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20 Best Hearing Protection For Hunting (2023 Updated)
There are a few different types of hearing protection for hunting, but they all serve the same purpose: to protect your ears from the loud noise of a gunshot. Earplugs are the most basic type of hearing protection, and they can be made of foam, silicone, or other materials.
Earplugs simply block your ear canal so that sound cannot enter.
Ear muffs are another type of hearing protection for hunting. They fit over your entire ear and have cushioned cups that seal around your earlobes. Ear muffs can be adjustable so that they fit snugly and comfortably.
Both earplugs and ear muffs will reduce the noise of a gunshot, but they will not completely eliminate it. For that, you would need to use earplugs or ear muffs in combination with earplugs that fit inside your ear canal.
This type of hearing protection is called a shooter’s plug, and it is designed to completely block out noise.
Why Do You Need These Shooting Ear Muffs? Loud noises can cause permanent hearing loss and even accelerate the process of becoming deaf. The need for hearing protection is often misunderstood and underestimated.
Noise levels above 125 decibels for even short periods of time, can cause permanent hearing loss. When exposed to these decibels for longer periods of time the effects are even worse. Our high Noise Reduction Rating (26NRR) Ear Muffs are one of the best ways to protect.
My husband didnt want a funeral, just a cremation, but me and the kids just needed a little something, and the balloons fitted the bill, we wrote our own words on the other side and sent them off. Made us feel wed at least said our goodbyes.
The state-of-the-art Sport Tactical 300 Electronic Hearing Protector from Peltor provides a targeted NRR of 24 dBA for passive sound protection. The 300 EHP suppresses gunshot noise and amplifies low sounds using proprietary 3M technologies.
Gunshot Recognition and Suppression Technology optimizes noise protection based on the firearm being used and the environment in which it’s being used. Clear Voice Tracking Technology seeks voice amongst the noise to improve speech intelligibility and situational awareness.
Intuitive buttons and voice guidance let you operate without removing headset. Durable recessed microphones designed to reduce wind and fan noise. Engineered for optimal fit and comfort. Vented, adjustable headband improves comfort when worn with hats.
Auto shut-off feature. Foldable for storage and carry.
Clear voice tracking is amazing. The headband is not comfortable for the top of your head without a hat on but the clear voice tracking makes that worth living with. The MAJOR issue, the power button failed in 2 weeks! What kind of craftsmanship is that?! I contacted 3M Canada and they didn’t care.
They basically just said return them from where you bought them. Pretty bad 3M.
The Howard Leight R-01526 Impact Sport Electronic Earmuff is an electronic earmuff with a sleek, low-profile ear cup design and an adjustable headband for a secure, non-slip fit. It automatically shuts off noise above 82 decibels.
A single power and volume control knob allowing you to hear conversations near or far from you. To capture low-level sound, the Howard Leight Impact Sport Electronic Earmuff employs built-in microphones that amplify range commands and other important sounds.
Users enjoy full, clear directional hearing in stereo. For protection, the Impact Sport actively listens and automatically shuts off amplification whenever harmful sound levels are reached. The earmuffs effectively block any noise, continuous or impulse, of 82 decibels or more.
External audio input allows you to connect your mp3 player or other audio source. The Howard Leight R-01526 Impact Sport Electronic Earmuff boasts outstanding battery lifetime, running on 2 AAA batteries, included.
so I bought these a few years ago for my wife and myself. I was under the impression that they would cancel sound and allow me to have a conversation while trying to instruct my wife. Well they do cut sound but not as well as I had hoped.
And when the range is hot I cannot hear the other person very well. I find myself shouting to get my words across. When noone is shooting ( range cold or minimal shooters) they do a excellent job regarding talking and hearing others talk.
But when there are numerous shooters they are no better than ear plugs in my opinion.
The Walker’s Digital Razor Electronic Earmuffs are designed with a new ergonomic head band design for comfort and support. They feature a powerful NRR rating of 23dB, as well as active dynamic sound suppression for safety at the range.
To ensure the preservation of the two AAA batteries the Digital Razor features an auto shut off at 2, 4, and 6 hour marks. The Digital Razor is a high performing set of earmuffs which deliver amazingly fast reaction times which ensure optimum protection at the range.
I just purchased these as a replacement to the Walker Razor XTRM (which were horrible). Initial impressions were they had better comfort then the Razor XTRM but I also fell into the same “volume button” issue that other people complained about.
There is a trick to it – these don’t have the same type of button that clicks on and off by rotating the button up/down, you have to press the button in from the front but the trick is to hold it in for a second.
You will hear a signal and they will turn on. Same to turn off, hold the button in for a second and you will hear a signal before they shut off. Sound quality is great – I had someone walk around me making noise and I could pick up their location with my eyes closed so directional sound quality is very good.
Additionally, I read a review that someone said the white noise was horrible with these, and I thought the same thing when I first turned them on but quickly realized the white noise was my furnace running.
Once the furnace shut off, the noise went away and it was perfectly quiet until I made a some additional sound – I was very impressed with the sound qualify. Overall initial impressions is 5 stars, but need to get them out to a match to see how they truly perform.
dissapointing. The sound of a running faucet gets louder with volume increase. Took them outside with no electronics nearby. Same white noise. Speaker cuts out with a finger snap. So that works like it should.
But it could interupt a conversation. I thought the more recent Walkers would be better. I was mistaken. These didn’t even make it to the range. They are going back tomorrow.
Best sound reducing headphones I’ve ever owned. I’ve been target shooting for over 40 years and these headphones completely change the sound of gunfire. The sound is so muffled. Works even better with my leaf blower.
They are low noise and frequency tuned for natural sound clarity and the recessed volume control knobs allow the user to tune the muff to the frequency position that best matches the user’s hearing. The independent volume control permits the hunter the ability to dial each side of the muff to a comfortable sound level for each ear.
Each ear muffs has 2 thick foam padding which overs 15mm. Soft imitation leather provides comfort and a tight sound-proof seal. Padded headband can reduce the pressure on the head effectively. Better features better hearing protection.
Fantastic ear protection; very highly recommended! I bought a pair on sale for $7. 99 and hoped for the best. My expectations were greatly exceeded both in the level of hearing protection and how comfortable to wear this product is.
I logged back in to order a couple more for others, but unfortunately that great deal (nearly half-price) already expired. Still a great product though.
This hearting protector is awesome. I have bought couple if them. I gave it to my friend. It’s best for woodworking abd any type of handyman work. The price is very reasonable.
Honeywell Impact Pro Sound Amplification Electronic Earmuffs were designed for handgun and pistol shooters looking for maximum hearing protection. These earmuffs carry a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 30 in both on and off mode.
When the electronic ear protection is switched on, these earmuffs employ built-in directional microphones that amplify range commands and other ambient sounds to a safe 82 dB, providing more natural listening and enhanced communication.
As an added safety feature, Honeywell Earmuffs also actively listen and automatically shut off amplification when loud impulsive sounds like firearm discharges reach 82 dB. Padded headband features telescopic height adjustment for a comfortable, customized fit.
Rubberized pressure points prevent gunstock scratching. An external audio jack lets you connect the earmuffs to an MP3 player, scanner or other audio source. The automatic shut-off function after 4 hours helps extend battery life.
Protect yourself against hazardous gunfire noise without being left in silence.
Design Idea: This shooting earmuffs is designed to suppress shooting noise and protect hearing. These shooting earmuffs are designed with stereo sound which makes sound heard through internal amplifiers more stereo, realistic and clear and the comfortable ear pads provide pefect shooting experience.
Noise Reduction Rating (23 NRR): Please turn on the volume control button to enable electronic noise reduction when you shooting, hunting or in a noise enviroment to keep you stay under the regular sound or slight sound enviroment to protect your hearing.
Only high-end earmuffs could make it happen. With millions of electronic shooting earmuffs being sold across the world, you can trust awesafe as the leader in quality and service!.
I’ve had several different brands of shooting earphones, one electronic. I usually keep the regular ones in my range bag for anyone who forgets theirs. I loaned my electronic set to my sister when she took her CCW class and decided to just buy myself a new pair.
This Awesafe brand is phenomenal!!! Even though my other set does a decent job at blocking the noise and allows you to hear everyone talk, they still make me feel like I’m wearing them and I want to yank them off when listening to someone.
The Awesafe phones block out noise and allow you to hear your instructor speak and they are comfortable!!!!! I highly recommend these and will probably order a set for my husband, too. Very affordable, too.
The Caldwell E-Max Electronic Earmuffs combine great circuitry with a low-profile ear cup that is ideal for shotgun shooters and action shooters. The two microphones in the E-Max amplify sounds below 85 decibels, which amplifies normal communication, range commands and environmental sounds.
Above 85 decibels, the microphones shut off to protect the shooter’s hearing. The ear cup width is 1. 75 inches and two AAA batteries are required but not included. Enabled with one stereo microphone in each cup, the user can localize sound from all directions.
They worked great for one range session, but the next day would not amplify sounds any longer even with new batteries. when it did work, there was a small amount of static when using my cell. I think the designers got together and had a contest on who could come up with the absolute worst place to locate the external input jack.
Its on the top of the ear cup totally blocked by the headband. Also, if your planning to use these for home defense situation, there is a red light on the side which could possibly reveal your location in the dark.
I’ve had my pair for two years now. First pair I returned after a week due to high amount of static when switched on. This is my second pair that I use infrequently and, although it initially was better (as opposed to being correct) it now has a high amount of static in the left ear and a little less in the right.
EarShield’s new Sound Reduction Chamber Technology changes the sport shooter experience. Now you can shield your ears from high-decibel noise comfortably while hearing other sound frequencies such as speech, clearly, without removing your gear.
Unlike muffs, Ear Shield’s compact design won’t get in the way of achieving the proper cheek weld.
I don’t like jamming plugs in my ears and ear muffs would get displaced by my stock, then I saw another shooter using these. After talking to my fellow shooter I decided to give these a try. These are the most comfortable hearing protection I have ever tried, and if you follow the directions they provide excellent hearing protection.
Another thing I like about them is that when I’m not on the line I can put these around my neck, out of the way but readily accessible when my group is up. I have had no trouble wearing these with a hat, or with shooting glasses, they are lightweight, and not bulky.
I would say that I can’t think of another design that I have seen or tried that works as well or is as comfortable.
Protect your hearing while still being able to listen to conversations or keep an ear on machinery. These ear muffs feature cutting-edge noise reduction technology that blocks out only the sounds that exceed safety levels.
Featuring over 200 hours of battery life on two AA batteries (sold separately), hands-free operation and an LED indicator light, these ear muffs offer user-friendly noise reduction ideal for the workplace or garage.
I use these in the automotive shop that I work in. The hearing protection is enough to block the air compressor when it kicks in, but I am able to still hear people and thing. When it is turned on, the pick-up mic on the right side bring things in well as long the right side is receiving the sound.
If someone is talking to you on your left, its a little harder to hear because the mic is on the right. The active noise canceling works really fast. I don’t have to worry about sudden noises suddenly in the headset.
When it is quiet and it is still on, there is slight reverberation that comes through and then goes away. This doesn’t happen when there is active noise. It is comfortable for extended use if wearing the headset properly.
I find myself wearing it only on the right ear, and having my left open, with the headset on works well for me since I am right handed and use cordless tools. However, I cannot wear it this way for long periods of time because the pressure on my jaw and head is uncomfortable.
Again normal wear is comfortable, modified wear is limited in comfort. Its a little bulky but for the price and how it’s changed my work flow, I am glad I purchased them.
The SportTac Jagd has a foldable headband and two pairs of capsule shells in green and orange. The hearing protector has an attenuation value of SNR = 26 dB. The unique digital technology of the SportTac Jagd offers dynamic control of external noise: while harmful sound levels are reliably attenuated, ambient noise can be heard at normal volume or is even amplified.
The gentle level-dependent function prevents the sound from switching off abruptly. In addition, the SportTac Jagd is equipped with an automatic shut-off function and an audio input for external radios.
Soft, non-slip sealing rings guarantee an optimal fit and high wearing comfort. The foldable stainless steel headband can be stored in a space-saving manner and is easy to carry. The set includes 2 x 1.
5 V AAA batteries with a service life of approx. 600 hours. Suitable hygiene sets allow the hygienic and economical use of the 3M Peltor SportTac hunting.
I bought these fory husband as they’d been in his watch list for ages and I don’t know much about shooting but if it makes him happy on his birthday, who am I to complain. So he shows me how they work, now we’re in lockdown so we put a scene on in the punisher with lots of loud shooting and turned it up loud (sorry neighbours) and I could hear my husband speak but muted gunfire in the background.
I took them off and was nearly deafened by the noise. I can see why he’s happy!.
Orvis Adaptive Hearing Protection ear plugs are inspired by the desire to hear the flush of a bird while protecting ears from the shotgun blast. Reduces general sounds by only 5dB, ensuring voice and background noise can be heard, while reducing loud impulsive sounds up to 33db.
I ordered a pair of these and noticed a date on the outside of the package. Figured it was the manufacture date since it was 08/2020 and I ordered these in Nov. 2020. Reading the instructions it states, ” It is not recommended to use the product after the expiration date (see outside of package).
The specified attenuation of the product can no longer be guaranteed after the expiration date”. I contacted customer service, explained the problem and was sent another pair. They had the same date.
I contacted them again, and was sent a third pair after being assured they would get to the bottom of the issue. After returning the first two I received the third pair. They had the same date! Shame on Orvis! I thought they were more professional than that.
These were not a good product for me. The larger size was impossible to place in my ears. The smaller size seemed to fit very well initially, but would walk themselves out of the ear canal within an hour of hunting.
The sound attenuation was very odd when I could get them to stay in my ear. Some quiet sounds very dull while others were perfectly clear.
This is a really good value in hearing protection. The metal carry case makes it versatile in how you can store and transport the hearing protection. They are easy to use and work well in the two modes of protection.
If one thing could be offered would be to have a third medium size option. For me, the small was too little and the large was slightly oversized for my ears. Overall though, the purchase was well worth the cost.
The Walker’s Bluetooth Passive Earmuffs with Boom Mic offer passive ear protection with the option of connecting to your mobile device through Bluetooth technology. The boom mic is adjustable with a wind screen which gives a distinctively digital clear sound without interference.
The Bluetooth Passive Muffs feature an auto shut off a 2, 4, and 6 hours, as well as a new ergonomic head band design for comfort. Powered by two AAA batteries which are included.
It can use 4 hours everyday during 6 or 7 days. I usually use it 2 hours during the morning and other 2 hours in the evening. Start from Monday and change the battery on Saturday late midnight or Sunday afternoon.
One thing I have to say, I recommend avoiding use the Duracell deluxe Alkaline battery for it. When it has been used other batteries, for example, Energizer, PB brand, other local brand does not have any problem.
However, only Duracell deluxe has problem. It is leaked by over H gas and made inside battery cage mess with white dust. To use it longer, Ni-MH battery is suggested.
My brother gifted this to me Christmas 2020. I really enjoy using these muff for yard work and woodworking. The controls work great, microphone works well, and very comfortable. I personally use Panasonic eneloop pro rechargeable batteries so I am always ready to go.
Honestly prefer that these use batteries. Highly recommended.
Bought two. They both worked for about two weeks and then wouldnt turn on. New batterys and still wont turn on. Both have same issue. They worked great for the two weeks. Then they just shut off and wouldnt turn back on.
Berettas standard ear muffs are perfect for the shooting range. Lowprofile, compact design offers great value and protection of db-25. International origin. Incredibly efficient low-profile, great valueCompact design offers protection on the average of db-25, with a frequency range of 13 to 32-dbImported.
Good ear protection and I really like the feel of it. It’s just the right amount of tightness without squeezing my head. Since everyone has different shaped head, I’m sure some will like this more than others.
Personally it fits really well for me and has adequate sound proofing ability. Even though not necessary, I wear ear plugs with these anyway just because I don’t mind ear plugs and one can never have enough protection.
They look nice. Fold up easily. Protect my hearing. Got them at 50% off and that’s an absolute steal at that price. Used about 5 times so can’t comment on how they’ll hold up. I’m happy with the purchase.
The Low-Profile E-Max hearing protection combines great circuitry with a low profile earcup that’s ideal for shotgun shooters and action shooters. The E-Max amplifies sounds below 85 decibels, which amplifies normal communication, range commands, and environmental sounds.
Above 85 decibels, the microphones shut off for a split second to protect the shooter’s hearing. Two microphones – one in each cup – give the user true stereo sound and allow the user to identify the directional source of a sound.
Includes an integrated audio input jack allowing music to be played. Runs on 2 AAA batteries (not included). 23dB Noise Reduction Rating.
Bought these for the range. They work great. First time using an electronic version, and when I turned them all the way up you can hear so clearly 100ft away, amazing. Definitely a nice set for a good price.
The 3M Peltor EEP-100 electronic earplug helps protect your hearing, and can help improve situational awareness and communications in challenging environments. This kit includes a protective charging case and an assortment of eartips.
The 3M Peltor electronic earplug helps protect your hearing, and can help improve situational awareness and communications in challenging environments. The earpieces are rechargeable via a micro-USB jack on the charging case.
The case also provides easy and convenient storage of the earpieces when not being used. The small and lightweight design helps improve the overall comfort and user experience, and makes it compatible with most head borne Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as helmets and face shields.
Great product. They have been used at outdoor and indoor ranges during instruction. 1. High noise cancelation, and 2. crisp audio. 3. Fit is better than the Walkers while moving/running. Overall better than the Walkers in all 3 categories.
Charging is easy and lasts all day. Does not have bluetooth.
They have lasted for many days at the range, good sound suppression, three levels of amplified sounds, only tiny bit of wind noise problem. Good battery life. Just finally tore a tip, got it stuck in my ear actually.
Great for shooting with a rifle, will not interfere with rifle stock, and no more sweety ears all day in the sun.
Says fully charged with the green light but the ear plugs won’t turn on, I’ve tried a million times a million different ways pressed long pressed short, nothing I hear no beeps
Caldwell’s low-profile E-Max hearing protection combines great circuitry with a low profile earcup ideal for shotgun shooters and action shooters. The microphones in the E-Max amplify sounds below 85 decibels, which includes normal communication, range commands, and environmental sounds.
Above 85 decibels, the microphones shut off for a split second to protect the shooter’s hearing. Two microphones, one in each cup, give the user true stereo sound and allow the user to identify the directional source of a sound.
It includes an integrated audio input jack allowing music to be played. E-Max hearing protection has a padded, adjustable headband, volume control knob, power indicator light, and folds compactly. E-Max earmuffs provide a 23NRR and run on 2 AAA batteries (not included).
SKU 33540045 – Protect your hearing when shooting. Mics and advanced circuitry allow you to hear normal sounds in stereo, but it cutoffs for loud noises like firing guns. Adjustable volume. Folds compact.
Low profile earpads are comfortable but allow a closer-to-head fit.
Browning’s HDR Protector earmuff provides a noise reduction rating of 37dB and features soft, comfortable foam earcups that you can wear all day at the range. It also has a padded/adjustable headband and Buckmark logo.
The headband feels great, the earcups themself not so much. Having larger ears makes them a little uncomfortable. Sound dampening is good, not as good as a pair of 3m Peltor but close to.
The cheap flimsy plastic breaks easily on connectors to cups. That then makes product useless. The package rating says 37dB NRR, but it was false, the newer ones now state 26dB. It is best to get strong yellow construction earmuffs that have a better rating and are very durable.
After much deliberation, the committee has come to a conclusion about hearing protection for hunting. We feel that it is necessary for all hunters to wear some form of hearing protection while hunting.
This will help to protect their hearing from the loud noise of firearms. We also feel that hunters should be taught about the importance of hearing protection and how to properly use it.
