What is the purpose of electronic ear muffs?

For shooting enthusiasts and professionals alike, safeguarding your hearing is paramount. At 88 Tactical, we understand the importance of top-notch ear protection, especially when it involves the best electronic shooting ear protection available today.

Want more information on Tactical Electronic Earmuff? Feel free to contact us.

This blog will delve into three compelling reasons why switching to electronic ear protection is a wise choice for any shooter. From enhanced safety and a slimmer profile to the convenience of Bluetooth connectivity, we’ll explore why upgrading your ear protection can significantly improve your shooting experience.

Types of Ear Protection

There are quite a few different types of earplugs: single-use, multiple-use, banded and corded. Banded or corded earplugs are best if you move between a noisy place and a non-noisy place, like between the shooting range and your range’s lobby.  Multiple-use earplugs are easier to use because they do not require rolling to fit in your ear.

Earmuffs are either electronic or passive. Electronic earmuffs amplify quieter sounds, allowing you to hear your range master’s commands. These earmuffs will have integrated microphones and some have independent volume controls.  Ditch your traditional ear protection and upgrade to electronic ear protection. There are several benefits to electronic ear protection, but here are the top three reasons.

3 Reasons to Switch to Electronic Ear Protection

#1: Quality Hearing Protection & Increased Safety

This is the most important reason to make the switch. Electronic hearing protection amplifies quieter noises like voices, while simultaneously muffling loud noises that can be damaging to our ears. This will allow you to have a conversation at normal volume with someone on the range without shouting or removing your ear protection. This feature can be especially important while taking a shooting course because you will easily hear the commands of the instructor.

#2: Slimmer Profile

Over-the-ear electronic muffs tend to have a slimmer profile than traditional over-the-ear muffs. This is advantageous when shooting long guns because slimmer electronic ear protection is less likely to obstruct your cheek weld. “Cheek weld” is the firm contact your cheek should have with the top of your stock. When adjusted properly, a good cheek weld should allow your dominant eye to comfortably look straight into your scope or sights. Proper cheek weld can impact the speed of target acquisition, and more importantly, the accuracy of your shooting.

If you’re interested in learning how to shoot long guns (or hone your skills!), 88 Tactical offers multiple levels of Carbine (AR-15) and Precision Rifle training classes, starting with the basics. If you’re a beginner, try Intro to Carbine, Carbine Level 1, or Basic Precision Rifle.

#3: Bluetooth, baby!

This third reason qualifies as a “nice to have,” not a “need to have” feature, but it still counts. Convenience is key, right? There are tons of electronic earmuffs out there – most models range between $60 and $160. Many of them have Bluetooth capabilities, which means you can listen to music or take a phone call, if necessary, without having to leave the range. The biggest price difference depends on whether or not the electronic earmuffs have Bluetooth capability.

Best Electronic Shooting Ear Protection at 88 Tactical

88 Tactical carries multiple models of the best electronic shooting ear protection by Walker’s, Peltor, Howard Leight, and Pro Ears.

Top Sellers

Here’s a look at 88 Tactical’s two best electronic shooting ear protection options:

Walker’s Razor Electronic Earmuffs

Designed And Engineered In The U.S.A.

These ‘Razor’ thin muffs were engineered from the ground up to have the lowest possible profile without compromising the hearing protection and amplification properties of the muff. Delivering an impressive noise reduction rating (NRR) of 23dB, the Razor series is sure to protect your hearing, without interfering. The Razor series also features Walker’s new comfort fit headband for all-day shooting and comes in a host of color options.

For more Hearing Protection Coversinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

Specs:

• Ultra low-profile earcups
• 23 Noise Reduction Rating
• Two Omni-directional microphones
• Full dynamic range HD speakers for clear balanced sound
• Low noise/ frequency tuned for natural sound clarity
• Single-knob volume control
• Sound-activated compression circuit (SAC)
• 0.02 second response time

Cost:

At $59.95, this is one of the most economical options for quality electronic hearing protection.

• Upgrade to Walker’s Razor Electronic Ear Muffs with Bluetooth for $130

Razor Slim Electronic Muffs feature Bluetooth technology with volume control.  This allows the shooter to control the volume of the ambient noise around them separately from the volume of their Bluetooth-connected device.

Peltor Sport 100 Electronic Hearing Protection

Featuring proprietary 3M technology that suppresses harmful gunshot noise while amplifying low-level sounds, the Tactical 100 Electronic Hearing Protector is ideal for both indoor and outdoor shooters and hunters. Adaptive Frequency Response reduces background noise for clearer conversations and hearing of commands. Plus, the Variable Suppression Time feature provides optimal echo reduction in indoor shooting environments. With improved performance, enhanced comfort features, and greater functionality – including a tethered battery door, streamlined design, improved noise reduction rating, and enhanced electronics – the Tactical 100 Electronic Hearing Protector combines innovative 3M technology with the Peltor™ Sports Brand to give shooters and hunters an excellent hearing protection experience.

Specs:

• Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) 22 dB
• Ideal for both indoor and outdoor shooters and hunters
• Adaptive Frequency Response reduces background noise for clearer conversations and hearing of commands
• Variable Suppression Time feature provides optimal echo reduction in indoor shooting environments
• Re-engineered headband for improved fit and comfort
• Low-profile cups for rifle/shotgun use
• 2-hour auto shut-off
• Easy-access battery door with tether (Runs on 2 AAA batteries)
• 3.5 mm audio input jack compatible with most MP3 players and 2-way radios
• Made in the USA

Cost:

$79.99

•  Upgrade to Peltor Sport 500 with Bluetooth for $160

This Bluetooth option has a slightly higher Noise Reduction Rating (26 dB) than the Walker’s Razor Electronic Muffs with Bluetooth (23 dB).

End Note

In conclusion, investing in the best electronic shooting ear protection is an essential step for any serious shooter. The benefits of quality hearing protection, a slim profile suitable for long gun shooting, and the added convenience of Bluetooth technology make electronic earmuffs an indispensable part of your shooting gear.

At 88 Tactical, we offer a range of top-tier electronic ear protection options, including popular models from Walker’s, Peltor, Howard Leight, and Pro Ears, to ensure your shooting sessions are safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Whether you’re a seasoned marksman or just starting, elevate your shooting experience with the right ear protection today.

How Do Electronic Hearing Protection and Amplification (Shooter's) Ear Muffs Work?

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If you are not familiar with electronic shooter's ear muffs, here is a brief explanation of how they work. Fundamentally, the passive hearing protection provided by the ear muffs protects your hearing from loud noises such as are produced by gunfire or loud machinery. Inside the muffs are electronic components including microphones that pick up sound from outside the ear muffs, an amplifier that makes low volume sounds in the environment easier to hear with the muffs on than with the uncovered ear, and speakers that project the amplified sounds to your ear from the inside of the ear muffs.

The amplifier used in electronic earmuffs includes the "smart" capabilities of the ear muffs. In older (and many cheaper) models, the technology was a simple "stop gate" technology. These ear muffs would amplify low level sounds, and when the sound level picked up by the external microphones reached a dangerous level, the amplifier would simply turn off, leaving the user with the passive protection provided by the earmuffs. When the dangerous sound went away, the amplifier would resume amplifying the environmental sounds. The speed at which the amplifier could switch between off and on, is referred to as "attack time." The faster the attack time, the less the user is cut off from being able to hear what is going on around him.

More expensive and advanced models feature the latest amplifier technology, generally referred to as "sound compression." This technology lets you continue to hear all of the sounds in the environment, but compressed into a lower-volume stream of sound that is essentially continuous, without the on-off sound you get with stop gate technology. With sound compression you hear more than you can without the ear muffs, but all at a safe volume level. Older (and many cheaper) models contain just one or two microphones. With these ear muffs on, the user can hear low level sounds because they are amplified, but the small number of microphones makes it difficult to determine the direction from which the sound is coming. More expensive electronic ear muffs generally feature 2 microphones on the outside and two speakers inside each ear cup, which give the user an excellent sense of direction. Directional sensitivity is extremely important in hunting and military/police tactical situations, and a very nice feature in virtually all other applications.

In summary, the following features should be considered when buying any electronic hearing protection and amplification ear muffs:

• NRR rating. The electronics in the ear muff do not protect your hearing. Only the ear muffs can do that. Make sure you get an NRR rating high enough to provide the protection you need. Small caliber weapons call for a minimum NRR 20. Larger bore hand and long guns call for NRR 25 or better, and for large caliber and magnum handguns, long guns and shotguns, the highest rating you can get (NRR 33) is appropriate. Dual protection which includes wearing ear plugs under your electronic ear muffs, is also recommended for large caliber practice. In general, you will need more protection when practicing due to the number of muzzle blasts to which you are exposed. Similarly, indoor shooting calls for higher, and/or dual protection due to the sound being trapped and echoed within the room.
• Number of microphones. To achieve acceptable directionality of the sound you hear, each ear cup must have at least one microphone on it, and separate speakers in each ear cup to let you hear from which side the sound is coming. A better arrangement is to have two microphones and two speakers in each ear cup. This arrangement will let you tell not only which side the sound is coming from, but also whether it is coming from in front or behind you. This sort of directionality is critical for hunting, police and military tactical situations, and a very nice to have feature in all applications for electronic ear muffs.
• Compression vs. Stop Gate Technology. Sound Compression technology means you hear a continuous stream of sound without the on-off sound you get with a stop gate amplifier.
• Attack Time. The faster the attack time, the less you will find yourself cut off from surrounding sounds as the amplifier turns on and off. Sound compression also benefits from fast attack time, resulting in fewer losses and greater fidelity of sound.
• Maximum Volume. Electronic ear muffs vary widely in the level of amplification they can provide. The best ear muffs offer a 50 decibel maximum amplification, which gives the user "bionic" hearing that is much better than the user has without the ear muffs. Virtually all electronic ear muffs let you adjust the volume from off to maximum and anywhere in between, so more amplification at the maximum is better. Industrial hearing protectors usually feature a built in limiter, so the sound you hear cannot exceed a safe level, even if you turn them all the way up and leave them there all day! Although this is a good idea for those subject to occupational safety regulatory control, it is better to have a set of ear muffs that let the user set the volume where needed for the current situation, which can often exceed long term safety levels. Of course you need to use good judgment and not expose yourself to excessively loud sounds any longer than necessary. Remember, hearing damage occurs as a result of a time-volume level combination. Louder sounds will do damage more quickly than will lower sounds. When in doubt, turn it down!
• Independent ear cup controls. Some electronic ear muffs give you a single control, which means the same amplification in both ears. A better arrangement is to have independent volume controls on each ear cup. That let's you adjust the volume in each ear to suit your personal preferences and to overcome minor hearing loss in one ear if that is necessary. This is very common, especially among shooters.

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