Last updated on April 2nd, 2025
If you’ve ever fired a rifle or shotgun without hearing protection, you already know how punishing the sound can be. What many people don’t realise is just how damaging that noise actually is. A single shot from a typical centrefire rifle can reach over 140 decibels. Magnum loads, muzzle brakes, and short barrels only add to the chaos. Without adequate protection, you’re not just risking discomfort — you’re risking irreversible hearing loss.
After years of shooting everything from rimfire plinkers to big game rifles, both on the range and out in the paddock, I’ve tested more brands and styles of hearing protection than I can count. In this article, I’ll break down the best hearing protection for shooting and hunting in 2025 — covering everything from simple foam earplugs to advanced military-grade electronic earmuffs.
Why Hearing Protection is Critical for Shooters
Gunshots generate an intense shockwave of sound energy that can permanently damage your inner ear. The part of your ear most affected is the cochlea, which contains thousands of tiny hair-like cells responsible for translating vibrations into signals your brain can understand. Once those hairs are damaged — and they will be over time if you’re not protecting your ears — they don’t regenerate. That’s what leads to hearing loss and conditions like tinnitus, where a high-pitched ringing becomes a permanent part of your daily life.
What’s particularly dangerous about noise-induced hearing loss is that it’s cumulative. You might get away with a few unprotected shots early on, but over the months and years, the damage builds. By the time you notice it, it’s often too late. That’s why investing in proper hearing protection is one of the smartest things you can do if you plan on shooting regularly.
Earplugs for Hearing Protection
Foam earplugs are by far the most compact and affordable form of hearing protection. They’re usually made from soft, compressible polyurethane or PVC foam that expands to fill the ear canal once inserted. This creates a physical seal that blocks out sound waves before they can reach the sensitive structures deeper in the ear.
In a hunting context, foam plugs really come into their own. When you’re out stalking or glassing a ridgeline, you don’t want bulky earmuffs getting in the way of your cheek weld or interfering with your hearing while listening for distant rustling. Foam earplugs can be kept in your shirt pocket or bino harness and popped in just before taking a shot. You won’t get active hearing or noise compression, but for single-shot scenarios or quick setups, they’re a brilliant lightweight option.
The most popular foam plugs in Australia are Mack’s Ultra Soft. They come in bulk packs and offer a surprisingly high noise reduction rating. They’re soft, comfortable, and do the job well enough for most hunting applications. Just remember they’re disposable, so keep a few spares in your kit.
Eafmuffs for Hearing Protection
For those who spend more time on the firing line than in the bush, passive earmuffs provide a simple and robust solution. These are the traditional over-the-ear style hearing protection devices you’ve probably seen used on job sites or in workshops. They use thick foam pads and a headband to create an acoustic seal around your ears, effectively reducing the overall volume of any sound in the environment.
Unlike electronic models, passive muffs don’t amplify speech or environmental noise — they block everything equally. That makes them a bit less practical in dynamic shooting situations where communication is important, but they’re still an excellent choice for slow-paced benchrest sessions or zeroing rifles on the range.
A good example is the ProCase earmuffs, which are widely available online in Australia and provide a snug, adjustable fit. They’re not particularly flashy, but they’re durable, affordable, and effective. Howard Leight’s passive earmuffs are also popular for their comfort and solid construction. Both options will serve you well for casual use, and you can increase their effectiveness by doubling up with foam plugs underneath when shooting magnums or indoors.
The Best Earmuffs: ProCase Earmuffs
One size fits all, the ProCase earmuffs are adjustable and comfortable.
Howard Leight Earmuffs
A great slimline set of earmuffs providing both comfort and durability.
Electronic Hearing Protection – The Gold Standard for Serious Shooters
If you’re after the best of both worlds — protection and situational awareness — electronic hearing protection is the way to go. These earmuffs use built-in microphones to capture external sounds and play them back at a safe volume through internal speakers. When a gunshot or loud noise is detected, the internal circuitry automatically compresses or shuts off the amplified sound, protecting your ears from the spike while still letting you hear everything else.
The best model I’ve used over the years is the Sordin Supreme Pro X. Designed in Sweden and used extensively by military and tactical units around the world, these earmuffs are a serious piece of kit. Unlike cheaper models that simply cut out when a loud sound is detected, the Sordins compress the noise — meaning you can still hear commands, ambient sound, or conversation while shots are being fired. This makes them ideal for running drills at the range, working with a spotter, or shooting in groups.
They’re completely waterproof, with a rugged housing and sealed electronics that are rated for harsh field use. The gel ear cushions are a standout feature. They create a better seal around your ears than standard foam and are far more comfortable during long shooting sessions. The stereo microphones also provide directional awareness, which helps you pinpoint where sounds are coming from — a major benefit for hunting or tactical use.
Battery life is impressive too. The Supreme Pro X runs on two AAA batteries and offers up to 600 hours of use. It also includes an automatic shut-off function after four hours to prevent battery drain. With an integrated 3.5mm AUX input, you can connect comms gear, GPS units, or even music players if you’re doing long stints on the range.
Howard Leight Impact Sports Hearing Protection
While the Sordin Supreme Pro X is undoubtedly the premium choice, it’s not within everyone’s budget. Thankfully, there are several more affordable electronic earmuffs that still perform well for recreational shooting.
One of the most popular is the Howard Leight Impact Sport. These are a common sight at ranges across Australia — and with good reason. They offer active noise compression, meaning loud noises over 82 decibels are automatically dampened while ambient sound is enhanced. Voices, range commands, and movement in the bush all come through clearly.
The Impact Sports feature directional microphones and slim earcups that won’t interfere with your rifle stock. They’re powered by two AAA batteries and provide around 350 hours of use, which is plenty for most casual shooters. They also fold up compactly, making them easy to store in your range bag.
Another solid alternative is the Walker Razor electronic earmuff series. These are very similar in functionality to the Howard Leight set but include a more padded headband, which some shooters find more comfortable during extended wear. They also have a slightly larger profile but still manage to stay sleek enough for rifle shooting. Both models include volume control, AUX input, and responsive noise compression.
- Directional microphones
- Low profile earcups
- AUX input
- 350 hours battery life
Walker Razor Electronic Hearing Protection
The absolute rival in the same price range as the Impact Sports, is the Walker Razor’s. These are very similar however the Walker’s do have a more padded headband.
The one advantage the Impact Sport does have over the Walker’s is that they fold up smaller. This may come into play when storing them in a range or work bag. Both are great products and compare very favorably to each other.
- Directional microphones
- AUX input
- Easy access volume control
- Low profile
Conclusion
If you’re a casual hunter who takes the occasional shot while walking the hills or sitting in a hide, then foam earplugs like Mack’s Ultra Soft are perfectly suited to your needs. They’re cheap, lightweight, and easy to use. For those doing more regular range work or training sessions, passive earmuffs like the ProCase or Howard Leight options offer better coverage and comfort without breaking the bank.
If you’re someone who regularly shoots in dynamic environments — think competitions, tactical courses, or professional work — then electronic hearing protection is well worth the investment. The Sordin Supreme Pro X stands head and shoulders above the rest, offering military-grade performance, comfort, and longevity. But if your budget doesn’t quite stretch that far, the Howard Leight Impact Sport or Walker Razor muffs will still give you excellent protection and practical features.
Ultimately, the best hearing protection is the one you’ll actually wear. Whether it’s a pocketful of foam plugs or a high-end electronic headset, making hearing protection a non-negotiable part of your gear list is essential for every Australian shooter in 2025 and beyond.
Mack’s Ultra Soft Earplugs x 50
Going to be wearing hearing protection a bit more regularly? Stay on a budget and upgrade to earmuffs, get the ProCase or Howard Leight earmuffs.
ProCase Earmuffs
If you need active hearing then get the Howard Leight active hearing set.
Howard Leight Impact Sport Active Hearing
If you can afford it, get a set of the high quality Sordin’s.
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