 | Hearing ProtectionThere are many types of ear protection on the market today; they include ear plugs, ear muffs and electronic hearing protection. The type system you choose depends on your application.
If you're looking for ear protection we offer Ear Plugs, Ear Muffs and Electronic Hearing Protection. We stock models from only the most reputable manufacturers - Peltor, Pro Ears, Remington, Ear Inc., and Radian. Click here to read our Electronic Hearing Protection - Buyers Guide.
 | Electronic Hearing Protection Currently, there are two different types of technology used in today's electronic ear protection.
The first type, Peak Clipping, is used by manufacturers such as Peltor Hearing Protection and Remington. When an unsafe sound is detected, the unit actually shuts itself off and clips the sound. The electronics rely on the NRR of the cup and revert the unit back to a passive level of protection for a split second until the noise passes and the unit turns back to amplification mode.
The second technology used in hearing protection is Compression Technology, this technology takes an unsafe sound and reduces it to a safe level. The electronics in the unit provide an environment where the user can always hear their surroundings. Many shooters prefer this type of ear protection as it allows them to hear range commands and game as well as their shooting partners. While each is different in application, both offer more than adequate protection to the average user.
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 | Ear Muffs and Ear Plugs Passive Ear Protection comes in two forms; ear muffs and ear plugs. Ear muffs fit completely over both ears. They must fit tightly so that sound is blocked from entering the ears. Ear muffs can reduce noise 15-30 dB depending on their design and how well they fit. Disposable Ear plugs on the other hand are placed into the ear canal so that they totally block the canal. They come in various pre-made shapes and sizes, or they can be custom-made by taking an impression of the ear. Like Ear Muffs, Ear plugs can also reduce noise 15-30 dB. Peltor even offers hearing protection in a Worktunes model - radio ear muffs that combine an AM/FM radio with their proven expertise in ear protection.
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| Hearing Protection - Terminology Noise Reduction Rating - or NRR is the quickest way to determine the level of ear protection a unit offers, the higher the number, the higher the level of protection. Most hearing protection devices offer an NRR ranging from 19dB - 31dB (dB=decibels). For those shooting indoors, under covered ranges or larger calibers, consider something in the range of 24dB - 31dB; these units offer maximum protection. Outdoor shooters have fewer echoes and less sound reverberation and therefore may opt for a lower NRR. Furthermore, some shooters combine ear plugs and ear muffs to achieve even maximum sound reduction. When dual protectors are used, the combined NRR provides approximately 5 decibels more than the higher rated of the two products. For example, using ear plugs (NRR of 29 decibels) with ear muffs (NRR 27) would provide a Noise Reduction Rating of 34 decibels.
In most cases, Noise Reduction Rating and the overall style of the cup are directly related. Handgun and rifle shooters who need maximum hearing protection should opt for full cup design, while shotgun shooters and tend to choose the chop cup because the design does not interfere with the mount of their gun and still provides a high level of ear protection.
In order to determine effective noise exposure of a person wearing hearing protection, the NRR must be subtracted from the measured sound level (dB) they are exposed to in the field. This method is sometimes referred to as NIOSH method #2.
Effective exposure in dB = sound level in dB - NRR.
Please note NRR ratings are based on the maximum noise reduction obtained in controlled, ideal laboratory conditions.
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