Why do I need ear protection for gun shooting?

A gunshot produces 140 decibels, about the same as a jet engine. Even for the milliseconds the shot occurs, such a loud noise is enough to cause permanent hearing loss. This is why you should always wear ear protection for shooting.Even in the outdoors when hunting or practice shooting, you need to have certified hearing protection designed specifically for shooting. At Earjobs, we have world-class quality shooting ear protection tested and certified by experts to make sure your hearing is safe whenever you get cracking. If you are looking for something portable and effective, our range of earplugs for shooting and hunting are perfect.

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Shooting Ear Protection

Ear protection for shooting is crucial for guarding against the extremely dangerous noises that weapons produce. Every single gun shot has the potential to cause permanent hearing damage. Whether you're a casual shooter or seasoned veteran, we have an extensive range of ear plugs and ear muffs to suit your needs and protect your hearing.

Which Shooting Ear Protection is right for you?

Why is hearing protection essential for shooting?

Gunshots are extremely loud — often exceeding 140 decibels, well above the threshold for permanent hearing damage. Even a single unprotected shot can cause lasting harm. That’s why hearing protection is non-negotiable for anyone participating in shooting sports, whether you're a beginner at the range or a seasoned hunter.

Shooting ear plugs are designed to reduce high-decibel impact noise while still allowing you to hear range commands, conversation, or environmental sounds — so you stay safe, protected, and aware of your surroundings.

What kind of ear plugs are best for shooting?

The best shooting ear plugs depend on the type of shooting you do and how much awareness you want to maintain. Foam plugs offer maximum noise reduction and are ideal for indoor ranges or extremely loud environments. Filtered plugs or shooting-specific models are perfect for outdoor use — they block harmful noise while letting through safe sounds like voices or ambient noise.

Some reusable shooting ear plugs come with interchangeable filters or tactical features like impulse protection, which activates instantly during a gunshot but keeps other sounds audible. Many shooters also combine plugs with electronic earmuffs for double protection and better clarity in group settings.

Shooting ear plugs and ear muffs compared.

Both ear plugs and earmuffs can offer excellent protection — and many shooters choose to wear both at once for maximum safety, especially indoors. Ear plugs are more compact, discreet, and less bulky, making them great for hunters or shooters who need freedom of movement and the ability to shoulder a firearm comfortably.

Earmuffs, on the other hand, are often preferred for range use, where communication, electronic amplification, and ease of use are important. Plugs are also a great backup to have in your bag — lightweight and easy to carry in case of unexpected noise exposure.

Need help choosing shooting ear plugs? Take our handy quiz.

Shooting and hunting ear protection

Whether you're at the range or out hunting in the bush, protecting your hearing from the intense noise of gunfire is absolutely essential. A single gunshot can produce up to 140 decibels—enough to cause permanent hearing loss in an instant. At Earjobs, we stock world-class hearing protection designed specifically for shooters, including earplugs, passive earmuffs, and advanced electronic earmuffs. Our range includes certified products trusted by professionals and recreational shooters alike.

Shooters hearing protection comes in the form of earplugs, earmuffs, or semi-insert earplugs. Earmuffs are also available in passive protection and active electronic protection. All these work in various ways and offer varying levels of sound blocking. Each is suitable for various shooting applications.

In general, any kind of shooting protection is okay provided that it is of high quality, is worn properly, and is well maintained. Earplugs work by blocking out the high-pressure waves caused by gunshots and are more popular for their effectiveness and portability. Headband-style earmuffs work on the same principle, but they cover the ear externally a bit like headphones, while electronic earmuffs have active noise cancellation technology.

Whichever model and design you choose, make sure you get the best quality shooting hearing protection for your ears at Earjobs, where we sell ear protection for shooters online with countrywide delivery throughout New Zealand.