About Protection For Your Ears While Shooting And Hunting

1. A b o u t P r o t e c t i o n F o r Y o u r E a r s Wh i l e S h o o t i n g A n d H u n t i n g Hunters and shooters all know – or should know - that constant exposure to the loud noise they have to listen to at the shooting range, or when they’re out hunting, is cause for concern since it often leads to hearing problems. Hearing problems that are present as a result of such loud noise is referred to as NIHL or Noise-Induced Hearing Loss, which is a real danger for those that do not take the necessary precautionary steps to be sure they do not damage their hearing when they fire their rifles and guns, or when they listen to others in their environment doing so. Some hunters and shooters may develop NIHL after only a short while, even after only one day of being exposed to rifle or gun fire noise, whereas others may be luckier, but ultimately it can indeed affect all shooters and hunters. An example refers: sounds above 90 dB, especially when heard repeatedly, can cause some form of hearing loss or reduced ability to hear properly. The moment this is pushed up to, say, 130, 140, 150, 160 and more dB, there is a good chance that you may suffer greatly from hearing loss at some point. Shooters and hunters – also instructors and employees in factories - should be aware of this since shotgun blasts and firing a rifle happens anywhere around and over 130 dB. Very noisy working conditions around engines and machines in factories may have the same effect, resulting in partial or permanent hearing loss. Others, still, may develop tinnitus, that condition where the sufferer perceives ongoing noise or ringing in the ears. These are examples of what could happen if you do not ensure that you protect your ears – and therefore your ability to hear well – before you set out on your hunting trip, your wing-shoot exercise or those hours you spend at the shooting range with your mates. Over time many articles have been written and information made available to the public to point them in the right direction, i.e. to wear some form of ear protection while exposed to loud noise such as gun fire. Wearing ear protection when you are exposed to the potentially damaging effects of loud sound is not a new idea. For a few decades already factory workers, employees in aviation and even hunters have tried to protect their hearing from the adverse effects of loud noise. Let us look at some examples in this regard:  Ear Plugs: Foam – These are the cheapest and most widely sold examples of ear protection for hunters and shooters among those that can benefit from wearing ear protection. They are easy to find, do not cost much and are easy to carry and store. But, they do have certain drawbacks, such as offering protection for the ear canal only and not the sensitive bones around the ear. Also, when inserted properly, they actually do dampen all noise and sound, not only the harsh sounds made by gunfire. These plugs, especially for hunters and others that want to benefit from a tactical perspective when they want to listen to sounds in the bush or the voice of the instructor are not always ideal.  Ear Muffs - They are already a better option when compared to the ear plugs mentioned above since they offer good protection for the ears; however, they also come with certain disadvantages. They can be cumbersome at times, and it is not easy to wear them with headgear or with a helmet such as soldiers do, for example.

2.  Electronic Ear Plugs – This category has gained a lot of ground over the above-mentioned options in recent times, and with good reason too. These devices offer technologically advanced, digital functionality that is of great benefit to the user. For example: the best among these are designed to make sure that the user hears no loud, unpleasant, damaging sound as they’re out hunting or at practice; however, normal sound that does not cause damage to your ears are still audible. This option, obviously, offers the hunter and shooter some great options - and the protection they want for their ears. These can be bought from selected manufacturers and dealers that take care to come up with leading ear protection. About Us: Electronic Shooters Protection (ESP) has been in business for more than 20 years and provides the best in terms of electronic protection for ears. Products are custom made to fit the individual’s ears so as to allow maximum protection while still hearing sound. You hear all natural sounds in the area and you can actually enjoy normal conversation, but our products will protect you from the harmful effects of loud and damaging sounds such as gunfire. Our digital products are state of the art and among the best available on the market. For more information about ESP and our top range of products, please get in touch by visiting https://www.espamerica.com.