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Why a suppressor does not replace hearing protection
A suppressor reduces noise exposure; it does not eliminate it. A 2018 study indexed by NIOSH measured reductions of 17–24 dB in peak sound pressure at the shooter’s ear, depending on the firearm and ammunition. It also reported a 9–21 dB reduction in 8-hour equivalent A-weighted energy. Those are results under the study’s conditions, not a guaranteed reduction for every suppressor, firearm, load, or shooting position. The study concluded that suppressed firearms can still pose significant hearing risk and advised firearm users to wear hearing protection while target shooting or hunting. Read the NIOSH-indexed study.
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NIOSH’s firearms guidance gives a peak sound-pressure range of 144–172 dB SPL across examples from small-caliber weapons to a .357 revolver; that range is not a measurement for every firearm. NIOSH says a firearm’s peak sound pressure is usually enough to require hearing protection even for a single shot. See NIOSH’s firearms hearing-protection guidance.
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Use earplugs and earmuffs together
For shooting, choose double protection: earplugs inside the ear canal and earmuffs covering both ears. NIOSH recommends earmuffs over earplugs for impulsive sounds such as weapons noise, and its firearms guidance recommends the same arrangement for shooting. NIOSH’s hearing-protector guidance explains the general recommendation.
#1 Best Overall
- PROTECT YOUR HEARING - Walker's Razor Ear Muffs have an ultra low-profile design featuring extra slim ear cups, for a secure fit; these ear muffs protect against hazardous noises, while still letting you hear everything going on around you clearly
- SOUND AMPLIFICATION - Walker's Razor Ear Muffs amplify safe sounds using two hi-gain microphones to provide clear omnidirectional hearing; The low-end frequencies are enhanced to produce accurate, natural sound
- RUGGED DESIGN - These muffs feature a rugged design with a rubberized coating, helping to prevent damage to the interior electronics; the housing is made from a sound-dampening composite; The headband is a padded metal wire frame
- EASY-TO-USE CONTROLS - These muffs have a volume control knob on the outside that is slightly recessed - a perfect balance between providing easy-to-use controls, and preventing accidental volume adjustments; the battery door also opens from the exterior
- LISTEN TO MUSIC - These ear muffs also have an audio input jack, allowing you to plug in your phone or other favorite sound source, effectively converting these ear muffs into a set of headphones with hearing protection
Choose earplugs you can fit correctly
Formable foam earplugs are one practical option. Roll and insert them according to the package directions, then allow them to expand before putting on the earmuffs. The goal is a deep, secure fit—not simply having a plug in each ear. A protector that is poorly fitted should not be assumed to deliver its labelled attenuation.
Choose earmuffs that seal around your head and eyewear
The earmuff cushions need to sit continuously against the head. Safety glasses, hat brims, hair, or other objects under the cushions can create gaps and reduce protection. NIOSH specifically warns that safety glasses beneath earmuffs can cause an acoustic leak. NIOSH’s indoor firing-range guidance discusses noise control and hearing protection in range settings.
Rank #2
- PROTECT YOUR HEARING - Walker's Razor Ear Muffs have an ultra low-profile design featuring extra slim ear cups, for a secure fit; these ear muffs protect against hazardous noises, while still letting you clearly hear everything going on around you
- SOUND AMPLIFICATION - Walker’s Razor Ear Muffs amplify safe sounds using two hi-gain microphones to provide clear omni-directional hearing; The low end frequencies are enhanced to produce accurate, natural sound
- RUGGED DESIGN - These muffs feature a rugged design with a rubberized coating, helping to prevent damage to the interior electronics; the housing is made from a sound dampening composite; the headband is a padded metal wire frame
- EASY-TO-USE CONTROLS - These muffs have a volume control knob on the outside that is slightly recessed - a perfect balance between providing easy-to-use controls, and preventing accidental volume adjustments; the battery door also opens from the exterior
- LISTEN TO MUSIC - These ear muffs also have an audio input jack, allowing you to plug in your phone or other favorite sound source, effectively converting these ear muffs into a set of headphones with hearing protection
Consider electronic earmuffs when communication matters
Level-dependent electronic earmuffs can make conversation or awareness of quieter sounds more convenient during target practice or hunting. They remain the outer layer of double protection; electronics are not a reason to leave out earplugs.
Compare setups by fit and use, not a headline rating
| Setup or feature | What it offers | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Earplugs alone | An in-ear layer, but not the double protection NIOSH recommends for weapons noise. | Whether they are inserted correctly; do not treat a package rating as proof of your actual protection. |
| Earplugs plus passive earmuffs | The recommended double-protection arrangement for shooting. | Deep earplug fit and a complete earmuff cushion seal, including around eyewear. |
| Earplugs plus electronic level-dependent earmuffs | Double protection with potential convenience for communication during practice or hunting. | All fit and seal checks still apply; retain the earplug layer. |
The cited guidance supports these categories and fit criteria, not a particular product model or a universal product-specific attenuation figure. NIOSH cautions that laboratory Noise Reduction Rating results may overstate protection in actual use; fitting and, where applicable, fit-testing matter. Do not subtract an earmuff or earplug’s package rating from a firearm’s peak level to calculate your personal protected exposure.
Rank #3
- PROTECT YOUR HEARING - Walker's Razor Ear Muffs have an ultra low-profile design featuring extra slim ear cups, for a secure fit; these ear muffs protect against hazardous noises, while still letting you clearly hear everything going on around you
- SOUND AMPLIFICATION - Walker’s Razor Ear Muffs amplify safe sounds using two hi-gain microphones to provide clear omni-directional hearing; The low end frequencies are enhanced to produce accurate, natural sound
- RUGGED DESIGN - These muffs feature a rugged design with a rubberized coating, helping to prevent damage to the interior electronics; the housing is made from a sound dampening composite; the headband is a padded metal wire frame
- EASY-TO-USE CONTROLS - These muffs have a volume control knob on the outside that is slightly recessed - a perfect balance between providing easy-to-use controls, and preventing accidental volume adjustments; the battery door also opens from the exterior
- LISTEN TO MUSIC - These ear muffs also have an audio input jack, allowing you to plug in your phone or other favorite sound source, effectively converting these ear muffs into a set of headphones with hearing protection
Check the fit before shooting
- Insert the earplugs: follow the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure each plug is seated deeply and securely.
- Put on the earmuffs: cover both ears and adjust the headband so the cushions contact the head all the way around.
- Check eyewear and other gear: make sure glasses, hair, hats, or straps are not holding a cushion away from the head. If the seal is broken, adjust the gear or choose compatible equipment.
- Keep both layers on: wear the protection while shooting with a suppressor, whether at a range or while hunting.
Account for the shooting environment
Indoor ranges can have reflected sound and other range-specific conditions, so do not assume that a suppressed firearm makes an indoor setting safe for unprotected ears. At work, hearing protection belongs within an overall hearing-conservation program rather than serving as a substitute for one. NIOSH’s indoor firing-range control guidance covers noise and lead controls in that setting.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- PROTECT YOUR HEARING: Walker's Razor Ear Muffs have an ultra low-profile design featuring extra slim ear cups, for a secure fit; these ear muffs protect against hazardous noises, while still letting you clearly hear everything going on around you
- SOUND AMPLIFICATION: Walker's Razor Ear Muffs amplify safe sounds using two hi-gain microphones to provide clear omni-directional hearing; The low end frequencies are enhanced to produce accurate, natural sound
- RUGGED DESIGN: These muffs feature a rugged design with a rubberized coating, helping to prevent damage to the interior electronics; the housing is made from a sound dampening composite; the headband is a padded metal wire frame
- EASY-TO-USE CONTROLS: These muffs have a volume control knob on the outside that is slightly recessed, providing easy-to-use controls and preventing accidental volume adjustments; the battery door also opens from the exterior
- LISTEN TO MUSIC: These ear muffs also have an audio input jack, allowing you to plug in your phone or other favorite sound source, effectively converting these ear muffs into a set of headphones with hearing protection
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