Best Shooting Ear Protection of 2024: Firearm Safety Guide
Posted by Mandu Moses on Feb 9th 2024
Shooting is a fun and rewarding hobby, but it also comes with some risks. One of the most important safety precautions that every shooter should take is to protect their hearing from the loud noise of gunshots.
Exposure to noise levels above 85 decibels (dB) can cause permanent hearing damage, and most firearms produce noise levels above 140 dB. It's crucial to choose wisely, especially in light of the latest 3m earplug lawsuit, emphasizing the importance of selecting reliable earplugs to avoid any cases of hearing loss. Therefore, wearing proper shooting ear protection is essential to prevent hearing loss and other health problems.
What is the best shooting ear protection device for 2024? There are many types and brands of ear protection available on the market. To help you make an informed decision, we have reviewed some of the most popular and effective shooting ear protection devices based on their features, performance, comfort, and price.
Top Picks For The Best Shooting Ear Protection Of 2024
Peltor Sport Tactical 500 Electronic Hearing Protector
The Peltor Sport Tactical 500 is a premium electronic hearing protector that offers excellent noise reduction, sound amplification, and Bluetooth connectivity.
- It has an NRR of 26 dB when worn correctly.
- Has a proprietary 3M SMART technology that automatically adjusts the suppression time and volume level based on the gunshot energy and the surrounding environment.
- It features directional microphones that amplify low-level sounds, such as voices and commands, while suppressing loud noises, such as gunshots and explosions.
- Bluetooth-enabled, hence, you can connect your smartphone or other devices so you can stream music, take calls, or access voice assistants without removing your ear protection.
- It is comfortable and durable.
- It has a low-profile design that fits well with most firearms and helmets.
- It comes with soft ear cup cushions and an adjustable padded headband that provides a snug and comfortable fit.
- It features a foldable design that makes it easy to store and carry.
- The Peltor Sport Tactical 500 runs on two AA batteries.
MSRP: $224.99
Features
The Peltor Sport Tactical 500 is one of the best electronic hearing protectors for shooting in 2024. It offers superior noise reduction, sound amplification, and Bluetooth connectivity in a comfortable and durable package. It is ideal for shooters who want to enjoy high-quality sound and communication while protecting their hearing from loud noises.
Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs
The Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs make some of the best in-ear options for shooting ear protection in 2024. They are custom molded to fit your ears perfectly, providing a comfortable and secure fit that blocks out unwanted noise.
MSRP: $74.99
Features
- They have an NRR of 31 dB when worn correctly.
- They are also reusable and washable, making them a cost-effective and eco-friendly choice.
- The Earplugs are easy to mold and use.
- They come with three sizes of foam tips that provide additional noise isolation and comfort.
The Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs are ideal for you if you’re looking for a simple and effective solution for shooting ear protection. They offer excellent noise reduction, custom fit, and durability in a compact and lightweight package.
They are suitable for both indoor and outdoor shooting, as well as other noisy activities such as hunting, concerts, or motorcycling.
Surefire EP4 Sonic Defenders Plus Filtered Ear Plugs
These are some of the best-filtered earplugs for shooting in 2024. They are ear plugs that have special filters that allow you to hear normal sounds while blocking out harmful noises above 85 dB.
MSRP:$14.99
Features
- They have an NRR of 24 dB with the filter caps inserted.
- They come with an NRR of 12 dB with the filter caps removed.
- The earplugs are designed to be comfortable and easy to use.
- They have a triple-flanged stem that fits securely in most ear canals and provides a good seal against noise.
- They are made with a low-profile design that allows you to wear them with helmets, hats, masks, or glasses without interference.
- They come with an attached stopper plug that prevents dirt or debris from entering the filter cap opening when not in use.
- They also come with a detachable lanyard that lets you hang them around your neck when not in use.
The Surefire EP4 Sonic Defenders Ear Plugs are ideal for shooters who want versatile and convenient ear plugs. They offer good noise reduction, sound clarity, and comfort in a simple and durable package.
They are suitable for both indoor and outdoor shooting, as well as other noisy activities such as hunting, concerts, or motorcycling.
Howard Leight by Honeywell Impact Sport Sound Amplification Electronic Shooting Earmuff
These are the best budget-friendly ear muffs for shooting ear protection in 2024. They are electronic ear muffs that offer decent noise reduction, sound amplification, and audio input.
MSRP: $63.99
Features
- Noise Reduction Rate of 22 dB.
- Built-in directional microphone that amplifies ambient sounds up to 4 times, while suppressing loud noises.
- The earmuff comes with a 3.5 mm audio input jack which you can connect your MP3 player or other audio device to.
- They are comfortable and easy to use.
- It has a low-profile design that fits well with most firearms and helmets.
- It has soft ear cushions and an adjustable padded headband that provide a snug and cozy fit.
- It features a foldable design that makes it easy to store and carry.
- The Earmuff runs on two AAA batteries (included) that can last up to 350 hours of use.
Walker’s Razor Slim Electronic Muff
These are the best slim ear muffs for shooting ear protection in 2024. They are electronic and offer good noise reduction, sound amplification, and audio input.
MSRP: $45.23
Features
- They have an NRR of 23 dB.
- They come with two omnidirectional microphones that amplify low-level sounds, such as voices and commands, while suppressing loud noises.
- Has a 3.5 mm audio input jack to connect your MP3 player or other audio devices
- It has a sleek slim design that reduces bulk and weight.
- It features soft ear cushions and an adjustable padded headband that provide a snug and cozy fit.
- It has a foldable design that makes it easy to store and carry.
Pro For Sho 34dB Shooting Ear Protection
These rank highly as passive ear muffs for shooting ear protection. They are non-electronic ear muffs that offer excellent noise reduction without any bells and whistles.
MSRP: $20.89
Features
- Noise Reduction Rate of 34 dB.
- It is ANSI S3.19 & CE EN521 certified.
- Designed for comfort and easy use.
- It is compact and lightweight reducing bulk and pressure on your head.
- It has soft ear cushions and an adjustable padded headband.
- It has a foldable design that makes it easy to store and carry.
- Does not require any batteries or maintenance.
Conclusion
Shooting ear protection is a must-have accessory for every shooter who values their hearing health. It can prevent hearing loss, tinnitus, and other hearing-related problems that can affect your quality of life. It can also enhance your shooting performance, safety, and enjoyment by allowing you to hear better and communicate clearly.
We hope this article has helped you find the best shooting ear protection for 2024 that suits your needs and preferences. Remember to always wear proper ear protection when shooting, and enjoy your hobby safely and responsibly. Happy shooting!