Military and army headphones: what must they meet?
When it comes to military equipment, most people imagine weapons, uniforms or sturdy boots. But in reality, one of the most important parts of a soldier's equipment is what they wear on their ears. Headphones. And these are not ordinary headphones, as we know them from music or games. Military and army headphones are specialized technology that protects hearing, enables safe communication and must work even in the most difficult conditions. In this article, we will look at what they must meet, why they are so essential for soldiers and armed forces and what to focus on if you want them for yourself.
Why buy such headphones?
While regular headphones are mainly known for listening to music or making phone calls, military headphones have a completely different task. Their main mission is to protect hearing and at the same time enable clear and understandable communication in an environment where there is noise, chaos and where seconds can matter.
The noise of gunfire, explosions, heavy equipment or helicopters reaches levels that human hearing would not have a chance to withstand in the long term without protection. Hearing damage is irreversible. Therefore, military and army headphones should primarily protect, both from short-term extreme peaks and from long-term noise. At the same time, a soldier must hear what is happening around him, communicate with his team and respond to commands. Therefore, headphones must not only muffle sound, but must intelligently control it.
Basic functions of military headphones
Anyone who chooses this type of headphones should know that it is not just a piece of plastic and electronics. It is a technologically advanced device that must handle several things:
Hearing protection from noise
The basic function is protection. Headphones must be able to immediately muffle a gunshot, explosion or other loud sound. However, it still lets in normal sounds from the environment so that you, as a soldier, can hear footsteps, rustling or communication. This principle is often referred to as active hearing protection.
Amplification of important sounds
Modern military headphones can amplify quiet sounds, such as footsteps, whispered communication or the snap of a twig. This gives the soldier or player an advantage in orientation and timely registration of the surroundings.
Communication options
Most professional models allow for connection to a radio station, and modern military headphones are often connected to walkie-talkies and communication systems. Due to noise-canceling microphones, a soldier can speak clearly and intelligibly even in the noise of the battlefield. These headphones thus act as a link between individuals and entire units, allowing them to conduct clear and uninterrupted communication even in noisy environments.
Fast response to noise
The electronics inside the headphones react in milliseconds. As soon as they detect noise exceeding a safe limit, they immediately attenuate it.
Other important features of military and army headphones
Durability and reliability
The military environment is no walk in the park. Rain, dust, mud, extreme temperatures, when headphones have to work always and everywhere. That is why they are made of durable materials, they are waterproof, dustproof and tested for shocks or vibrations. The user knows that he can rely on their function even in the most demanding conditions.
Design and comfort during long wear
A soldier may have headphones on his ears all day, so if they were pressing on him or were too heavy, it would soon make them impossible to use.
For this reason, military and army headphones should be designed to:
- Be ergonomic and fit even when worn for long periods of time
- Work in combination with a helmet, goggles or mask
- Have a durable material capable of withstanding moisture, dust and impacts.
Comfort is very important in airsoft or other games, because no one wants to feel ear pain after an hour just because they reached for an unsuitable model.
Compatibility with other equipment
A soldier wears a helmet, goggles, mask, all of this at the same time as the headphones, which should be designed to fit well with other equipment and not cause unpleasant pressure points.
How to choose the right headphones?
When choosing military headphones, focus mainly on these points:
The level of noise reduction - it should correspond to the environment where you will use the headphones.
- Electronic functions - the ability to amplify quiet sounds, connection to a walkie-talkie, quick response to a shot.
- Wearing comfort - try to see if it fits with your helmet and doesn't press on you.
- Durability - check if the model can withstand dust, rain and harsh conditions.
- Battery life - electronic headphones work thanks to power, so it's useful to know how many hours they can actually last.
Types of military headphones
- Shooting and shooting headphones are designed primarily for shooting ranges, training grounds and combat conditions, where they will protect you from gunfire.
- Communication headsets, in turn, are connected to walkie-talkies and allow for effective communication within a team.
- Combined systems combine both functions: hearing protection and communication. They are the most common choice of professional units.
Who are military headphones suitable for?
Military headphones are not just for the military. They are also used by:
- Police officers and members of special forces
- Professional soldiers, security forces and sports shooters, where communication is a necessity of life.
- People working in noisy environments where communication is also necessary
- Airsoft and paintball enthusiasts who want to experience a more realistic game and have an advantage in the field.
- Shooters at the shooting range who need hearing protection and at the same time want to hear commands or communication.
What to look for when choosing
- Level of noise protection (in decibels)
- Sound quality and speed of response to loud impulses
- Comfort during long-term wearing
- Possibility of connecting to a walkie-talkie or other equipment
- Resistance to water, dust and mechanical damage
A person only has one good ear, and military headphones are what can protect it even in situations where it would otherwise be irreparably damaged.
Are you thinking about buying military and army headphones? You will find a wide range of quality models in our offer. And if you are not sure which headphones are right for you, contact us! We will be happy to advise you and help you with the choice.
