The Risk of Hearing Loss Hearing Loss: The RiskHearing loss can be progressive, and irreversible. This is a serious issue for shooters. The NRA Blog warns that you may not even be aware that you are damaging your hearing. Hearing loss can occur gradually and go unnoticed for a long time. The damage is already done. “Effective hearing protection should be worn whenever you shoot firearms or are in the vicinity when gunshots are heard. We recommend a set of foam earplugs with a tapered tip, topped off by ear-muffs for ultimate protection. There are times when you might prefer a lighter hearing protection that is easily removed. If you are a rangemaster, waddie, or an observer standing behind the firing line, you may prefer a lighter-weight hearing protection that can be quickly removed. Is it okay to not wear hearing protection if you use a suppressor? Not really. Even the most efficient suppressors on the smallest, quietest calibers (.22 LR) reduce the peak sound of a shot to between 110 and 120 dB. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, that’s as loud as a jackhammer or ambulance siren (120 dB). For handguns and rifles of normal caliber, suppressed sounds levels regularly exceed 130 dB. This is just shy of OSHA’s “hearing-safe” threshold of 140dB. We recommend hearing protection, even when shooting suppressed. 1. Ear Muffs – Maximum Protection and Compact Options. The highest noise reduction rating in the USA is currently 34 dB. You need a lot of muffs to get this level of protection. Thankfully, they are not expensive. Quality ANSI-approved muffs that have a 30+ dB noise reduction rating can be purchased for under $15. Choose between the 34 NRR G&F PRO Muffs priced at $13.99, or the more comfortable 30-NRR Walker EXT Range Muffs priced at $14.97. Both products feature padded headbands that retract. Many hunters and competitive shotgunners prefer low-profile earmuffs. We recommend earplugs to be worn under these muffs as they have a lower noise reduction rating, such as NRR 22-24. This is especially important when shooting at a busy range, or during a match. If you use Howard Leight Impact Sport muffs or other low-profile electronic muffs you should be able to still hear range commands with earplugs underneath. 2. Electronic Plugs – New Technology with Adjustable Volume For maximum hearing protection, we still recommend quality foam earplugs over good muffs. However, there is now a new option. Many companies offer electronic ear buds with small speakers that allow you to hear range commands and conversation. These MUST be specially designed protective in-ear devices. Use ear-buds that are NOT designed for music! Howard Leight has recently introduced new Impact Sport in-ear plugs with a 29 dB noise reduction rating (NRR). This NRR is higher than most compact ear muffs. The plugs automatically reduce amplification when loud impulse noises (like gunshots), exceed 85dB. Internal amplification enables you to hear range orders and conversations. The cord that connects the plugs has two convenient volume controls. These plugs have 3 different ear tip sizes and moldable earhooks. Amazon offers the deluxe model, which includes quick-connect BlueTooth, for $79.99. This high-tech BlueTooth model allows you to make phone calls. 3. Foam Earplugs – Small, inexpensive, but essential 20 Pairs
50 Pairs
Foam earplugs are a great way to protect your hearing at a low price. These Howard Leight Max plugs NRR33 are your Editor’s favourite foam earplugs. Max plugs are in my ears at least 3-4 times a week. I use them for shooting, motorcycling, and mowing the lawn. These Leight Max Plugs are very effective and easy to insert/remove with the flared ends. They also seem to be less abrasive than other brands. You can buy 20 pairs of NRR33 Leight Max Plugs for only $9.25. If you prefer thin, lightweight earmuffs we recommend wearing earplugs under them for double protection when shooting firearms (or on the firing range). Sound experts say that combining earplugs and muffs can improve noise reduction by up to 7 dB. 4. Ear bands — Quick on/off, Lightweight and Inexpensive These hearing bands are lightweight and inexpensive. They are useful for special situations such as using noisy power tools and hedgetrimmers, where you may need the protection removed frequently. These banded products can also be used as a form of hearing protection by hunters. You can wear them around your neck while you are spotting the game and insert the plugs just before shooting. We have tested two types of banded ear protection, the Howard Leight Silent Band (shown below) (25 dB NR), and the Radians Rad-Band (23/dB NR). The Leight Quiet Band has a high level of durability and the plugs are replaceable. The Radians Rad-Band, which is available on Amazon for only $6.58, features Jelli(tm), washable and reusable plugs that are comfortable. Peltor offers Sport Banded Earplugs. These come with 3 pairs of ear buds and are available on Amazon for $12.20. This site can earn revenue through Amazon sales commissions as an Amazon affiliate.
