5 of the best: hearing protection for shooting

There comes a point in everyone’s life when their body starts to let them down. I’m in my late thirties, and I’ve got a sore back and creaky knees. As we age, time takes its toll. This means that we must do what we can to look after ourselves and stave off - or at least slow down - that decline. One aspect where this is especially true is our hearing.

Once upon a time, it was quite normal for people to shoot without hearing protection of any kind, which is why there’s a generation or two of game shots who are ‘a bit luggy’ before their time. We now know that not only can prolonged exposure to loud noises (like, for example, a shotgun going off next to your head) can lead to hearing loss, but that even one bang can do irreparable damage.

And even if you don’t suffer from hearing loss, shooting without hearing protection can lead to tinnitus. There’s even a condition known as ‘Shooter’s Ear’, which is hearing loss in just one ear.

Don't be left wondering what the joke is!

As Joni Mitchell sang, "You don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone". You’d probably be surprised by how much you rely on your hearing when you’re on the peg, whether that’s listening for the approach of beaters or the crash of pheasant wings in the branches, hearing a cry of “Woodcock!” or hearing the horn at the end of the drive, so if for no other reason than ensuring you remain aware and safe on a shoot day, it is worth protecting your hearing.

If you’re a wildfowler you’ll know that your hearing is almost as important as your eye sight when it comes to clocking incoming birds in the gloom.

Happily, there are any number of hearing protection solutions out there on the market today, suitable for all preferences. Swatcom have developed a reputation as being market leaders in the hearing protection area

The best over-the-ear electronic ear defenders

SWATCOM Active8 -  from £250+VAT

The Rolls-Royce of over-the-ear cans, these ‘active listening’ ear defenders not only protect your hearing, but enhance it, thanks to 360-degree stereo sound reproduction via twin speakers in each ear cup. The sound is controlled by a microprocessor, which means that rather than cutting off peak sounds (like gunshots), it compresses them down to a safe level, by as much as 26dB. 

They’re water-resistant to a depth of 1m, so they’ll withstand even the wettest days, and even being dropped in the drink when you’re out wildfowling. The batteries (2xAAA) last for 600 hours of usage, so you won’t have to worry about running out of juice from August to February.

They’re also low-profile, so you don’t have to worry about them interfering with your gun mount, while the leather headband cover and gel ear seals ensure maximum comfort. And they’ll keep your ears warm! No wonder they’re the hearing protection of choice for military and police operations, not to mention top shooters.

Best in-ear electronic hearing protection for shooting

SWATCOM SC20 - £165+VAT

Some of us just don’t like over-the-ear hearing protection, but that doesn’t mean you have to do without the benefit of electronic ear defenders. Swatcom’s SC20s are electronic in-ear ear defenders that come in two variants: The Natural and The Enhanced. As the names suggest, the former delivers a level of hearing “so close to your normal level of hearing you won’t even realise that they’re there until the gun goes off. The latter offer a boost to your natural hearing, increasing your awareness of what’s happening around you.

Like the Active8s, they suppress loud noises to keep you safe, while ensuring you can still have 100% (or better!) situational awareness. For comfort and a perfect fit, they’re delivered with a choice of six silicone ear tip sizes.

Best in-ear passive hearing protection for shooting

SWATCOM SC21 - £23.33+VAT

There’s foam earplugs, and then there’s the SC21. These reusable earplugs were designed for military use, to protect from the sound of artillery fire.

Like the ‘active’ options above, they’re designed to provide protection from the loudest noises, while the design, which allows air to enter the ear, means you maintain spacial and sound directionality, as well as offering ventilation and comfort. 

Best over-the-ear passive ear defenders

SWATCOM SC12 - £24.00+VAT

Simple, no-nonsense hearing protection. That’s what you get with these passive earmuffs, which were designed for shooting and military purposes.

Offering a volume reduction of 29dB and a lightweight, comfortable fit, these are a great choice for those who don’t get on with electronic ear defenders or in-ear plugs, or for those looking for a wallet-friendly hearing protection solution.

Best custom-fit hearing protection

SWATCOM SC21-CF - £107.50 + VAT

When it comes to in-ear protection, the ultimate option is a custom-fitted earplug like the Swatcom SC21-CF. The custom mould ensures a comfortable fit that is made to the exact dimensions of your ears, meaning they can be worn for up to 12 hours.

The medical grade silicone earpiece features a sound and air tube for ventilation and to ensure that you maintain awareness of what’s going on around you, while the impulse filter provides protection from louder noises.