Wearing ear protection is necessary when hunting, or any time you fire a gun.
Basic ear plugs will save your ears from damage, but electronic ear protection is even more safe.
Check out which electronic hearing protection we recommend for hunting.
Here’s Our Top Pick
Howard Leight Impact Sport
- Built-in directional microphones amplify range commands and other...
- Actively listens and automatically shuts off amplification when...
- Features low profile earcups for firearm stock clearance; adjustable...
Why is it better?
- Amplifies low-level sound up to 4 times
- Protection against harmful noise
- Convenient folding design for easy storage
Best Hunting Hearing Protection Options
With that in mind, let’s now take a closer look at our top picks.
Let’s dive into the specifics and review each ear protection individually. You can use the list below to jump and review specific models, or you can read along and go through all the information.
Best Overall: Howard Leight by Honeywell Electronic Shooting Earmuff
- Built-in directional microphones amplify range commands and other...
- Actively listens and automatically shuts off amplification when...
- Features low profile earcups for firearm stock clearance; adjustable...
Our top choice for the best product in this review is the Howard Leight Impact Sport Shooting Earmuff.
This hearing protection is one of the most used products for shooting and hunting. Between the low cost, the feature-packed design, and the great ratings, this is an all-round great choice.
The Howard Leight Impact Sport by Honeywell was first and foremost designed for safety and ear protection.
The earmuffs come with a noise reduction rating of 22, which is more than sufficient for protecting your ears from gun shots while hunting.
Another feature that makes this product safe is the built in sound amplification system. Microphones in this ear protection pick up sounds and amplify them to 82 dB, so you can be more aware of what is going on around you.
It is important to be able to hear and communicate with your hunting partners, for everyones safety. Also, the noise amplification process will make it easier to hear and track wildlife.
One feature that we really like about this headset that really makes it great for hunting is the low profile body design.
Not only is it light-weight and comfortable enough to wear on an all day hunting trip, the slim profile will not hinder your shot, no matter what weapon you are using.
If you need some entertainment to pass the time waiting in a hunting blind, these earmuffs include an input for headphones. So you can listen to your favorite tunes or listen to a podcast while you wait for your prey.
This is a very durable and long-lasting product. We have heard reports of buyers using them for several years and still being effective. As well, they last a long time on one set of batteries, with a battery life of up to 350 hours.
The headset also includes an automatic shut-off after 4 hours so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to turn them off. Not only are the impact sport earmuffs one of the best rated hearing protection systems, but they are also the most rated.
Over the years, this headset has earned over 12,000 ratings, with an average of 4.5 stars.
Product testers and customers had an overwhelming positive response to this ear protection, saying things like “simple to use and comfortable”, “I would highly recommend these”, and “dirt cheap and work very well”.
Overall, the Howard Leight Impact Sport Earmuffs are the best electronic hearing protection in this price range, and they can be had at an excellent price.
Pros
- Amplifies low-level sound up to 4 times
- Protection against harmful noise
- Convenient folding design for easy storage
- Soft headband for greater wearer comfort
- AUX input allows connection to external MP3 players
Cons
- The audio connector never fit into the jack
Features
- Snap-in ear cushions
- Automatic noise-blocking
Product Information
- Style: Earmuff
- Material: ABS Plastic
- Power Source: Batteries
- Sound Level: 24 dB
- Battery Life: 350 hours
Walker’s Electronic Hearing Protection Earmuffs
- FIREMAX MUFFS - Protect your ears while at the range or the racetrack...
- RECHARGEABLE BATTERY - The digital platform includes four frequency...
- 4 FREQUENCY MODES - The Universal and Power Boost modes enhance...
The 2nd best option in our roundup of electronic hearing protection for hunters is the Walker’s Razor Slim Electronic Muff.
This product is tied for the highest hearing protection rating and has the most features, all though it is the most expensive product in our list.
The sound on this headset is superior to any other in this price range, with full dynamic range high definition speakers.
Even noise reduction rating is very high on these at 23dB reduction rating, they still make it easy to hear what is going on outside the muffs with omni directional microphones that quickly bring sound to your ear with just a .02 second delay.
Standard on this model is the ridged on/off volume control, that makes it easy to adjust even when wearing gloves.
Also included is an audio input jack that allows you to listen to music. This headset is powered by AAA batteries and has a very long battery life.
The Razor Slim Electronic Muff by Walker is another highly rated hearing protection unit. With an average of 4.5 stars over almost 1,000 reviews, this is obviously a well liked product.
People who purchase these had things to say such as “they are fantastic!” and “did not disappoint”. The Walker’s Razor Slim Electronic Muff is a great product, although the slightly more expensive price is something to consider.
Pros
- Ultra low profile ear cups
- 2-hi gain omni directional microphones
- Noise reduction rating 23
- Full dynamic range HD speakers for clear balanced sound
- Low noise/frequency tuned for natural sound clarity
Cons
- Mono mics
Features
- Recessed volume control knobs
- Comfort headband with metal wire frame
Product Information
- Style: Earmuff
- Material: Plastic with ultra-thin rubberized cups
- Power Source: Batteries
- Sound Level: 23 dB
- Battery Life: 300 hours
Caldwell Low Profile E-Max Electronic Ear Muffs
- SPECS: Experience high quality stereo sound while confidently...
- COMFORTABLE: Featuring an adjustable headband and padded ear cups,...
- EASE OF USE: Runs on 2 AAA batteries (included) and is compatible with...
The 2nd best option in our roundup of electronic hearing protection for hunters is the Walker’s Razor Slim Electronic Muff.
This product is tied for the highest hearing protection rating and has the most features, all though it is the most expensive product in our list.
The sound on this headset is superior to any other in this price range, with full dynamic range high definition speakers.
Even noise reduction rating is very high on these at 23dB reduction rating, they still make it easy to hear what is going on outside the muffs with omni directional microphones that quickly bring sound to your ear with just a .02 second delay.
Standard on this model is the ridged on/off volume control, that makes it easy to adjust even when wearing gloves.
Also included is an audio input jack that allows you to listen to music. This headset is powered by AAA batteries and has a very long battery life.
The Razor Slim Electronic Muff by Walker is another highly rated hearing protection unit. With an average of 4.5 stars over almost 1,000 reviews, this is obviously a well liked product.
People who purchase these had things to say such as “they are fantastic!” and “did not disappoint”. The Walker’s Razor Slim Electronic Muff is a great product, although the slightly more expensive price is something to consider.
Pros
- Ultra low profile ear cups
- 2-hi gain omni directional microphones
- Noise reduction rating 23
- Full dynamic range HD speakers for clear balanced sound
- Low noise/frequency tuned for natural sound clarity
Cons
- Mono mics
Features
- Recessed volume control knobs
- Comfort headband with metal wire frame
Product Information
- Style: Earmuff
- Material: Plastic with ultra-thin rubberized cups
- Power Source: Batteries
- Sound Level: 23 dB
- Battery Life: 300 hours
How To Safely Use Hearing Protection While Hunting
Hunting is a dangerous business in more ways than one.
First, there is the most obvious danger that comes from handling and using guns.
Second, there is danger from animals you are hunting, especially when they are more aggressive, like bears and wolves.
Lastly, there is the danger to your ears from the loud noises, which mostly come from gunshots.
Here are a few tips to help make sure you stay safe while out on a hunt:
- When wearing ear protection, make sure it fits correctly to ensure maximum safety to eardrums. A loose-fitting headset can let noise in.
- The seal of the cup should not be broken or interfered with in any way. Make sure there is nothing that sits between the seal and your head, such as hair or glasses. If the seal should break, get it repaired or get a new headset before use.
- Do not modify the headset
- Inspect the headset before every use for cracks or faulty pieces.
Final Word
As you should know, firing guns without ear protection is extremely dangerous. We strongly encourage you to wear something, even if it is just basic earplugs.
If you have need for other hunting gear, make sure to check out some of our other product reviews.
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