Best Shooting Ear Protection

According to the Cleveland Clinic, researchers found that 5.2 million children and teens between the ages of 6 to 19 and 26 million adults between the ages of 20 and 69 suffer from noise-induced hearing loss. These statistics make up a staggering 9% of the American population.

Noise is one of the most common causes of hearing loss and occupational illnesses in the United States. The noise from gunfire is one of the most hazardous non-occupational noises.

A single gunshot heard by an unprotected ear can lead to immediate and permanent hearing loss, often accompanied by tinnitus or ringing, hissing, or humming in the ears. A single shot from a shotgun, experienced at close range, may permanently damage your hearing in an instant.

Dr. Michael Stewart, Professor of Audiology at Central Michigan University and a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, explains that exposure to noise greater than 140 dB can cause permanent hearing damage without proper protection. Nearly all firearms produce noise surpassing the 140-dB threshold, according to Dr. Stewart.

Indoor shooting ranges or other enclosed spaces can amplify gunfire noises due to echoing, increasing the risk of hearing loss. “People who do not wear hearing protection while shooting can suffer severe hearing loss with as little as one shot if the conditions are right,” Stewart cautions.

Even if you've previously avoided hearing loss without using ear protection while shooting, it doesn't mean you're safe from harm in future encounters.

Wearing hearing protection every time you shoot a gun is crucial to avoid potential hearing damage. Once damaged, hearing cannot be restored.

Whether using a firearm to maintain law enforcement training requirements or for recreational activities like hunting, selecting the best shooting ear protection is imperative.

Why is hearing protection important?

• Hearing damage is often irreversible
• Hearing loss may cause you to miss crucial instructions, potentially endangering your life and others (situational awareness)

What are the solutions?

• Avoid noises above 85dB for extended periods of time
• Use proper hearing protection like headsets and electronic earplugs (regular earplugs can hurt your situational awareness)
  • Headsets and earplugs are the best option because limiting dangerous noise exposure is impossible when shooting firearms

What is NRR and Why is it Important?

NRR stands for noise reduction rating. This measure determines how effective a hearing protection device, such as a headset, is at reducing sound exposure. The measurement is conducted following tests by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

An average NRR for over-the-ear headsets ranges from 20-31. This rating is important because it determines the level of protection a headset provides. If your environment involves noise levels above 80-85 decibels, you should use protective gear.

On a construction site, for instance, noise levels can reach 110 decibels. A headset with a 25 NRR would bring the noise back into a safer range. The louder the environment, the higher the NRR needed on your headset.

Gunfire can produce up to 165 decibels, leading to hearing damage. Therefore, hearing protection is essential, especially in a shooting range where the sounds can be continuous.

Understanding noise reduction ratings is merely a part of learning about hearing protection and preventing noise-induced hearing loss.

We offer a wide variety of gun ear protection that is UL certified to prevent hearing loss.

Below are some suggested firearm hearing protection sets, along with features of each electronic hearing protection device. Each provides best-in-class shooting ear protection!

Hearing Protection Options:

The 3M Peltor Tactical Sport Electronic headset is packed with features that protect hearing and enhance physical safety. Environmental microphones allow for face-to-face conversations and better situational awareness in quieter settings.

The ear cups, filled with foam and liquid-filled cushions, create an effective acoustic seal, ensuring comfort during extended wear. The adjustable headband offers a custom fit. Overall, the Tactical Sport Electronic headset is designed for protection, comfort, and situational awareness.

Features:

• Improved situational awareness from environmental microphones
• Foam and liquid-filled cushions
• Foldable and adjustable headband
• Black and orange outer shells included
• Price: $228.20

Pros:

• Accessible price
• Situational awareness
• Adjustable headband

Cons:

• Cannot be a comms headset
• No customization

The Howard Leight Impact Sport Bluetooth headset is a popular choice for shooters. It features a foldable design for compact storage, recessed controls, and snap-in ear cushions for easy maintenance and greater lifespan.

Features:

• Folding design for compact storage
• Recessed controls with a rifle cutaway for aiming
• Bluetooth controls and sync
• Separate volume controls
• Padded and adjustable headband with slim earcup
• Snap-in ear cushions
• Price: $154

Pros:

• Accessible pricing
• Bluetooth connection
• Compact storage

Cons:

• No environmental listening
• Cannot be a communications headset

The 3M Peltor Tactical Earplug TEP-200 offers a different style of hearing protection compared to traditional headsets. Some shooters prefer earplugs for the feeling of greater freedom and comfort. The TEP-200 includes situational awareness technology and reliable hearing protection.

These earplugs are rechargeable via micro-USB and compatible with AA batteries if a charging port is not available in the field. While the choice between earplugs and headsets is up to the user, ensuring protection is the priority.

Features:

• Audio signal received wirelessly from neck loop accessory
• Hearing protection
• Environmental microphones for level-dependent hearing protection and situational awareness
• Rechargeable earpieces with micro-USB or 3 AA alkaline batteries
• Price: $624.51

Pros:

• Reasonable price
• Environmental listening
• Rechargeable

Cons:

• Not as secure hearing protection
• Cannot customize

Ops Core AMP Tactical Communication Headset:

The Ops Core AMP Tactical Communication Headset boasts a wide range of features, including quick-release and change elements like the rail mount kit and downlead connection for ease of use.

This headset provides excellent hearing protection with ergonomic earseals and features a noise-cancelling microphone for clear communication. It is an excellent choice for military use, offering clear communication and protection around gunfire.

Features:

• Quick-release removable downlead connection
• 3D Hear-Through technology
• Mission configurable capability
• Ergonomic headband
• Quick-change rail mount kit
• Noise-cancelling microphone
• Ergonomic earseals
• Auto shutdown
• Fail-safe communications
• Removable boom mic for left or right-handed shooters
• Price: $1,354.97

Pros:

• Comfortable to wear
• Quick customizations

Cons:

• High price

The 3M Peltor ComTac V features high-fidelity speakers and omnidirectional microphones. This headset delivers excellent hearing protection while preserving situational awareness.

Features:

• Rubberized headband
• Can convert to ARC adapters
• Balance Mode
• Release time
• Volume boost
• Equalizer function
• Environmental listening
• High-fidelity speakers
• Omni-directional microphones
• Price: $673.94

Pros:

• Great hearing protection
• Convertible headband

Cons:

• Higher price
• Cannot be a communications headset

The 3M Peltor ComTac 6 Hearing Defender improves auditory performance across different environments. Specifically designed for military use, it is an ideal choice for shooting ear protection.

The primary difference between the ComTac V and VI is the inclusion of Mission Audio Profiles (MAP). This feature lets users adjust their headset's audio profile to match their environment, such as observation, patrol, conversation, comfort, and mic off.

Features:

• Noise Cancelling (IP68) Speech Microphone for Communication in Noise
• 350 hours of battery life
• Noise Reduction Rating of 23
• VOX hands-free push to talk
• Improved rubber head strap
• MAP function
• High fidelity speakers
• Omni-directional microphones
• Price: $798.97

Pros:

• Customizable audio profile
• Environmental listening
• VOX

Cons:

• High price

Comfort:

At the end of the day, even after reading all the above information, it can be challenging to choose the right headset. A key deciding factor often ignored until after the purchase is comfort.

Comfort is essential. If a headset is not comfortable, chances are you won’t wear it, particularly if you'll be at the range for extended hours.

Pay close attention to the earseals or earpieces and the headband for comfort. Gel earseals tend to offer more all-day wear comfort. Adjustable headbands are also beneficial for a precise fit.

Ultimately, selecting the best shooting ear protection comes down to personal preference. Our knowledgeable staff has over twenty years of experience in reselling these trusted 3M Peltor shooting ear protection products. Please do not hesitate to call us at 800-991-4569 to determine which hearing protection options best suit your needs.

Have you experienced hearing damage before? Or are you looking to protect your hearing? Let us know in the comments below.

Updated April 13, 2022

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