Hunting is fun and rewarding, but along with those great feelings during your hunts, you also need safety.
One of the most vulnerable parts, when you go hunting, is your ears, meaning your hearing. The loud noise from gunshots can hurt your ear canals and reduce the hearing ability over time.
To avoid this unfortunate outcome of hunting, you need the best hearing protection for hunting
Here are the best hearing protection for hunting (Apr 2024 Update):
- Best Overall (Earmuffs): Howard Leight R-01526-PK2
- Best for Medium-Volume Range (Earmuffs): Walker’s Razor Slim GWP-RSEM
- Best for Loud Gunshots (Earmuffs): Caldwell E-Max Behind-the-Head
- Best Overall (Ear Plugs): Decibullz Thermo-fit Molded Earpieces
- Best for Duck Hunting (Ear Plugs): Acu-Life Shooter’s Hearing Protectors
- Good for Turkey Hunting (Ear Plugs): Walkers Silencer NRR25dB
| 6 best hearing protection for hunting | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Howard Leight R-01526-PK2
| |
Best for Medium-Volume Range | Walker’s Razor Slim GWP-RSEM
| |
Best for Loud Gunshots | Caldwell E-Max Behind-the-Head
| |
Best Overall | Decibullz Thermo-fit Molded Earpieces
| |
Best for Duck Hunting | Acu-Life Shooter’s Hearing Protectors
| |
Good for Turkey Hunting | Walkers Silencer NRR25dB
| |
Best Overall (Earmuffs): Howard Leight R-01526-PK2
- Convenient to store – the size of 3.8 x 5 x 8.2 inches; lightweight with 12 ounces
- Sound amplification – Built-in directional microphones
- Multifunctional - Connection for MP3 Players and radio using 3.5mm headphone jack included
- Not enough muting for indoor range shooting
The Howard Leight R-01526-PK2 offers the best value for its price with great amplification, allowing you to even hear more than you usually do. It also excels at eliminating loud sounds from multiple calibers.
Even when noise cancellation is off, the earmuffs still provide good protection for your hearing. Complimented for the quality material, too.
It features a 3.5mm AUX input and a connection cord for scanners, along with an MP3 player for music or radio listening. Besides, the batteries last really long, up to 350 hours.
From those highlights stated above, we find this product to be suitable for outdoor shooting and where you need to ear protections.
| Howard Leight R-01526-PK2 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 12 ounces |
Battery Run Time | 350 hours |
Noise Reduction Rating | 22 |
Highlight features | Weigh 12 ounces, measures 3.8 x 5 x 8.2 inches; built-in directional microphones; Headphone jack |
The Howard Leight R-01526-PK2 would make a perfect companion for you when hunting and shooting outdoor.
Best for Medium-Volume Range (Earmuffs): Walker’s Razor Slim GWP-RSEM
- Good protection – activated when sounds exceed 89dB with a fast reaction time of 0.02 seconds
- Easy to store –folding design, measured by 10.4 x 7.9 x 3.8 inches, the weight of 1.44 ounces
- Allow for audio listening – 3.5mm headphone jack
- Higher volume setting picks up white background noise
- Not the most comfortable for long periods
The Walker’s Razor Slim GWP-RSEM is good at picking up conversations and sounds indoor on a medium to a low setting.
It also features amazing noise reduction and protection thanks to sound-activated protection that reacts really fast at only 0.02 seconds. It can reduce loud noises by 23 decibels.
Its slim design is great for shooting with long guns. The earmuffs also generate moderate pressure on the ears and head, making it fit well and avoiding bouncing when in use.
Batteries are included so there’s no need to take off the ear cups to put batteries in and the on/off dial is easy to find and use with one hand.
| Walker’s Razor Slim GWP-RSEM Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimensions | 1.44 ounces |
Noise Reduction Rating | 23 |
Highlight features | Folding design; Sound Activated Protection at 0.02 reaction time; NRR of 23dB |
If you are looking for a perfect pair of electronic muffs to use in a medium-volume range, like indoor environments, the Razor Slim Muff is the right choice.
Best for Loud Gunshots (Earmuffs): Caldwell E-Max Behind-the-Head
- Sound clarity and amplification – inbuilt microphones amplify <85 dB sounds to the ideal volume
- Protection – Automatic shut-off when sounds exceed 85dB & 21 NRR
- Batteries not included
These ear cups with adjustable volume are excellent in noise reduction, making them the best candidate for loud gunshots. But don’t worry, they still let you talk with people normally. They shut off very fast when detecting gunshots, which protects your hearing phenomenally well.
With low-profile ear cups, featuring foam cushion, it feels comfortable to wear and won’t hurt your ears even for prolonged shooting periods.
The behind-the-head design helps avoid pressure on the top of the head.
The cups are slim enough to not interfere when you shoulder a rifle. The batteries last for hours so you can go on prolonged shooting sessions.
| Caldwell E-Max Behind-the-Head Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimensions | 9.6 ounces |
Noise Reduction Rating | 21-25 |
Highlight features | Cushioned foam ear cups, behind-the-head band, Folding muffs; Automatic shut-off; 21 NRR |
If you’re going to a shooting range where there are frequent shots fired, the Caldwell E-Max Behind-the-Head is an ideal option, it does an amazing job in protecting your hearing.
Best Overall (Ear Plugs): Decibullz Thermo-fit Molded Earpieces
- Allow you to hear ambient sound & permitting voice if detecting no damaging noise - Decibullz Filters
- Good noise cancellation – 31 NRR & Decibullz Percussive Filters
- Simple to use - no batteries required
- Not suitable for use with .308 rifle
- Vague printed instructions
The Decibullz Thermo-fit Molded Earpieces is made for shooting as well as military use, featuring unique physical filters that offer up to 31 noise reduction rating. It can suppress loud noises to safe levels to protect your hearing.
With filters ANSI IPIL certified up to 166 dB, the product lets ambient noise and voices in when you want while protecting the ears from high-level percussive and impulse sounds.
It requires no batteries so you won’t have to worry about disrupted protection from loud gunshots.
These earpieces are shaped easily and quickly to fit your ears, offering amazing noise isolating capability along with comfortable, secure feelings when in use.
| Decibullz Thermo-fit Molded Earpieces Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 0.46 ounces |
Noise reduction rating | 31 |
Battery Run Time | None |
Highlight features | 3 sizes of foam tips, 3 sizes of silicone tips; the Decibullz Filters; the Decibullz Percussive Filters |
Your search for the best overall earplugs is over with the Decibullz Thermo-fit Molded Earpieces. It offers everything you need, hearing protection, comfort, durability, and affordability.
Best for Duck Hunting (Ear Plugs): Acu-Life Shooter’s Hearing Protectors
- Protection for multiple purposes – 18 DECIBEL NRR
- Convenient for reuse and travel – size of 1.5 x 1 x 1.8 inches & weight of 0.48 ounces
- Eliminate the plugged-up feeling efficiently – able to blocks impulse sound
- Awkward to clean
The Acu-Life Shooter’s Hearing Protectors are comfortable to wear all day long.
The earplugs excellently protect your hearing from sudden loud noises like gunshots while letting you hear environmental sounds, making them the best for duck hunting or bird hunting.
While electronic muffs block duck calls and their microphones let in wind noise, there don’t. They let you hear your call and quiet sounds like goose calls from far off.
| Acu-Life Shooter’s Hearing Protectors Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 0.48 ounces |
Noise reduction rating | 18 |
Batteries | None |
Highlight features | 18 DECIBEL NRR; able to blocks impulse sound; the size of 1.5 x 1 x 1.8 inches & weight of 0.48 ounces |
If you’re going on a duck hunt or a bird hunt, these are must-have earplugs, it’s like they are particularly made for this type of activity.
Good for Turkey Hunting (Ear Plugs): Walkers Silencer NRR25dB
- Good hearing protection – NRR of 25 dB & Sound Activated Compression
- Enhanced hearing experience – independent volume control on each earbud
- Secure fit - 3 foam tip sizes
- Fast battery drain when not in use
- Not rechargeable
The Walkers Silencer fits your ear perfectly because their tips are real foam that expands for a perfect seal when putting into the ear canal.
The product excels at protecting your hearing, especially in outdoor shooting sessions. But you can still talk to other people at a range and a conversational volume while hearing one another perfectly.
They work well for long guns as well. The volume control range is good and the sound quality is reasonable, which makes it ideal for turkey hunting.
Although they get worn out over time, we feel pleased to repurchase them forever for the quality and as they are cheap to replace.
| Walkers Silencer NRR25dB Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 1.6 ounces |
Noise reduction rating | 25 |
Battery Run Time | 80 hours |
Highlight features | Sound Activated Compression; Independent volume control; NRR of 25 dB; 3 foam tip sizes |
If you’re going for turkey hunting and need a pair of earbuds to protect your hearing from loud gun noise while providing crystal clear communication, this is the one to buy.
How To Choose The best hearing protection for hunting?
Design
The first thing to consider is design, which you have to choose between electronic hearing protectors or level-dependent hearing protectors.
Level-dependent hearing protectors are traditional protectors incorporated with specialized acoustic filters. This design helps increase noise reduction in proportion to the sound level that the wearer is exposed to.
Meanwhile, electronic hearing protectors use technology to maintain or enhance the wearer’s hearing ability depending on the sound level. They have inbuilt microphones to pick up low-level sounds, and they amplify them. They also compress loud sounds to a safe level.
Both these designs protect your hearing from peak noise while allowing for hearing environment sounds, but electronics protectors let you control the volume.
Types
Once you have decided which design to go for, the next step is to choose which type of protector to use, there are four options.
Highlight features | Pros | Cons | |
Disposable earplugs | Made of soft foam Shaped like thin tubes then expand to fit the ear canal | Affordable Easy to find in stores and online No medical or custom fitting required Low maintenance | Require carefulness Require clean hands before use Need replacing after each use Need restocking regularly |
Reusable earplugs | Made of rubber or flexible silicone Shaped like cone or flanged May feature a headband/cord | Various size for fitting Reusable Easy to insert and remove | Need washing, rinsing, and drying after use Don’t mold or expand to the ear Need replacing periodically |
Earmuffs | Over-the-ear design Adjustable headband Cushioned foam or liquid muffs | Reusable No “plugged up” feeling Various styles and sizes No medical or custom fitting required Can be worn over earplugs Some feature Bluetooth | Heavy, hot feeling over time Required routinely cleaning and airing out Can’t be worn with glasses, hats, or helmets More costly Less portable |
Custom-molded earplugs | Designed to fit the ear canal | Great comfort Last for years High efficiency Various styles | More costly Require custom mold fitting Required routinely cleaning |
Which Brands Make The best hearing protection for hunting?
Caldwell
This brand aims at perfection for your gunshots while hunting. It’s determined to offer you the best products with high precision to help you hit your target.
Decibullz
It works continuously to make custom-molded earplugs that fit each and everyone’s ears. The brand has achieved several awards like the Best Earphones of 2015, CES 2014, and 2016 Innovation Award.
Walker's
With 25 years of experience, this brand is committed to offering innovation in protecting and enhancing your hearing. Its products set the industry standard for shooting safety and protection.
FAQs
How loud is too loud?
The safety threshold for sounds is 85 dB, meaning any sound exceeding that level is too loud and will likely damage your hearing.
Do you wear hearing protection while hunting?
You need to wear hearing protection while hunting because loud gunshots close to the ear can hurt your hearing ability over time.
Are earplugs or earmuffs better for hunting?
It seems that earmuffs are better for hunting because compared with earplugs, they protect the entire ear rather than just the ear canal. They are also easier to use properly.
How many decibels should hunt ear protection?
Sounds of over 85 dB are dangerous to the ear, so hunting ear protectors should work based on that threshold.
However, there are products that protect your ears from 82 dB while others protect your ears from 89 dB and higher.
What is the best NRR rating for hunting?
The best NRR rating for hunting is between 28 and 31, some protectors can go up to 33 NRR.
Conclusion
Every hunter should wear the best hearing protection for hunting, and so do you. Hearing protectors will protect your hearing when you’re exposed to extremely loud noise but they still let you have normal conversations with people.
So, don’t hesitate and get yourself a pair of hearing protectors before hunting.
We hope that these guidelines will prove useful when you choose hearing protection for yourself.
Bryan Listor
