Shooting Ear Protection Type and UseShooting ear protection is a concern for many avid hunting and shooting enthusiasts like myself. Its easy while target shooting to wear earmuffs or put in plugs because you really don't have to listen for sounds like when were out hunting. No firearm should be used without some form of hearing protection. Sounds over 80 decibels are considered dangerous for your hearing. Firearms can exceed 140 decibels so prolonged use can be disastrous. Even the small 22 Rimfire can damage hearing and should not be used without some type of shooting ear protection. All of us are guilty of not taking proper care of our hearing and the damage caused is permanent. With the increase in the use of muzzle brakes on rifles and handguns it's impossible to hunt without hearing protection. Because of the tremendous increase in muzzle blast being directed rearward shooting without protection will cause loss of hearing and pain. It's something to consider before purchasing some hard kicking super magnum if the benefit is worth the abuse. When hunting I sometimes wear ear plugs that have small holes in them and a chamber made by Silencio that allow you to hear and reduce decibels while shooting. If I shoot lots of rounds when practicing it's hard to beat ear muffs or foam ear plugs. Always make sure that whatever you choose that they fit properly and comfortably. Ear protection comes in many forms and can be custom molded to fit your ear. Ear plugs can be made from foam or solid rubber or a combination of both. Earmuffs also come with many features and styles and decibel ratings. Electronic earmuffs allow you to hear and automatically reduce decibels when a loud noise is present but are considerably more expensive. More on Shooting Ear Protection
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All this damage adds up year after year and pretty soon you won't hear birds sing or understand people talking to you. I don't know how many times I've shot without ear plugs in and touched off a magnum handgun round thinking there was a light load in the cylinder while hunting. Your ears ring for hours after and hurt as well. 
