When it comes to shooting, protecting your hearing is essential. But should you choose traditional over-ear defenders or opt for in-ear earplugs?
Both have their place, and the right choice depends on your shooting environment, the level of protection you need and what you find comfortable to wear. However, for shooters who want effective hearing protection without the bulk, in-ear earplugs offer several advantages worth considering.
At Auritech, hearing protection is our speciality. With more than 20 years of experience developing hearing protectors, we understand that protecting your ears is about more than simply reducing noise. Comfort, communication and choosing the right protection for your activity all matter, too.
So, let’s look at the differences between over-ear defenders and in-ear earplugs, and what shooters should consider when choosing between them.
Why is hearing protection so important for shooting?
Shooting can produce peak noise levels of around 150 dB or more, far exceeding the 85 dB level at which hearing damage can occur. Even occasional exposure can be harmful, so hearing protection should be an essential part of your shooting equipment, whether you’re at a clay ground, on a range or out in the field.
The challenge is finding protection that reduces harmful noise while allowing you to remain aware of your surroundings and communicate with other people.
Traditional defenders and earplugs approach this in different ways. Over-ear defenders cover the entire ear, while in-ear protection sits inside the ear canal. Both can be effective when correctly selected and fitted, but their differences can have a real impact on comfort and practicality.
Over-ear defenders: effective, but not always convenient
Over-ear defenders are a familiar choice for many shooters. They cover the ears with padded cups and create a seal around them to reduce the sound reaching your eardrums.
One of their main advantages is that they’re relatively straightforward to put on and remove. Depending on the design, electronic defenders can also amplify quieter sounds, helping users hear conversation while reducing sudden loud noises.
However, the larger design isn’t ideal for everyone.
Defenders can feel bulky, particularly during long shooting sessions or in warm weather. They may also interfere with other equipment, including hats, shooting glasses and certain types of headwear. Anything that compromises the seal around the ear can reduce their effectiveness.
There’s also the temptation to lift or remove defenders when you want to have a conversation. That creates a potential gap in your hearing protection at precisely the time you might still be exposed to an unexpected shot.
In-ear earplugs: compact protection without the bulk
In-ear earplugs offer a more discreet alternative. Sitting inside the ear canal, they leave the outer ear uncovered and avoid the need for bulky cups or a headband.
This can make them a practical choice for shooters who want protection that’s comfortable, unobtrusive and easy to wear throughout a session. They’re also simple to carry in a pocket or shooting bag, ready whenever they’re needed.
Another important consideration is compatibility with other equipment. Because in-ear earplugs don’t sit over the ears, they avoid many of the fit issues that can arise when wearing over-ear defenders alongside glasses or headwear.
But perhaps one of the biggest advantages is communication.
Hear conversation without removing your protection
Not all earplugs work in the same way. Traditional plugs can muffle sound considerably, making conversation difficult and leaving you feeling disconnected from what’s happening around you.
Auritech’s SHOOT earplugs use precision-tuned ceramic filters designed to reduce the harmful noise of gunshots while allowing conversation and relevant background sounds to remain audible. This helps shooters communicate without repeatedly removing their hearing protection.
That matters for more than convenience. If someone removes their defenders to speak to another shooter, they may be exposed to a shot fired nearby without warning. Keeping suitable hearing protection in place helps avoid that unnecessary risk.
Of course, being able to hear conversation doesn’t mean every sound can be identified or anticipated. Shooters should follow the safety procedures for their discipline and keep their hearing protection in place whenever shots may be fired.
Universal-fit or custom-fit: which should you choose?
Once you’ve decided to explore in-ear protection, there’s another choice to make: universal-fit or custom-fit earplugs.
Universal-fit earplugs are a convenient starting point for many shooters. Auritech SHOOT earplugs are designed specifically for shooting activities, with ceramic filters tuned to reduce gunshot noise while retaining speech clarity. They’re reusable and cost £19.95, making them an accessible option for people who want to move away from bulky defenders.
Custom-fit earplugs take personalisation a step further. Made from impressions of your individual ear canals, they’re designed to provide a more tailored option. You'll get maximum sound attenuation due the perfect fit. This can be particularly appealing for regular shooters who wear hearing protection for extended periods or struggle to find a comfortable fit with standard products.
Auritech’s custom-fit protectors incorporate ceramic filters selected for the intended activity, with shooting-specific options available. Customers can choose between hard and soft materials, and the products are designed for long-term use. Custom-fit protection involves a higher initial investment, but it offers excellent long-term value. Our custom-fit earplugs are designed around your individual ear shape for a personalised fit, and with proper care, a set typically lasts at least five years, depending on use. They also come with a two-year guarantee covering fit and attenuation.
Our custom-fit hearing protection is available for £149 including VAT, offering a long-term option for regular shooters who prioritise comfort, fit and reliable hearing protection.
The best choice will depend on your needs, budget and how frequently you shoot. For some, universal-fit protection will be ideal; for others, the comfort and personalised fit of a custom-made solution will make it worthwhile.
Trusted by shooters
Choosing the right hearing protection is a personal decision, and feedback from people who rely on it in different environments can be useful when weighing up your options.
TV presenter and adventurer Charley Boorman, known for his motorcycle travel documentaries and long-distance adventures, is an Auritech customer who uses our custom-fit SHOOT earplugs. He also uses our custom-fit BIKER earplugs for riding, with each designed to provide hearing protection suited to the activity.
Speaking about his experience with our SHOOT earplugs, Charley said:
“These Auritech ear plugs were perfect from the moment I put them in. They’re really comfortable and do a great job at cutting out the dangerous levels of noise from the gun while still allowing me to hear incredibly well. I really love them! I’ve tried so many different plugs over the years but these really are excellent and I can’t wait now to try my Auritech Bike ones too!”
For shooters who spend long periods wearing hearing protection, comfort and fit can make a real difference to the experience. Charley’s feedback highlights why finding a solution that feels comfortable while providing appropriate noise reduction is such an important part of protecting your hearing.
Find the right hearing protection for your shooting
Over-ear defenders remain a useful option, particularly where electronic sound amplification or additional protection is required. But for shooters who value a lightweight, discreet design and the ability to communicate without removing their earplugs, in-ear protection offers a compelling alternative.
Auritech’s SHOOT earplugs provide an accessible, universal-fit option, while its custom-fit shooting protectors offer a more personalised solution for those looking for a tailored fit.
Ultimately, hearing protection shouldn’t be an afterthought. Choosing the right product can help you protect your hearing while making every shooting session more comfortable and practical.
Explore Auritech’s SHOOT earplugs or custom-fit hearing protection to find an option that suits your needs.