How to choose shooting earmuffs?
The noise of gunfire can permanently damage your hearing. In addition to eye protection, it is therefore essential to protect your hearing when using firearms. See with us how to do it.
Types of hearing protection
There are many hearing protection products on the market. The two most common types are over-the-ear hearing protectors - earmuffs and earplugs. Another distinguishing feature is electronic and passive protection.
Plugs vs Earmuffs
Earplugs are inserted into the ear canal and can provide better protection. They can often reduce noise by a staggering 40 decibels, while still allowing you to distinguish mild sounds well. The ear tips are also small and unobtrusive and won't get in the way when aiming or moving around. But the downside of plugs is that they like to fall out, they are small and inconspicuous, and they can easily get lost. On the other hand, you won't just lose shooting Earmuffs over your head. They are comfortable and you can easily take them off and wear them around your neck. The level of protection they offer tends to be lower than plugs and can be compromised by improper use, but on the other hand, they protect you mechanically. A combination of both types is ideal.
Electronic vs. passive protection
We also distinguish between electronic and passive hearing protection. Passive simply means that the product - whether it's an earbud or earbud - creates a barrier between your ear and the noise source. These are usually the cheapest hearing protection products available.
Electronic hearing protection is more expensive, but offers a huge advantage. Instead of muting every noise, it actually boosts low and mid-range sounds. Thanks to this, you can also hear subtler sounds, for example commands from the instructor. As hunters, it allows you to hear game coming from even further away, while protecting your precious hearing when you shoot. A huge advantage of electronic hearing protection is that you don't have to shout during normal conversation on the range. Although electronic hearing protection amplifies some sounds, there is a limit above which the sound is muffled.
What is SNR?
The noise suppression of individual protective equipment varies greatly. Therefore, it is important to know the noise reduction value. This is one of the measures of the level of protection. It is referred to as SNR - Signal-to-noise ratio (also NRR in the US) and indicates how many decibels it reduces the noise from the source. Unfortunately, noise is measured on a logarithmic scale and you cannot simply subtract the SRN number from the initial value.
Under absolutely ideal conditions, the actual noise level is determined by taking the SRN, subtracting 7 from it, and then subtracting that number from the source.
For example: You shoot a rifle that generates 145 decibels. Your hearing protectors have an SRN of 30. So 145 -(30-7)=122 You are exposed to 122 decibels when shooting - of course very indicative.
Remember, buying hearing protectors not only helps you while shooting, but also secures your precious sense for the future. You will surely choose from our wide range of Earmuffs. And if you need to ask something, contact us. We will be happy to advise you.
