When you're out on a shoot, whether on the range or in the field, protecting your hearing is just as important as your aim. Repeated exposure to gunshot noise, which can exceed 160dB, can cause long-term hearing damage. That’s why quality shooting ear protection is essential for any serious shooter.
But with so many options available, it’s natural to ask: What ear protection should I use for shooting? Should you go for earplugs, ear muffs, or something more high-tech like Bluetooth ear defenders?
Let us help you find the best solution for your shooting needs.
What Ear Protection Should I Use for Shooting?
The answer depends on how you shoot, where you shoot, and how often. But in all cases, the goal is the same: reduce the damaging sound of gunfire to a safe level.
For shooting, you should aim for hearing protection that brings noise exposure below 85dB, ideally rated with an NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) or SNR (Single Number Rating) of 25dB or higher.
At ArdMoor, we offer a full range of premium shooting ear defenders, Bluetooth ear protection, and shooting ear plugs to suit every type of shooter.
Earplugs vs Ear Muffs – Which Is Better for Shooting?
Both have their pros and cons, and in some cases, using both together offers the best protection:
Earplugs
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Lightweight and discreet
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Ideal for driven shoots where, depending on your stock comb, muffs might affect your mount
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Good options include reusable or disposable plugs like the Allen Molded Foam Ear Plugs (pack of 100) or the Auritech Shooting Ear Plugs
Ear Muffs / Defenders
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Cover the entire ear for consistent protection
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Easy to put on and take off
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Great for all types of shooting with any weapon.
- Electronic ear defenders allow you to hear your surroundings better than ear plugs - particularly useful game shooting or for learners who need to hear instructions clearly and quickly
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Check out 3M Peltor SportTac Electronic Ear Defenders or Jack Pyke Electronic Ear Defender from our Shooting Ear Defenders Collection
Best of Both?
Some shooters wear earplugs under electronic ear muffs for maximum noise reduction in high-volume environments.
What Are the 3 Main Types of Shooting Ear Protection?
When choosing ear protection, it typically falls into one of these three categories:
1. Passive Ear Defenders
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No electronics, just solid noise reduction
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Simple and affordable
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Ideal for casual shooters or those watching from a distance
2. Electronic Ear Defenders
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Reduce harmful gunshot sounds while amplifying speech and ambient noise
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Great for game shooting where communication matters
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Our top picks:
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Jack Pyke Electronic Ear Defender
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Peltor SportTac Electronic Ear Defenders
- ISOTunes Sport Defy Slim Ear Defenders
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3. In-Ear Digital Protection (Earplugs)
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Compact and increasingly advanced
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Offer electronic sound filtering inside your ear canal without the bulk of a Muff.
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Good choice:
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ISOtunes Sport Advance Ear Defenders
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ISOtunes Sport Caliber Ear Defenders
- Auritech Shooting Ear Plugs
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What dB Rating Should I Look for in Shooting Ear Protection?
Most ear protection products list either a SNR (Single Number Rating) or NRR (Noise Reduction Rating).
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SNR 25–30dB is suitable for most forms of shooting
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Above 30dB is ideal for indoor ranges or use with high-calibre firearms
Always check the product specs and match the level of protection to your shooting environment.
Shop the Best Ear Protection at ArdMoor
At ArdMoor, we stock a carefully curated range of shooting ear defenders, Bluetooth ear protection, and shooting ear plugs from trusted brands used by professionals, stalkers, and gamekeepers alike.
Browse the full Shooting Ear Protection Collection and pair your hearing protection with our range of Shooting Jackets, Shooting Boots and Shooting Eye Protection.
So whether you're planning your next driven day or honing your skills at the clay ground, you can trust ArdMoor to keep you protected and performing at your best.