Water is wet, gunshots are loud, and ears are sensitive. The first form of hearing protection was likely nothing more than some wadded-up cotton. As technology improved, newer and better versions appeared. Today, we’ll specifically be covering over-the-ear electronic hearing protection.
Electronic earmuffs run on a different scale than standard ear pro, as they attempt to do the impossible: allow you to hear while protecting you from hearing damage. More than just a simple decibel reduction, electronic protection allows one to hear conversations, environmental noise, and range commands while crushing gunshots and other loud noises to safe levels.
Like a cheesy-but-wholesome advertisement, first-time users can’t help but beam with excitement when the power is turned on and they can hear others talking without the need to shout. At first it feels like cheating, and there’s no going back.
Traditionally, electronic hearing protection always came with a high price point, but you should be pleasantly surprised by some on this list. For each option featured we’ll cover sound quality, comfort, helmet use, and a newer consideration:
