Which hearing protectors for the shooting range to choose?
Excessive noise is a serious threat to our hearing. Excessively loud sounds, especially those of an impulsive nature such as gunshots, can not only cause temporary hearing loss, but can also lead to permanent damage to the hearing apparatus. This is why it is so important to choose the right hearing protectors for the shooting range, which are designed to protect this organ from damage as much as possible.
In this article, we will give you tips on which hearing protectors to choose for the shooting range. You'll learn the differences between active and passive headphones and how noise affects your health depending on its intensity.
Hearing protectors - active or passive? Which type to use at the shooting range?
Hearing protectors should first and foremost be tailored to your needs. You'll need different headphones if you're spending time at the range with a companion or an instructor you want to talk to, and different ones if you're shooting alone and a classic hearing protector, which provides basic hearing protection but no additional features, will suffice. However, always remember to pay attention to the headphones' attenuation power (SNR). The recommended minimum for the shooting range is 25 dB, but it is advisable to choose models with an attenuation of 30 dB or even higher.
In the following section, we will outline the differences between active and passive hearing protectors so that you can decide for yourself which is the better choice for you.
Active shooter headphones - advanced hearing protection technology
Active hearing protectors are equipped with electronic circuits that are responsible for attenuating low and medium frequency sounds. In the case of loud sounds, such as a gunshot, the built-in microphones detect the noise and the advanced electronics immediately reduce harmful levels. Such headphones not only protect your hearing from loud noises, but also amplify quieter noises so that the voices of other shooters can be heard clearly, enabling casual conversation.
Active shooter headphones often feature volume control, sound filters and an audio input to connect the headphones to a radio or mobile phone. Additionally, some models offer a Bluetooth module to connect wirelessly to devices.
The following are available on the market active in-ear headphones and in-ear, as well as special helmet-mounted models. Ear protectors differ from in-ear protectors in that they do not have audio input, but usually offer Bluetooth functionality. What's more, as the name suggests, they are inserted into the ear, which is worth taking into account as some people may not like this solution. Still, they can be a good choice for those who don't mind this and prefer lighter headphones that don't weigh down their head.
Passive headphones - simple and effective hearing protection
Passive hearing protectors are classic and budget models at the same time. They work on the principle of acoustic insulation, using special sound-absorbing materials that effectively reduce noise. The earcups fit tightly around the ears to form a barrier against external sounds. These headphones do not offer sound amplification or other additional options, as they are not equipped with electronic circuits. Passive models (like active models) are divided into passive in-ear hearing protectors and passive in-ear hearing protectors.
There are a variety of passive headphone models on the market, which vary in their level of noise cancellation, wearing comfort and build quality. However, it is worth noting that the disadvantage that applies to all passive models is that they completely isolate the user from their surroundings, making them a good choice for people who do not need to communicate with others while shooting.
Why is wearing headphones at the shooting range important?
Loud bangs during shooting pose a serious threat to our hearing. Unlike everyday sounds, which are usually safe, gunshots (noise levels as high as 130 dB - 170 dB) can cause irreversible damage. Loud sounds also affect shooting efficiency and accuracy. Noise adversely affects the ability to concentrate, which can lead to disorientation of the shooter and ultimately make it difficult to focus on the target. For this reason, it is essential to wear appropriate protective gear during shooting practice.
The impact of noise on health is assessed by its intensity, expressed in decibels (dB). It is accepted that certain noise levels affect the human body in different ways:
| Noise level | Impact |
| less than 35 dB | noise at this intensity is not a health hazard (although it can sometimes cause irritation and disturb concentration) |
| 35 dB to 70 dB | begins to have a negative effect on the nervous system (which may manifest as fatigue, reduced performance and difficulty sleeping) |
| 70 dB to 80 dB | prolonged exposure to noise of this intensity leads to permanent hearing damage, headaches and nerve disorders |
| 85 dB to 130 dB | leads to hearing impairment, disrupts the cardiovascular and nervous systems and has a negative impact on the sense of balance |
| 130 to 150 dB | causes vibrations in certain internal organs, which can result in serious hearing damage |
| above 150 dB | after a prolonged period of more than 5 minutes, leads to paralysis, nausea, imbalance, anxiety, and can also contribute to depression and various mental disorders |
Range of hearing protectors for the shooting range at Militaria.pl
Already know which hearing protectors for the shooting range to choose? In our shop you will find active and passive models. We offer products from renowned brands such as Peltor, Walker's and Sordin, which guarantee high quality and effectiveness.
You will also find various accessories such as stickers for hearing protectors in our range, mounts for bullet-proof helmets or sets of replacement earpieces. We encourage you to buy - take care of your hearing and comfort while shooting!
