2022 Trends in Hearing Protection for Shooters

For most shooters custom fit earplugs offer positive benefits. These products are typically made from high grade room temperature curing silicones that can be manufactured “on the spot.” In this case, the ear impression becomes the finished product and, typically, requires buffing and slight modification in addition to a silicone coating on the outside surface to obtain a good a seal with the finished product. When correctly constructed the average noise reduction rating (NRR) is 30-32 dB.

The second custom earplug option is fabricated from heat curable silicones. These require ear impressions to be sent to a laboratory for processing and, in many cases, can be modified with filters or music transducers. Laboratories using today’s current technology can digitally record the ear impressions enabling most end users to simply call the provider and/or manufacturer and place a new order without requiring new ear impressions. Additionally, if the client has a good set of custom plugs these may be used as an ear impression and digitally recorded. This process has been especially helpful during the COVID pandemic, permitting shooters to order replacement custom earplugs without obtaining new impressions.

A growing trend for hunters, range masters, shooting instructors and shooters has been the use of electronic devices, either in the form of custom molds or earmuffs. For most, but not all shooters, the custom version has been well accepted because they do not interfere with glasses or positioning of a rifle or shotgun. The majority of these 21st century protection devices are digitally programmed for better sound clarity and often include a memory button that can change the frequency response for filtering out background sounds, such as the wind. Many also include a removable lanyard which hunters often request to minimize the risk of loss. Traditionally, the majority of these products have been manufactured so that the portion inserted into the ear canal (the SHELL) is made from a Lucite or hard material. When made properly the NRR (noise reduction rating) for most products will be 22 to 26 dB.
The newest choice, offering better sound suppression, are electronic modules that can be fit to the ear canal with either a high-performance foam tip or inserted into a custom silicone providing an estimated NRR of 31dB – 32 dB.

Electronic circuitry within the device is designed to compress loud sounds before they reach dangerous levels. These devices are not marketed as hearing aids but are classified as assistive listening devices, since hearing aids are considered a medical device. Additionally, there are ear protection devices (wired or Bluetooth) often used by trap shooters or motorcyclists that can be used for listening to music or communication.