Evolution of Ear Protection Technology
In the early days, ear protection relied mainly on passive (non-electronic) methods. Examples include the historic Mallock-Armstrong plugs used in World War I, which offered limited protection and often led to earwax buildup. Over time, advancements led to the development of disposable and moldable earplugs made from materials like clay, silicone, and memory foam. Additionally, the introduction of the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) system provided a standardized rating for different types of earmuffs and earplugs, ensuring consumer safety.
Current passive hearing protection typically consists of moldable foam earplugs that are twisted and inserted into the ear canal, or passive earmuffs that are worn over the ears. While earplugs provide solid protection, they need to be inserted correctly and entirely to be effective. Earmuffs are simpler to use but can expose the user to hearing damage if they don't create a proper seal due to the presence of protective eyewear and head movement.
AXIL XCOR Digital Wireless Hearing Protection
Electronic Ear Protection
The advent of electronic earmuffs and earplugs revolutionized hearing protection. Unlike passive methods, electronic protection amplifies softer sounds while effectively reducing louder noises such as gunshots or machinery. With advancements in amplification and noise compression technology, shooters can now enjoy improved awareness of their surroundings.Current Innovations in Ear Protection
A. Electronic Earmuffs with Bluetooth Connectivity: A Seamless Integration
The integration of electronic earmuffs with Bluetooth connectivity has ushered in a new era of convenience. Shooters can now stay connected to their mobile devices while benefiting from electronic hearing protection. From receiving calls and texts to engaging in important conversations, these advancements allow for uninterrupted communication even in hazardous noise environments. Additionally, enhanced communication among fellow shooters on the range further enriches the shooting experience. An example of these innovations in hearing protection is the new AXIL XCOR True Wireless Ear Buds.
Axil GS Extreme 2.0 Hearing Protection
Smart Ear Protection Devices: The Future of Hearing Safety
Experts predict a merging of hearing protection and audio listening devices, similar to the consolidation seen with smartphones. Smart ear protection devices will combine multiple functions such as noise filtering, wireless controls, and advanced protection features into a single device. This integration will offer users an all-in-one solution for listening to music, engaging in AI utilization, gaming, communication, and shooting range protection. Moreover, advancements in spatial and situational awareness will greatly benefit law enforcement, military personnel, and security personnel.
What is The Best Hearing Protection Option?
Ideally, there would be one pair of hearing protection that was best for every situation and environment. They would be comfortable, provide maximum hearing protection and ergonomics and be very affordable. We could apply this wishful thinking to just about any other tool we use and we’d quickly see that we haven’t quite figured out hearing protection the same we have with boxing gloves, or baseballs. There are a lot of different options, yet deciding the best is not so much knowing about the hearing protection as it is knowing about yourself and your needs. What type of shooting are you going to be doing? Indoor? Outdoor? Rifle? Pistol? Tactical? Competition? Outdoor pistol training for instance would require less hearing protection, allowing you to focus more on comfort. So perhaps simple foam plugs would suffice, but if the weather is cold, using muffs might serve a duel purpose of keeping your ears a little warmer, etc…etc…AirPods? AXIL?
I personally prefer keeping it as simple as possible, especially for outdoor handgun training (my specialty) and got used to the AXIL GS Extreme 2.0 Ear Buds. However, I've recently been running the new AXIL XCOR Ear Buds, being able to talk and shoot and not having an adaptation period has been a very compelling perk. I get asked about using AirPods on the range, considering Apple touted the 2nd Generation Pro as being protective and that might be true for extended loud sounds at a musical concert, however, based on the data compiled by a New York Times report in March of the year, I wouldn’t put much faith in AirPods on a shooting range, especially not indoors. Whereas many electronic hearing protection tend to simply shut down sound enhancement once a noise reaches a certain loudness, reverting to a regular pair of hearing protection, AXIL uses a technology that moves the sound around protecting your hearing from the hazardous noise while maintaining your spatial awareness.
As an instructor that spends a few hours on an indoor shooting range daily, I can’t emphasize proper hearing protection enough. Make sure you research manufacturers instructions or confer with range staff on proper usage of different types of hearing protection. Ease into the hazardous noise environment by walking onto a live fire range while shooting is going on. Test your hearing protection with a small caliber firearm, like a .22LR. You might end up paying more trying different types and investing in higher quality, but in my experience you get what you pay for. And that cannot be understated when it comes to protecting your hearing.
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