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In the firearm community, safety is a topic that is not taken lightly. Especially since firearms have the potential to be dangerous and even life-threatening. Many people assume that safety simply means managing your firearm in a manner that keeps others protected. However, it can also mean protecting your body from harm by wearing the appropriate type of safety gear. So, it is important to understand the different types of ear protection when picking the best option.
Considerations When Picking Ear Protection
Besides eye protection, hearing protection is an essential item that every gun owner should have. Common types of ear protection are either earplugs or earmuffs. To find the correct pair for you, let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of inner and outer ear protection.
Design & Convenience
Inner ear protection, also known as earplugs, is typically made out of foam or silicone and designed to fit inside the ear canal. They are typically made for single use, but if kept clean, they can be reused. Furthermore, this type of equipment is available in a variety of sizes, such as small, medium, and large. However, it can also be customized to fit your needs, making this a great advantage worth considering.
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Outer hearing protection is created with a headband and ear cups. It is designed to insulate and reduce noise over a shooter’s ears. They are also referred to as earmuffs and are designed for repeated use. This hearing protection equipment is typically one size fits all and is designed with an adjustable headband.
One benefit you gain with foam earplugs is that they are on the smaller side. This makes them extremely portable and easy to store. As for earmuffs, they are bulkier and heavier but are capable of folding together to help with storage.
Safety Ratings
Noise Reduction Rating is a measurement used to determine how well ear pro can reduce noise. This scale typically ranges from 0 to 33 decibels, with higher numbers indicating better hearing protection. When selecting this type of safety gear, it is recommended to wear earplugs or earmuffs with an NRR of 28 decibels or more.
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However, it is vital to recognize that both inner and outer hearing protection will vary in their decibel rating. Due to the design of the gear, earplugs typically have a rating of 33 dB while earmuffs have an NRR of 31 dB. This makes inner hearing protection the superior choice.
Ease of Use
Out of the two ear protection types, earmuffs are generally considered easier to wear compared to earplugs. They are designed to easily slip over the head and fit snugly over the ears.
Since earplugs need to be inserted into the ear canal, this can require a few application attempts to get the perfect fit. Especially if you are new to wearing safety gear.
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To properly insert foam earplugs, start by rolling the foam or silicone together with your fingers until you form a thin cylinder shape. Next, tug the top of your ear upwards and insert the hearing protection into the ear canal. Make sure you are holding it for a couple of minutes to allow it to expand.
Comfort
Since earmuffs cover your ears, one disadvantage is that they can trap heat and create a moist environment around your ears. Outer ear protection is a great option to wear on colder days. However, it can be uncomfortable to wear on hot and warm days, especially for long periods of time.
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Another reason an individual may find earmuffs uncomfortable is that the headband and ear cups can cause a lack of blood flow. This can create significant pressure on the head and ears. This pressure can also result from wearing other types of safety equipment, such as hats and eye protection.
Nonetheless, it is important to note that a shooter’s comfort all boils down to personal preference.
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Cost
Both foam and silicone earplugs typically range anywhere between $2.00 and $25.00, depending on the amount and brand you choose. On the other hand, custom inner ears are on the more expensive side, ranging between $100 and $250.
As for earmuffs, this ear protection typically ranges from around $10.00 to upwards of $800, with electronic PPE being a more costly option.
Picking the Right Ear Protection Comes Down to Personal Preference
Both inner and outer ear protection have advantages and disadvantages that are worth considering. To find the best option for you, it is recommended to try both types of protective equipment.
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The post Picking Between Inner and Outer Ear Protection: Which is Best? appeared first on Athlon Outdoors Exclusive Firearm Updates, Reviews & News.
