her eyes as much as the ears, then it’s time to do something to protect the latter.

Ear Protection: Save Your Hearing – Handgun 101 

Types of ear protection for shooting

Earplugs

You will find many occasional shooters using earplugs when on the range. It’s because the best electronic ear plugs for shooting are convenient to use. Thanks to their small, comfortable, and disposable design. They don’t come in the way of prescription as well as your safety glasses.

Passive Earmuffs

The best thing about passive earmuffs is the fact that they come with soft padding. This type of padding provides excellent comfort to the shooter. Passive earmuffs have a much better capacity than earplugs. This comes in the form of protecting the ears from high decibel levels.

They are perfect for someone who wants to purchase something stronger than earplugs. And at the same time, he or she doesn’t want to spend as much as they would for electronic earmuffs.

Electronic Earmuffs

The best ear protection is electronic earmuffs. And there’s a reason why. Earmuffs are well-supplied with a technology that regulates sound. Such a feature makes hearing conversations and warnings clear. And it does so despite having your ears protected with the device.

The best electronic hearing aid lowers blaring sounds automatically. This happens just as soon as the sounds hit a particular decibel level. 

What to look for in the best ear protection for shooting?

Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)

When buying the best ear protection device, you must note its noise reduction ability. As you already know by now that 140dB or higher can cause significant hearing loss. So based on this particular decibel level, you will find the best options. These can lower noise by 33dB, on an average. Models with an NRR of anywhere between 23dB-33dB are the ones to trust.

Comfort

The comfort factor in electronic ear protection for shooting comes in the form of fit. If it doesn’t fit, then it’s no good. Hunting enthusiasts spend several hours on the field, don’t they?

So comfortable and fitted earplugs or earmuffs won’t cause unbearable irritation. Even if you keep them on throughout the day. And the best way to go about this is to strap on an incredibly adjustable pair.

Caldwell E-Max LoPro Electronic Muffs with Shooting Glasses, Green

Appearance

You must take appearance into consideration. Because you don’t want to get spotted by your game now, do you? That means you shouldn’t opt for fluorescent yellow, luminous green, and bright red.

Otherwise, you’ll be compromising your position. So you need the best electronic ear plugs for shooting that blend with the surroundings. You can also pick ones that match your shooting gear.

Extra Features and Functions

Many options manufactured today provide more than standard features. That means you get more than just comfort and noise reduction. The best electronic ear protection for shooting comes with unique technology. This can change fixed, low, and high noise reduction level. And what this does is allow the shooter to hear more clearly.

Hunters have to deal with natural conditions apart from just wind and sun. And for that, they need water-resistant or waterproof electronic ear protection. Some devices also come with rechargeable batteries. This element adds more convenience to the whole experience.

Preview

Product

Our Rating

Price

Howard Leight by Honeywell Impact Pro Sound Amplification Electronic Earmuff

Howard Leight by Honeywell Impact Sport Sound Amplification Electronic Earmuff

ClearArmor 141001 Safety Ear Muffs Shooters Hearing Protection Folding-Padded Head Band Ear Cups

ClearArmor 141001 Safety Ear Muffs Shooters Hearing Protection Folding-Padded Head Band Ear Cups 

(Editor’s Choice)

Professional Safety Ear Muffs by Decibel Defense

Professional Safety Ear Muffs by Decibel Defense

3M Peltor TacticalPro Communications Headset MT15H7F SV, Headband

3M Peltor TacticalPro Communications Headset MT15H7F SV, Headband

Caldwell Low Profile E-Max Electronic Ear Muffs

Caldwell Low Profile E-Max Electronic Ear Muffs

The best ear protection for shooting: 5 top picks

#1 – Howard Leight by Honeywell Impact Pro Sound Amplification Electronic Earmuff

Howard Leight by Honeywell Impact Pro Sound Amplification Electronic Earmuff

If there’s any higher-end protection aid for the ears, then it’s the Howard Leight by Honeywell Impact Pro Sound Amplification Electronic Earmuff. With two AAA batteries, you should expect these best electronic earmuffs to last for at least 350 hours on a single set.

The device is equipped with an excellent technology that turns it off automatically after exactly 4 hours. This helps in saving battery life when you forget to switch off the hearing protection aid.

What many hunters love about the Howard Leight by Honeywell Impact Pro Sound Amplification Electronic Earmuff is that it has a compact and foldable design. Such a structure adds both comfort and convenience to your wild adventures.

You will also be glad to know that this ear protection for shooting comes with unique noise amplification technology. The feature can be turned up to listen to quiet conversations or animals breaking bushes near you during hunting.

We Like

  • The earmuffs have directional microphones. These intensify range commands and ambient sounds for an enhanced listening experience.
  • It consists of pressure points that are rubberized to prevent scratching.
  • The padded headband of the device is adjustable to offer comfort and a secure fit.

We Don’t Like

  • The earmuffs are a tad on the heavier side.
  • They have shallow ear cups, so it might cause some discomfort in that region.

Howard Leight IMPACT PRO Electronic Earmuff

#2 –  ClearArmor 141001 Safety Ear Muffs Shooters Hearing Protection Folding-Padded Head Band Ear Cups (Editor’s Choice)

ClearArmor 141001 Safety Ear Muffs Shooters Hearing Protection Folding-Padded Head Band Ear Cups

If you want the most comfortable ear protection, then the ClearArmor 141001 Safety Ear Muffs are an ideal option. The headband of the model can be regulated from both the sides. This is useful in providing a comfortable and secure fit for different head sizes.

The best part about the headband is that it is padded using synthetic leather. Such a material makes cleaning easier and improves the comfort level. The design of the ClearArmor 141001 Safety Ear Muffs is such that it stays on the head even when you’re bending over or sweating.

The best electronic ear plugs for shooting are ones that are built with soft and comfortable cushions. So the ClearArmor 141001 Safety Ear Muffs have that particular feature. This way they tend to seal properly around the ears.

Now, let me tell you about the most important feature, noise reduction (NRR). The ClearArmor 141001 Safety Ear Muffs offer noise reduction of 31dB. And that’s a considerably high level, isn’t it?

We Like

  • The earmuffs are very light in weight to provide additional comfort.
  • They provide an exceptionally snug fit but are not uncomfortably tight in the slightest manner.

We Don’t Like

  • The earpieces come with padding that’s too stiff, so you don’t get a pleasant noise seal.

#3 – Professional Safety Ear Muffs by Decibel Defense

Professional Safety Ear Muffs by Decibel Defense

Do you know what makes the Decibel Defense Ear Muffs the best ear protection for shooting? It’s their noise reduction efficiency that can cut sounds by at least 34 to 37dB. These earmuffs were solely created keeping the use of firearms in mind.

They are well equipped with more padding. And despite this feature, the earmuffs are light in weight and foldable. You will be surprised at how versatile the model is. The Professional Safety Ear Muffs by Decibel Defense comes with adjustable features. This way it can fit a kid as well as an adult.

So are you a firing range enthusiast, machinist, or construction worker? And even if you want to enjoy some quiet time at home, then you’re in the right place.

The Decibel Defense Ear Muffs are one of the most preferred hearing protection aids. And these earmuffs will last for years to come. Thanks to the well-padded headband and fabric stitching combination.

We Like

  • The earmuffs offer an exceptionally higher level of decibel sound reduction.
  • They can be easily adjusted to fit different head sizes.
  • The extra padding in the device keeps the ears warm in the winter.

We Don’t Like

  • The grip provides on the areas apart from the ears is a little too tight and uncomfortable.
  • The earmuffs don’t do an excellent job at canceling out noise entirely.

#4 – 3M Peltor TacticalPro Communications Headset MT15H7F SV, Headband

3M Peltor TacticalPro Communications Headset MT15H7F SV, Headband

Best ear protection for shooting is one that amplifies low decibel sounds. It also reduces high decibel noises. And the 3M Peltor TacticalPro Communications Headset is no different. The device is equipped to provide noise reduction of 25-26dB.

Now this doesn’t mean that you can’t hear other ambient sounds or recognize noises in an audibly loud environment. And do you know what the best part is? The 3M Peltor Headset gives you the opportunity to use it with portable radios.

As a regular hunter, you will be quite impressed with the low design of the ear cups and the comfortable cushioning. The former keeps your ears healthy and happy. And the latter provides the necessary comfort. You will also love the way the model’s headband has been designed. Because it doesn’t put any pressure in the temple region.

The model’s cup microphones are supplied with an ambient listening efficiency of 360 degrees. I appreciate this feature because it keeps you well aware of the surroundings.

We Like

  • The headset model can be controlled using a touchpad. This makes the experience more convenient and comfortable.
  • The seal of the hearing aid’s gel cups is tight. But comfortable at the same time.

We Don’t Like

  • The foam protectors tend to come off. Because they are not recessed and attached properly.

3M Peltor the Role of Communication ENG

#5 – Caldwell Low Profile E-Max Electronic Ear Muffs

Caldwell Low Profile E-Max Electronic Ear Muffs

There’s a very valid reason why the Caldwell Low Profile E-Max Electronic Ear Muffs offer the best electronic ear protection for shooting. It’s because they have an invaluable combination of exceptional circuitry and ear cups with a shallow profile. Such a combination delivers enhanced functionality for shooters with shotguns and standard shooting styles.

This model is equipped with two great microphones for better communication. These little things intensify sounds that fall below the 85dB level. And what this does is provide assistance with the range commands.

When the noise level exceeds 85dB, the microphones shut down automatically. This goes a long way in protecting the hunter from loud sounds that can cause substantial loss of hearing.

We Like

  • The earmuffs come with a valuable audio jack, so you can listen to music when hunting.
  • The model can be easily adjusted to achieve a tight fit for maximum protection.

We Don’t Like

  • The earmuffs don’t fold up properly, which is a part of its poor overall construction.

Wrapping it up

So based on my extensive knowledge, the best ear protection for shooting is the ClearArmor 141001 Safety Ear Muffs Shooters Hearing Protection Folding-Padded Head Band Ear Cups.

The ClearArmor 141001 Safety Ear Muffs Shooters Hearing Protection Folding-Padded Head Band Ear Cups come with the padded headband.

You will also be glad to know that the earmuffs have adjustable headbands and cushioned ear cups. The former makes the experience comfortable while the latter makes the device convenient to use.

Wearing the best hearing protection is crucial if you don’t want to damage your ears. And if you haven’t started doing it already, then there’s no need to panic. It’s never too late. Protection is always better than being sorry later, isn’t it?

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