Guns are Loud: Save Your Hearing

Published on November 29, 2017
Duration: 6:15

This video details the risks of hearing loss from firearms and reviews electronic hearing protection options. It highlights the Etymotic GSP-15 Gunsport Pro earplugs, emphasizing their comfort and effectiveness, especially with custom-molded tips. The review also touches on the Howard Leight Impact Sport earmuffs as a more budget-friendly alternative, noting potential durability issues for heavy use.

Quick Summary

Firearm noise can cause cumulative hearing damage, leading to tinnitus and muffled speech. While foam plugs offer basic protection (up to 32 dB NRR), electronic earplugs like the Etymotic GSP-15 provide better comfort and situational awareness. For maximum safety in loud environments, 'double up' by wearing earmuffs over earplugs.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Hearing Loss Risks & Protection Basics
  2. 01:05Howard Leight Impact Sport Earmuffs Review
  3. 02:18Etymotic GSP-15 Gunsport Pro Earplugs Review
  4. 03:17Custom Molded Ear Tips for GSP-15
  5. 04:30Performance & Doubling Up Protection

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the risks of not using hearing protection when shooting firearms?

Not using hearing protection can lead to permanent hearing damage, including tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and muffled speech. This damage is cumulative, meaning even a single unprotected shot can cause lasting harm. Effective and inexpensive hearing protection is readily available.

What are the benefits of electronic hearing protection like the Etymotic GSP-15?

Electronic earplugs and earmuffs allow you to hear important sounds like range commands while automatically suppressing dangerously loud noises. They offer better comfort, especially in hot weather, and don't interfere with shooting glasses or a proper cheek weld compared to traditional earmuffs.

How effective are custom-molded ear tips for electronic earplugs?

Custom-molded ear tips provide a perfect, secure fit, significantly improving noise isolation and comfort. While the standard tips work, custom ones ensure maximum protection and are highly recommended for frequent users, though they add to the overall cost.

What is the best way to protect hearing in very loud shooting environments?

For extremely loud environments, such as indoor ranges or when shooting powerful centerfire rifles, it's recommended to 'double up.' This involves wearing electronic earmuffs over electronic earplugs to achieve the highest level of noise reduction and protect your hearing effectively.

More Tactical & Gear Videos You Might Like

More from Lucky Gunner Ammo

View all →