Recommended Skeet Ear Protection

Hearing protection should be mandatory at all times when shooting firearms. Shooting skeet loads on the field occasionally might seem insignificant, but hearing loss is cumulative and the little things add up.

  1. Levels of Protection

    • Hearing protection is generally marketed based on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Noise Reduction Rating scale. NRR are based on decibels of noise reduced by a given protector. The higher the rating, the better the protection.

    Earmuffs

    • Many different brands of earmuff-styled hearing protection, which are held on by a spring-like band fitting over the head, are available on the market. For skeet shooting, look for the types with cutaways in the ear cup that will sit comfortably against your butt stock.

    Insertable

    • Standard foam earplugs commonly distributed at most shooting ranges offer minimal protection. An option to foam is the custom-fitted, molded inserts. A physician or firearms industry professional can fit you with custom, injection-molded soft plastic that is far superior to foam. If you are willing to spend more money, the finished mold can be sent to a laboratory where they remold your piece filled with steel or lead shot, further dampening noise.