What Type of Ear Protection Should You Use When Shooting?

Regardless of whether you go to the range for target practice, to the woods to hunt, or just go to a friend’s property to shoot soda cans, it is essential to protect your ears from the deafening sound of a gunshot. There are several types of applications gun owners can wear, including earplugs, earmuffs and electronic devices.  Let’s take a look at how they stack up against each other.

Earplugs fit inside the ear canal, while earmuffs are worn over the ears. Both provide hearing protection, and are both are wise to bring with you anytime you are going to shoot.

However, those types of protective devices may not the best option for everyone.  Earplugs for hunting, which are typically made of foam or rubber, may not always end up being securely inserted into the ears, thus allowing loud noises to get past them. Also, they need to be taken out when someone is talking to the shooter (so they can hear), and that can be dangerous if someone else in close range fires off the gun. Then, ear plugs have to be slid back in, which can be a challenge in of itself, with the wearer carefully making sure they’re effectively doing their job.

Although they have their benefits, earmuffs also have a few notable disadvantages. For example, on hot days, sweat can build up inside of them. They may also cause headaches because they’re compressing against the shooter’s head. Eyewear and earmuffs can get in the way of one another, such that a gap may form between the temple piece of eyewear and the foam of the muff. This little groove could allow into your ears, thus negating the purpose of wearing the muffs.

Luckily, there are options available for shooters who want effective custom hearing protection that is comfortable to wear and convenient to use. Electronic Shooters Protection makes custom in-ear electronic devices that enable the shooter to have normal conversations with people when they need to, as well as protect their ears when shooting. Because of digital technology, these Electronic Shooters Protection devices muffle loud noises but allow for normal, everyday conversation. They’re ideal for those who shoot or hunt often.

Ultimately, the most important thing to remember is that you have some sort of protection for your ears while shooting.  The last thing you want is to suffer hearing loss or have a chronic and aggravating ringing sound in your ears because you forgot to bring protection.  Whether you prefer earmuffs, earplugs, or one of our protective devices, make sure you do not shoot without them on!