What type of hearing protection is appropriate for shooting?

• A. Any cotton ball in ears.
• B. Noise-canceling headphones not designed for firearms.
• C. Properly fitted earplugs or earmuffs designed for firearm noise levels.
• D. Hand over mouth breathing only.

Answer: (C)

Hearing protection for shooting must reliably reduce the loud impulse noise produced by firearms. Regular cotton balls don’t provide a reliable seal or adequate attenuation, so they won’t protect your ears effectively. Noise-canceling headphones you buy for everyday listening aren’t designed for firearm impulse noise and often don’t seal well enough to protect against a gunshot. The best choice is properly fitted earplugs or earmuffs designed specifically for firearm noise levels, providing the necessary protection and staying in place during shooting. If you shoots for longer periods, some shooters use both for extra protection and to ensure a good seal, but the key is proper fit and a rating suitable for firearm noise.