Whether you’re at the shooting range or simply practising with your gun, protecting your ears is important. Gunshots are frequently louder than 140 dB. And it can cause permanent hearing loss or damage to unprotected ears within minutes.
Thankfully, there are several earpro options to protect your hearing. These include earplugs, earmuffs, and wireless earbuds. They cancel noise while still letting you hear range commands or communication.
Why Shooters Need to Protect Their Hearing
Gunshots are some of the loudest common sounds that shooters encounter. To help you understand why hearing protection is necessary, here are the decibel levels produced by varying types of guns:
- Handguns (e.g., Glock 19, SIG Sauer P320) — ~160+ dB
- Mid-power rifles (e.g., AR-15. 223/5.56) — ~160–165 dB
- High-power rifles/shotguns (e.g.,. 308 Winchester, Remington 870 12-gauge) — ~165-175 dB
These readings are substantially above the safe level of 85 dB, which can cause hearing damage in humans. Exposure to gunfire without protection can result in several conditions. Including ringing in the ears (tinnitus), ear fatigue, and permanent hearing loss.
Best Earplugs for Shooting
Earplugs are an excellent option for shooters who want something compact, effective, and inexpensive. They are light, easy to carry, and generally cheap — all of which make them appealing to many.
SureFire EP4 Sonic Defenders
Best for 223/5.56 rifles (such as AR-15s) & 9mm firearms. The SureFire filter technology lets you listen to range commands and fellow shooters, including conversations, while eliminating the sound of gunfire.
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Why they’re great:
- Filter technology lets you hear ambient noise, including speech, while protecting your ears from gunfire and other damaging sounds.
- NRR 24 dB: Ideal for those who need noise protection locally or while running errands.
- Washable: An excellent, earth-friendly choice for reusable earplugs.
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Best Foam Earplugs for Shooting
Earplugs are an excellent option for shooters who want something compact, effective, and inexpensive. They are light, easy to carry, and generally cheap — all of which make them appealing to many.
Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs
Mack’s ultra soft foam is best for Pistols (e.g., Glock 19): The high NRR of these earplugs makes them highly effective at silencing loud, sharp noises generated by handguns and similar small rifles (like the AR-15).
Why they’re great:
- Soft foam design: Comfortable for extended wear in the range.
- High NRR of 33 dB: Offers excellent protection against loud shots.
- Inexpensive and disposable: Great for the casual shooter or for leaving some extra earplugs in your range bag.
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Best Earmuffs for Shooting
For shooters that take gun shooting seriously, Earmuffs are to your ears what Adamantine was to Wolverine! They are great for heavy calibres and indoor ranges, or for anyone who needs maximum protection.
01. Howard Leight by Honeywell (NRR 22 dB)
Handguns at the level of the Glock 19 and mid-power rifles like the AR-15. They are convenient for occasional shooters seeking a budget-friendly, simple-to-use solution.
Why they’re great:
- Custom moulded earplugs: These fully formed silicone rubber earplugs are designed to help prevent swimmer’s ear and surfer’s ear and resist water entry.
- Noise Reduction Rating of 31 db: Ideal for the majority of pistols, shotguns, & mid-calibre rifles.
- Comfortable and adjustable: The headset can be adjusted to fit your head. And making it highly comfortable to wear for extended periods.
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02. Peltor Sport Tactical 500 Bluetooth Hearing Protection
High-calibre rifles, such as the .308 Winchester, or shotguns, such as the Remington 870 12-gauge. These muffs provide solid protection against very loud guns.
Why they’re great:
- Active noise cancellation: Automatically blocks loud gunshots while minimising ambient noise.
- NRR of 25 dB: Ideal for both indoor and outdoor shooters and hunters.
- Comfortable: Both frames feature a comfortable, adjustable strap system.
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Best Tactical Wireless Earbuds for Shooting
Tactical wireless earbuds, yes, a lot for shooting enthusiasts who want freedom of movement with hearing protection.
ISOtunes PRO Bluetooth Earbuds (NRR 27 dB)
Those ISOtunes earbuds are best for Pistols such as the Glock 19 and mid-calibre rifles, including the AR-15. For freedom and flexibility, with protection and situational awareness.
Why they’re great:
- Support for streaming music and taking calls wirelessly via Bluetooth.
- Hearing protection helps reduce gunshot noise while still allowing you to hear range commands and other communications.
- Durable, sweatproof, and suitable for hunting or outdoor shooting.
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Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds for Shooting
Noise-cancelling earbuds are perfect for hearing safe levels amid gunfire while blocking out background noise.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II (NRR 20dB)
Best for Outdoor range time with light- and medium-calibre guns, such as the Glock 19. 22 rifles. Those Bose earbuds are the best noise-cancelling earbuds for Shooting.
Why they’re great:
- Great at noise cancellation so that you can work with those around you.
- Great for long-term wear and ideal for relaxing at the shooting range or outdoor activities.
- Rich sound for music or calls on the break.
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Best Value Ear Protection for Shooters
You don’t have to spend a fortune on good hearing protection. Here are some affordable options that still offer reliable protection.
3M Peltor Optime 105 Earmuffs
Best for indoor ranges or big-bore rifles like the 308. These 3M Peltor earmuffs are great if you shoot often on a budget.
Why they’re great:
- Very high NRR for superior gunshot protection.
- Affordable compared to high-end models.
- Comfortable for extended wear.
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Conclusion
Protecting your hearing isn’t optional — it’s part of responsible shooting. Pistol enthusiasts, mid-calibre rifle users, and shotgun owners: ear protection is available for you. From disposable foam earplugs and budget-friendly earmuffs to fluid-filled electronic hearing protectors, the choices are many.
Select the protection that is right for you and enjoy your favourite gun sports for years to come. Just remember — with the right ear protection, you can stay focused on the excitement of the shot without having to worry about how unprotected ears can affect you in the future.
⟳ Post on Feb 2, 2026
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