I'm a hunter, and I come from a family of hunters, so I know how important it is to be able to hear when you're in the field. But as an audiologist, I also know how important it is to protect your hearing when using firearms. That's true whether you're hunting, shooting targets or sighting a firearm.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Hunting Noise Cancelling Headphones. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
Noise over 140 decibels can permanently damage hearing, and almost all firearms are in that range or higher. In comparison, normal conversation falls in the 55–60 decibel range. As we lose hearing due to noise exposure, high-pitched sounds like "s," "th" and "f" tend to be the first affected.
People who lose ability to hear these sounds complain that others are mumbling or that sounds feel muffled. They also may develop ringing in the ears, or what's known as tinnitus.
Unfortunately, many hunters don't use hearing protection while in the field. The most common complaints about hearing protection devices are that they don't allow hunters to hear game, and the devices are uncomfortable.
For hearing protection to be accepted, it has to fit well, be easy for the user to insert or wear, and be simple to clean and maintain.
Earplugs are one of the most common HPDs. They can be as basic as disposable foam plugs or more advanced custom-made ear molds. They can be designed with filters to let soft and moderate sounds pass through, while reducing loud noises. Consider wearing them on a cord around your neck so they're always at hand.
Electronic HPD options can make softer sounds louder, but shut off when there is a loud noise, like gunfire. They include earmuffs — instant fit and custom in-ear versions. These HPDs allow hunters to talk and hear animals without removing the devices.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Custom Hearing Protection Solution.
Some higher-end hearing protection devices can provide minimal amplification and protection. For example, if someone is going on an elk hunt, the device can be programmed to pick up the high-pitched elk bugling, while also protecting from loud noises.
An audiologist can test your hearing and help you find higher-quality options that may not be available from retail stores.
HPDs range in price from $10 to more than $1,000. But just as you invest in clothing, equipment, ammunition and firearms, consider the cost of high-quality hearing protection as part of your sport.
Katie Kendhammer, Au.D., is an audiologist in Owatonna, Minnesota.
Last year I went on an elk hunt with my only braked rifle (338 Edge). I got a shot opportunity, it all happened very fast, I either had to take a shot without hearing protection or pass on it. And it was around my neck. I took the shot, got the elk, but I paid for it.
Even without a brake, high powered rifles are just too much without hearing protection. I grew up hunting with slug guns and muzzleloaders, it was not nearly as bad.
You should look into SoundGear. After that elk hunt I asked my wife to get a pair for me for Christmas. It makes a world of difference. YOuc an wear them all day, and unlike electronic muffs they don't mess up the sound and you barely realize you have them in. Yet when you take the shot they are quite effective. One pair of batteries will last days if you take them out when not in use (only way to turn them off). I went on a week long hunt this year, and didn't wear out a set of batteries. I now have zero excuse not to have hearing protection for every shot.
The ONLY negative I can share is that I don't consider them sufficient for crowded range use. I tried them during an F-class competition and with all the rifle reports, especially if I was setting up my rifle and someone was shooting next to me and I was somewhat even to their muzzle, it was too load and I wanted my foamies back.
For more information, please visit Zh Tech Hearing Protection.