Stay Safe on the Range With the Best Shooting Ear Protection

Stay Safe on the Range With the Best Shooting Ear Protection

You only get one set of ears, so ensuring they’re protected throughout your life is essential. If you’re participating in shooting events, hunting, or work on a loud jobsite, protecting your ears is a necessity. Without protection, you can damage your eardrums and impair your hearing for the rest of your life. While this sounds scary, the good news is that ear protection is easy to come by.

Ear protection for shooting comes in many shapes and sizes. There are earmuffs and earplugs that prevent noise from penetrating your ears. Furthermore, these products are simple and easy to work with. Still, you need to start somewhere. So, we’re going to take you through the ten best products for shooting ear protection and offer shopping tips to help you narrow down your options.

Things to Consider When Shopping for Shooting Ear Protection

Shopping for ear protection is no easy task. There are many options and many features to look for. Every product is unique, so you want to make sure you’re looking at the right fit. To help you get started, we’re going to take you through a handful of things to look for in shooting ear protection.

Type

We’ll begin with the types of ear protection for shooting. While most products vary, there are two options to choose from. These options are earmuffs and earplugs. Earmuffs resemble headphones in shape/size and offer the best noise reduction. Earmuffs are also more expensive for that reason. While earmuffs provide the best protection, earplugs are also a viable option. Earplugs go inside your ear to reduce noise. Earplugs are also more affordable, but they’re less comfortable.

Electronic

One of the most significant decisions you have to make for ear protection is whether you want an electronic product. Electronic products cost more but come with enhanced features. For example, electronic earmuffs for shooting come with ambient noise amplification, which lets you hear your surroundings and protect your ears simultaneously. Some electronic products also come with audio and communication capabilities.

While electronic protection for shooting is a great choice, it’s not always necessary. Many products offer similar decibel protection without relying on batteries. These products are more affordable, but they don’t offer premium features like ambient noise amplification or audio capabilities.

Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)

Before choosing ear protection for shooting, understanding a product’s noise reduction rating (NRR) is essential. The NRR rating of a product tells you much noise reduction the product provides. Most products offer NRR ratings between 15-34 decibels. For higher caliber weapons or rifles, you’ll want a higher NRR rating. If you’ll be protecting yourself from landscaping or jobsite noise, a lower NRR rating is acceptable.

Price

Ear protection for shooting comes in many different prices. Simple products without advanced features are cheap, but you get what you pay for. For premium ear protection, you’ll have to spend more for those features. To make things straightforward, we’ve grouped each product into one of three categories:

$: Around $10
$$: Around $25
$$$: Around $50

Knowing what to look for in ear protection for shooting makes shopping a breeze. Still, you want the best of the best when it comes to protecting your ears. So, read on to learn about the ten best products for shooting ear protection. If you’re looking for hearing protection while using tools only, make sure to check out this guide here.

Top 10 Best Shooting Ear Protection 2023

1. Best Overall Pick: Howard Leight Impact Sport Earmuffs

Howard Leight Impact Sport Earmuffs

Why we like it: Howard Leight Impact Sport Earmuffs are our favorite choice because they offer the most value. You get premium protection, noise amplification, and portability for a great price.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Price: $$$
  • Type: Headphones
  • Electronic: Yes
  • NRR Rating: 82dB

Howard Leight Impact Sport Earmuffs offer top-notch protection from sounds over 82 decibels while allowing you to hear everything under that decibel range. The earmuffs feature an electronic and sturdy design. Large earmuffs protect your ears with comfortable padding, and they’re foldable for compact storage. Even the headband is flexible and comes with padding.

This product also comes with everything you need right out of the box, including two AAA batteries that offer 350 hours of battery life. The auto-shutoff feature also helps the earmuffs remain charged if you’re not exposed to loud noise frequently. These earmuffs also come with auxiliary capabilities so that you can use them for music.

What Sets It Apart

Howard Leight Impact Sport Earmuffs are unique because of the 82-decibel noise cancellation feature. While other earmuffs have active noise amplification for lower sounds, these headphones give you the best range. They’ll drown-out shooting sounds, but you can hear almost everything else. This makes these earmuffs ideal for any shooting conditions.

Things to Consider

The Howard Leight Impact Sport Earmuffs is a great product, but you don’t always need electronic earmuffs. While electronic earmuffs allow you to hear other noises, if you only shoot for fun at shooting ranges, more budget-friendly ear protection is adequate. The Pro For Sho Shooting Ear Protection is an excellent alternative for more casual shooters.

Who It’s For

If you’re looking for high-quality ear protection, look no further. This product comes with everything you need for a day at the shooting range or a week-long hunting trip. We recommend these earmuffs for everyone, but people that need to hear ambient noises during shooting benefit the most from these earmuffs.

Pros

  • Allows you to hear noises under 82 decibels
  • Comes with snap-in ear cushions
  • Batteries included
  • Foldable for storage and travel
  • Padded headband and earmuffs
  • Auto-shutoff

Cons

  • More expensive than non-electronic earmuffs

2. Best Premium Pick: Peltor Sport Tactical 100

Peltor Sport Tactical 100

Why we like it: We love this product because it blocks out the wind while letting you hear the rest of your surroundings with ease.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Price: $$$
  • Type: Earmuffs
  • Electronic: Yes
  • NRR Rating: 24dB

The Peltor Sport Tactical 100 is excellent for noise cancellation and amplification. The earmuffs use innovative 3M technology to ensure you can hear conversations and commands while blocking out harmful noise levels from firearms. The earmuffs come with comfortable padding, and the headband is flexible. These earmuffs can also be used as headphones with an auxiliary input.

What Sets It Apart

Peltor Sport Tactical 100 is unique because of the technology. There are recessed microphones that enhance low-level noise and block out noise from heavy equipment or gunshots. Still, what makes this technology special is the ability to filter out the noise from the wind. Even advanced shooting ear protection struggles with this, so seeing an option that handles the wind is refreshing and the reason this product is our premium pick.

Things to Consider

The Peltor Sport Tactical 100 is excellent for shooting ear protection, but it comes with a high price tag. Compared to similar products, it’s above-average in price, even for electronic shooting ear protection.

If you like the level of protection that this product offers, but need a more budget-friendly option, Howard Leight Impact Sport Earmuffs are a great alternative. They offer similar protection for a more affordable price.

Who It’s For

If you’re someone who takes shooting seriously and uses firearms frequently, these earmuffs are a great choice. They work well for hunting, shooting at ranges, and operating jobsite equipment. Just make sure you’re ready to pay top dollar for top-notch protection.

Pros

  • Recessive microphones block out noise from the wind
  • Reduces noise from gunshots but amplifies noise for conversations or commands
  • Padded and foldable

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Doesn't come with batteries

3. Best for Style: Pro For Sho Shooting Ear Protection

Pro For Sho Shooting Ear Protection

Why we like it: We love these earmuffs because they protect your ears from decibel levels up to 34dB. For non-electronic shooting ear protection, this is an impressive feat.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Price: $$
  • Type: Earmuffs
  • Electronic: No
  • NNR Rating: 34dB

Pro For Sho Shooting Ear Protection are industrial-grade earmuffs. These earmuffs protect you from noise up to 34dB, which is excellent for most landscaping and gunshot noises. The earmuffs are also exceptionally portable. You can fold them for storage, and they’re lightweight.

These earmuffs also have a sleek white color that pops, making them more fashionable than other products. The padding is also comfortable, and the headband is adjustable to fit different sizes.

What Sets It Apart

Pro For Sho Shooting Ear Protection Earmuffs are unique because of the decibel range they protect you from. Most non-electronic earmuffs and earplugs top out around 24 decibels. While that’s adequate for landscaping and low caliber rifles, more massive weapons require better protection. For this reason, Pro Fo Sho earmuffs protect you from sounds up to 34 decibels.

Things to Consider

While these earmuffs work well, they’re not electronic. This means there is no noise amplification feature or audio use. While this is okay for some shoppers, if you need shooting ear protection for hunting, listening to your surroundings is essential. If you like the size of these earmuffs but need active noise amplification, Walker’s Game Ear Razor is a great alternative.

Who It’s For

If you’re looking for simple earmuffs to protect you at the range or around the house, this product is a great choice. It covers more decibels than other non-electronic products, and they’re comfortable. Plus, if you like stylish shooting wear, these earmuffs look great with the white finish.

Pros

  • Protects up to 34dB
  • Straightforward design
  • Foldable and portable
  • Sleek, white finish

Cons

  • No active noise amplification
  • No audio capabilities

4. Best for Job Sites: Walker's Razor Slim Ear Muff

Walker's Razor Slim Ear Muff

Why we like it: These earmuffs are one of our favorite choices because everything is balanced. While they perform well, they're easy to use and take with you on the go. Plus, they work for almost every application, even on job sites.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Price: $$
  • Type: Earmuffs
  • Electronic: Yes
  • NRR Rating: 28dB

The Walker’s Razor Slim Ear Muff is a well-rounded product that keeps your ears safe from loud noise while amplifying lower decibel sounds. This makes the earmuffs great for shooting because you can hear your surroundings without harming your ears when you take the shot. These earmuffs are also comfortable and portable. The earmuffs and headband are padded, and you can fold them for storage.

What Sets It Apart

These earmuffs are unique because they only cancel noise over 28 decibels. This is useful because most loud sounds will be blocked out. This includes lawnmowers, garden tools, and even super loud tools like demolition hammers. For these reasons, these earmuffs are great for more than just shooting.

Things to Consider

These earmuffs are great, but the static noise becomes overwhelming in windy conditions. This is because the earmuffs amplify sounds, and that includes the wind coming into contact with the earmuffs. Sure, you can lower the volume, but then you can’t hear anything else. This makes hunting in windy conditions a hassle with these earmuffs.

If you like the idea of electronic earmuffs but hunt in less than ideal conditions, we recommend going with Peltor Sport Tactical 100 instead. The noise enhancement is better quality, and the wind is easily managed with recessive microphones.

Who It’s For

These earmuffs are for people that do more than shooting. If you’re looking to block out sounds from things like landscaping equipment, these earmuffs are a great choice. Still, they’re also useful for a day at the range or hunting trail.

Pros

  • Foldable and portable
  • Comes with auxiliary capabilities
  • Padded headband and earmuffs

Cons

  • Not great in the wind
  • Cancels all noise over 28 decibels, which isn't always ideal for hunting

5. Best for Safety: Decibel Defense Professional Safety Ear Muffs

Decibel Defense Professional Safety Ear Muffs

Why we like it: We love these earmuffs because the manufacturer spent time ensuring it's their best product. This is evident in the OSHA safety rating and ANSI S3.19 & CE EN 352-1 certification.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Price: $$
  • Type: Earmuffs
  • Electronic: No
  • NRR Rating: 37dB

Decibel Defense Professional Safety Ear Muffs are impressive. For the price, protection up to 37dB is challenging to find. Furthermore, these earmuffs don’t sacrifice comfort or portability. The headband is adjustable for different sizes, and you can fold this product for storage. These earmuffs also come in nine different colors, and there is an extra-large option if needed.

What Sets It Apart

These earmuffs are unique because of the protection they provide. This product is ANSI S3.19 & CE EN 352-1 certified, covering the United States and the European Union. Furthermore, these earmuffs are also approved by OSHA. Still, OSHA creates a safety net of 3dB, so these earmuffs are rated for 34dB.

Things to Consider

These are well-rounded earmuffs for shooting, but they’re more expensive than similar products with identical features. For example, the Pro For Sho Shooting Ear Protection Earmuffs offer similar features for the same price. These earmuffs also lack active noise amplification.

Who It’s For

These earmuffs are an excellent choice for people that spend a lot of time at the shooting range. They’re comfortable, and the decibel protection is adequate for most weapon calibers. People that work in landscaping or construction can also benefit from these earmuffs.

Pros

  • ANSI S3.19 & CE EN 352-1 certified
  • Approved by OSHA
  • Extra-large size option
  • Multiple color options
  • Foldable and adjustable headband

Cons

  • No active noise amplification for ambient sounds
  • No audio capabilities
  • More expensive than similar shooting ear protection

6. Military Grade: Vanderfield's Hearing Protection for Shooting

Vanderfield's Hearing Protection for Shooting

Why we like it: We love shooting ear protection that's backed by the military. Knowing that soldiers use the same earmuffs makes Vanderfield a company you can trust.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Price: $
  • Type: Earmuffs
  • Electronic: No
  • NRR Rating: 26dB

Vanderfield’s Hearing Protection for Shooting is well-rounded and works for most applications. While it doesn’t rely on batteries, it protects you from sounds up to 26dB, which is slightly above the industry average. These earmuffs are also foldable, and you can adjust the headband to fit your size. The padding is also comfortable and uses two layers for longevity.

What Sets It Apart

Vanderfield’s Hearing Protection for Shooting is used by the military for a good reason. The National Guard uses these headphones, along with some units of the Army, for pistol training. This makes them a great choice if you’re an army enthusiast or have experience with military-grade ear protection for shooting. Vanderfield also offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so there is no risk.

Things to Consider

Vanderfield’s Hearing Protection for Shooting works for most pistols and landscaping applications, but it’s not suitable for higher caliber weapons. For example, assault rifles and shotguns will still leave your ears ringing with these earmuffs. If you need better protection for larger rifles and don’t need electronic earmuffs, we recommend Pro For Sho Shooting Ear Protection as an alternative.

Who It’s For

If you’re shooting pistols or need silence around the job site, these earmuffs are a perfect choice. While they don’t handle large calibers well, you’ll have no problem getting landscaping done with your ears intact.

Pros

  • Used by the U.S. military for handgun training drills
  • Budget-friendly
  • Foldable and adjustable headband
  • Comfortable padding
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee

Cons

  • Only suitable for small firearms, not shotguns or large caliber rifles
  • No ambient noise amplification

7. Most Flexible: ProCase Noise Reduction Ear Muffs

ProCase Noise Reduction Ear Muffs

Why we like it: This is one of our favorite choices because it's more flexible than most shooting ear protection. Our favorite feature is the 360-degree rotating ear cups.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Price: $
  • Type: Earmuffs
  • Electronic: No
  • NRR Rating: 28dB

ProCase Noise Reduction Ear Muffs are flexible and efficient. While the noise protection is reliable, these earmuffs benefit from a well-rounded design. The headband is adjustable and foldable, and the earmuffs can be rotated up to 360 degrees.

ProCase also uses an ABS shell to dampen noise, which is one of the most advanced designs around. The cups have a generous amount of space, and the ergonomic design makes these earmuffs comfortable to wear for long periods.

What Sets It Apart

ProCase Noise Reduction Ear Muffs are unique because of flexibility. Most shooting ear protection is flexible to an extent, but ProCase took the ball and ran with it. This is evident in the ergonomic headband and cups that rotate up to 360 degrees. Compared to other shooting ear protection, ProCase has the most flexible product.

Things to Consider

These earmuffs are reliable and well-made, but they lack premium features. There is no active ambient noise amplification, and the padding is thick. While the thick padding is comfortable, it makes it difficult to hear things going on around you. With these earmuffs on, even a conversation becomes a hassle.

If you’re looking for shooting ear protection that comes with active ambient noise amplification, one of the best alternatives is the Peltor Sport Tactical 100. The Peltor Sport Tactical 100 comes with ambient noise amplification and uses recessive microphones to keep the wind’s sound to a minimum.

Who It’s For

ProCase Noise Reduction Ear Muffs are an excellent choice for shoppers that don’t need the top model. If you’re looking for simple shooting ear protection that works, these earmuffs are a great choice. You get flexibility and excellent protection at a bargain price.

Pros

  • Low price
  • The cups rotate up to 360 degrees
  • Flexible and foldable headband
  • ABS shell

Cons

  • No ambient noise amplification
  • No audio capabilities

8. Best Earplugs: SureFire EP4 Sonic Defenders

SureFire EP4 Sonic Defenders

Why we like it: We love this product because they make a great alternative to bulky earmuffs.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Price: $
  • Type: Earplugs
  • Electronic: No
  • NRR Rating: 24dB

SureFire EP4 Sonic Defenders are great earplugs that come with many features. First and foremost, the earplugs are made with hypoallergenic polymer so that you can keep them in your ear for extended periods. Secondly, these earplugs come with patented EarLock retention rings that hold them firmly in place. There are also different layers that you can use.

Without the filter caps, you can hear sounds as if you didn’t have earplugs in. Once you add the filter caps, the earplugs block out any noise over 24 decibels. These earplugs can also be linked up to compatible communication technology.

What Sets It Apart

SureFire EP4 Sonic Defenders are unique because they give you an alternate option. While earmuffs are popular for shooting ear protection, earplugs can work just as well. Plus, some shoppers prefer earplugs because they’re light and portable. These earplugs are also manufactured in the USA and have an EarLock patent you can’t find anywhere else.

Things to Consider

SureFire EP4 Sonic Defenders are great for people that like earplugs. Still, earplugs aren’t always the best choice. Because of the small size, SureFire EP4 Sonic Defenders don’t block out as much noise as earmuffs. Furthermore, earplugs aren’t as comfortable as earmuffs for long periods.

Who It’s For

SureFire EP4 Sonic Defenders are an excellent choice for shoppers that don’t want bulky earmuffs. These earplugs offer similar levels of noise protection, and they’re simple to work with. They’re affordable, decent for shooting, and great for landscaping.

Pros

  • Small and portable
  • Made in the USA with patented EarLock technology
  • Can use filtering caps for additional protection

Cons

  • Uncomfortable for long periods

9. Best Non-Electric: Mpow 035 Noise Reduction Safety Ear Muffs

Mpow 035 Noise Reduction Safety Ear Muffs

Why we like it: We love these earmuffs because they offer excellent protection without relying on batteries or noise amplification.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Price: $
  • Type: Earmuffs
  • Electronic: No
  • NRR Rating: 34dB

Mpow 035 Noise Reduction Safety Ear Muffs are made with two layers of high-quality dampening foam. The first layer prevents noise from penetrating your ear and the second layer makes the earmuffs comfortable.

These earmuffs are also portable and foldable. You can fold them for travel or storage, and this product comes with a carrying bag to keep them safe. The headband is also adjustable, and they’re lightweight.

What Sets It Apart

These earmuffs are unique because they offer excellent shooting ear protection for a below-average price. With these earmuffs, you can save money and keep your ears safe at the same time. These earmuffs are also simple, and you don’t need to worry about batteries or replacing padding.

Things to Consider

Mpow 035 Noise Reduction Safety Ear Muffs perform as advertised, but they’re basic compared to electronic earmuffs. Furthermore, there aren’t many advanced features, and the decibel range is average at best. If you’re looking for more advanced shooting ear protection, Howard Leight Impact Sport Earmuffs are a better choice. While the cost is higher, the noise protection is better, and they come with more advanced features.

Who It’s For

Mpow 035 Noise Reduction Safety Ear Muffs are great for people that need ear protection for landscaping equipment. While they work at the shooting range, they’re not useful for hunting or advanced shooting ear protection. For these reasons, they’re best suited for operating heavy machinery like lawnmowers.

Pros

  • Low price
  • Simple and straightforward design
  • Portable and foldable
  • Comes with a carrying bag

Cons

  • No active noise amplification

10. Best Budget Pick: Awesafe Electronic Shooting Earmuffs

Awesafe Electronic Shooting Earmuffs

Why we like it: We love this product because it's an electronic option that's affordable for every budget.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Price: $$
  • Type: Earmuffs
  • Electronic: Yes
  • NRR Rating: 22dB

Awesafe Electronic Shooting Earmuffs are budget-friendly electronic earmuffs. While the cost is low, these earmuffs get the job done. They protect you from sounds over 22dB but let you hear ambient noises under that threshold. These earmuffs are also foldable and portable. You can adjust the headband, and everything you need comes in the box, even the AAA batteries.

What Sets It Apart

Awesafe Electronic Shooting Earmuffs are unique because they’re budget-friendly electronic earmuffs. Most electronic shooting ear protection is double the price, but Awesafe ensures everyone can get their hands on a pair.

Things to Consider

While this shooting ear protection product works well, it’s not on par with more expensive electronic products. This is because the level of decibel protection is lower, and the battery life is below-average. It’s a great budget-friendly choice, but don’t expect many premium features.

If you’re looking for superior electronic shooting ear protection, we recommend Howard Leight Impact Sport Earmuffs as an alternative. The cost is higher, but the earmuffs offer better protection and ambient noise quality.

Who It’s For

Awesafe Electronic Shooting Earmuffs are an excellent choice for anyone shopping for an affordable pair of shooting ear protection. While the features aren’t top-of-the-line, these earmuffs perform well in most situations. You can use them for shooting, landscaping, and other conditions where you need to block sound.

Pros

  • Budget-friendly electronic shooting ear protection
  • Ambient noise amplification
  • Portable and foldable, with adjustable headband

Cons

  • Lackluster decibel protection compared to high-end models

Everything You Need to Know About Shooting Ear Protection

shooting instructor and student

Choosing the Right Shooting Ear Protection for the Job

When it comes to ear protection for shooting, you need to know how loud your gun is. Guns produce different levels of noise based on their size and caliber. For example, shotguns are louder than pistols. To make sure your ears are protected, you want to make sure you’re getting the proper level of protection.

Low Caliber (Pistols)

Low caliber guns, typically pistols, don’t make a ton of noise. The average pistol produces a noise level of about 140dB, which is enough to damage your ears. Furthermore, if you’re shooting indoors, the sound bounces around and amplifies. If you’re firing small guns like handguns, we recommend a product like Vanderfield’s Hearing Protection for Shooting. These earmuffs are used in military training, so they’re a safe choice.

Rifles and Shotguns

More massive guns like rifles and shotguns make more noise than pistols, especially if they have a large barrel or unique ammunition type. If you’re firing rifles or shotguns, we recommend using the best ear protection for shooting possible. A great choice is Decibel Defense Professional Safety Ear Muffs. This product is OSHA rated for 34dB.

The Shooting Range Versus Hunting

Knowing what caliber you’re shooting is a great place to start, but where you’re shooting also plays a role in the protection you need. In most cases, you have two choices. These choices are the shooting range and hunting.

The Shooting Range

We’ll start with the shooting range. If you’re someone who needs ear protection for shooting at the range, you don’t need to go crazy with protection. At the shooting range, you don’t need to track animals or pay attention to commands; it’s just you and your favorite gun.

So, if you only plan on shooting at the range, we recommend a simple set of earmuffs. While basic models don’t come with any flashy features, they’ll keep you safe and comfortable at the range.

Hunting

If you’re an avid hunter or plan on hunting in the future, bringing the right ear protection is essential. Still, hunting is tricky because you need to hear your prey and the people around you. For these reasons, we recommend a durable pair of electronic earmuffs.

When it comes to hunting, you want the Peltor Sport Tactical 100. The Peltor Sport Tactical 100 comes with all of the features you need for a successful hunt. It has a long battery life, ambient noise amplification, and protects your ears from large caliber firearms. Furthermore, these earmuffs have recessive microphones that drown-out the wind.

While the Peltor Sport Tactical 100 provides adequate protection, some hunters like to double-up. If you’re looking for extra safety, pairing the SureFire EP4 Sonic Defenders with your favorite earmuffs is the best way to do it. It’s going to be uncomfortable, but your ears will thank you later.

Additional Reasons to Invest in Ear Protection

Ear protection for shooting is designed to protect you from guns. While this is the case, shooting also provides benefits off the shooting range; there are other reasons people protect their ears. These reasons include landscaping, working in construction, or finding silence at home.

Landscaping

You might not think your lawnmower is loud, but after years of using one, your hearing will suffer. While this depends on the equipment you’re using, everyone can benefit from ear protection when working around the yard.

If you work in landscaping, you’ll want to get premium ear protection. Being exposed to consistent noise from industrial lawnmowers and machinery takes a toll on your ears. Still, you don’t need to go too crazy because you don’t have to hear ambient noises. For landscaping, a simple pair of earmuffs like ProCase Noise Reduction Ear Muffs. These earmuffs are inexpensive, flexible, and made with a durable ABS shell.

Jobsite

Some jobsites are loud. There are air compressors, industrial vacuums, concrete mixers, and other noisy machines in use on jobsites every day. While you might get used to the noise over time, protecting your ears is a better idea. On the jobsite, you want something small, portable, and flexible.

For these reasons, our favorite choice for jobsites are the SureFire EP4 Sonic Defenders. These earplugs are small, flexible, and come with filters you can use for additional protection.

For Around the House

Yellow shooting earmuffs and safety glasses

If you’re looking to relax around the house and get some quiet time, ear protection products are a great choice. They block out more noise than noise-cancelling headphones, and products like Howard Leight Impact Sport Earmuffs come with audio capabilities.

FAQ

Can You Fire a Gun Without Ear Protection?

While you can physically fire a gun without ear protection, that doesn’t mean you should. Regardless of the gun you’re firing, any gunshot will damage your hearing. Furthermore, the damage firearms cause to your hearing is permanent.

Do I Need Protection if I’m Using a Silencer

Weapon silencers reduce the level of noise a gun makes. Silencers can also improve the accuracy of guns, which is why many people favor them. While silencers lower the decibel level of guns, they’re still noisy. When a gun is fired, with or without a silencer, you’ll know. For these reasons, we recommend using ear protection whenever you’re firing a gun, even if it’s silenced.

Are Shotguns Louder Than Rifles?

Shotguns are similar to rifles. While both guns have a similar level of noise, shotguns have a deeper tone. This helps the sound project further, which is why many people perceive shotguns to be louder than rifles. Still, shotguns and rifles produce a noise that’s about 175 decibels.

Final Words

Keeping your ears safe is easier said than done. While most noise is harmless, loud noise from firearms and jobsites causes damage over time. Unfortunately, this damage isn’t reversible, and you’ll lose your hearing. For this reason, keeping your ears safe during shooting or work is a priority.

Luckily, with the ear protection for shooting, we went over, you should have no problem keeping your ears safe. Furthermore, ear protection for shooting isn’t expensive. So, if you need to, try out a few pairs of earmuffs or earplugs until you find the best fit. While one product works for someone else, it’s all about what works for you.