Hearing Protection is a Must Have at the Shooting Range

It’s very simple weather you’re shooting for sport, hunting, or self defense training you need hearing protection.

A gunshot is typically between 140 and 170 decibels.
Sounds louder than 80 decibels can be dangerous and could cause immediate and permanent hearing loss.
When looking to buy hearing protection for shooting pay close attention to the products NRR, or noise reduction rating which means the maximum number of decibels (dB) that the hearing protection will reduce the sound level.
Hearing protection with a noise reduction rating of 28 to 31 NRR is recommended for shooting.

Types of Hearing Protection For Shooting

We are going to talk about two types of hearing protection: earplugs and earmuffs.
For maximum protection the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends using both earplugs and earmuffs together when shooting.

Types of Earplugs for the Shooting Range

• Single-use
• Banded
• Corded
• Multiple-use

Single-use earplugs are very inexpensive and disposable. They are the most commonly used. These foam-style plugs are rolled and compressed before being inserted into the ear canal.

Banded or corded earplugs are best if you move between a loud shooting area and a less loud area, for example leaving the firing line and going to the restroom or a briefing or meeting room.

Multiple-use earplugs are easy to use and do not require rolling to fit into the ear.

Types of Earmuffs for the Shooting Range

Earmuffs are either electronic or passive.

Electronic earmuffs amplify quieter sounds, which will allow you to hear commands from the range safety officer.

Electronic Earmuffs have integrated microphones and volume controls with noise detection that muffles or blocks the loud gunshot to protect your hearing. Some electronic earmuffs offer features like a physical jack or bluetooth to connect your phone.

Passive Earmuffs basically block sound using foam and or other materials inside the ear cup.

Looking for data about noise levels and hearing loss: To see published studies and noise level tests, visit:
CDC Center for Disease Control and Prevention Loud Noise Can Cause Hearing Loss