Options For Hearing Protection For Shooters

By Author: Electronic Shooters Protection
Total Articles: 23
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Every shooter, either at the shooting range, or out in the bush, knows what the immediate effect on their ears can be when shots are fired around them. Momentary deafness, even for only a few seconds, ringing in the ears and similar experiences are possibilities. Of course many are lucky that this lasts for only a short while before they proceed as before – even if they may not be aware that some kind of damage to their hearing has been done.

This they may only find out later, after repeated exposure to loud sounds and noise, when their hearing becomes impaired, or when they gradually go deaf. Also, these problems are not limited to hunters and shooters, but to all professionals and recreational shooters, for example shooting instructors, or military personnel, law enforcement and other gun and rifle enthusiasts.

In the US, for example, research into the number of people that suffer from NIHL (Noise-Induced Hearing Loss) has been conducted for years, with results that should not surprise anyone, since thousands of individuals have become victims of this problem over time. For some it is a gradual process, ...
... while for other individuals it may happen after even one loud burst of gunfire right next to them.

Therefore many more people than in the past are showing an interest in the topic and appreciate what researchers have to say in this regard. This has also led to a much greater interest in, and appreciation for, the value of ear protection under circumstances when the ears are exposed to such loud sounds and noise. More and more shooters understand now that the damage done to their ears is very real, and therefore they also accept that they should consider protection not only when they themselves are shooting, but anywhere with other shooters around them.

A short explanation may throw light on the topic. Sound intensity or sound pressure is measured in decibels (dB). It is generally accepted that normal, or acceptable, dB should not be higher than about 60 to 65 dB. This does not cause damage to one’s ability to hear properly – of course leaving normal aging processes out of the equation.

Think of the noise your motor cycle produces at 95 dB, let alone rifles and guns being fired around you. More examples show that an unsuppressed Remington 700 LTR produces 167 dB, a Ruger 10/22. 221.R. rifle causes 140 dB, and some pistols even more than 150 dB. The severity of these loud noises shows what hunters and shooters expose their ears to, often regularly. Therefore hunters, shooters and other enthusiasts, more than ever before, are looking at ways to help them protect their hearing.

To this end they look at ear plugs to wear when they shoot, which is a good start. Some plugs are cheap and disposable and certainly offer protection, even if by today’s standards they may not be the best option. The downside is that they block out all sound, and the user cannot hear their mates talking, or the shooting instructor explaining things, whereas modern plugs do.

Instead of the cheap foam plugs, you may want to wear earmuffs over your head, but once more, they block out all sound, unless you buy a more expensive option, one with digitally advanced ability, a product that may allow acceptable dB through, such as conversation.

Then there are still the latest, most advanced custom-made ear plugs which have become popular in recent times. These plugs are made to order and sold as custom hearing protection. They are made for the customer that orders them specifically as part of a process that requires the customer to provide a manufacturer with molds of their ears. These molds are taken by an audiologist and then sent to the manufacturer. They are never sold as an over-the counter product; instead, they are meant for a specific person’s ears and are, therefore, custom-made.

They are manufactured to offer digital sound technology, they are electronic hearing protection aids, and they offer different features to suit the customer’s requirements. They are easy to insert and remove, and they are never in the way as they are small and take up no space as you spend time at the range, or in the bush.

These custom-made hearing protection aids are, currently, leading the industry for effectiveness and ease of use. They are available from select suppliers – also from leading websites.

About Us

Electronic Shooters Protection (ESP) has been in business for more than 20 years and provides the best in terms of electronic protection for ears. Products are custom made to fit the individual’s ears so as to allow maximum protection while still hearing sound. You hear all natural sounds in the area and you can actually enjoy normal conversation, but our products will protect you from the harmful effects of loud and damaging sounds such as gunfire. Our digital products are state of the art and among the best available on the market. For more information about ESP and our top range of products, please get in touch by visiting https://espamerica.com/.