Let’s face it, using proper hearing protection while discharging firearms is a component of basic shooting safety. Most people that I know are excellent about protecting their ears while on the range. For some, this good habit often becomes sporadic at best when stepping into the field to hunt. I openly confess to being guilty of this on numerous occasions and have paid the price over the years from subtle cumulative hearing damage. Once the constant ringing (tinnitus) starts, it has a way of drawing your attention to your missteps. It is never too late to take action to protect the hearing that you still have.
For me, the problem of using hearing protection intermittently in the field started with pheasant hunting. Shotguns in the field with the occasional shot being fired never seemed to be all that concerning. The same held true for chasing around gray squirrels and other small game. When hunting big-game I was much better…sometimes. If I hunted with a brake on my rifle I at least took protection with me and tried to use it if I had the time. Most of the times this worked but when a moment unfolds quickly you don’t always have the time to react by inserting a plug in your ears. At least this has been true in my experiences.
I always felt that having plugs in my ears limited my ability to hear the sounds that a hunter must be cognizant of while hunting. Limiting my hearing ability while hunting is a problem I was unwilling to accept. I have decided that if I am going to seriously try to protect my ears while hunting it will have to be with in-the-ear electronic hearing protection. That way the protection will be in my ear instead of in my pocket, suspended on a cord, stuck in my pack, or attached to a frame around my neck.
As I alluded to previously, I was always consistent with hearing protection on the range. In the field I have utilized disposable foam ear plugs, band mounted foam ear pods, silicone ear plugs with noise blocking diaphragms, custom molded in the ear hearing protection without electronics, ear muffs, and electronic hearing protection muffs. Some of these products have obviously worked better than others while hunting. Unfortunately, my historically poor hearing protection practices while big game hunting has taken its toll over the years. Large caliber rifles, muzzle breaks on some firearms (which I have sworn off for the most part), and the inevitable lack of time to stuff an ear plug in before shooting has given me that unpleasant constant ringing in my ears. If only I would have paid attention to all that good advice from those well meaning people who had previously offered it.
The sound of gunfire or any sound for that matter is measured in decibels (dB). Loud impulse sounds, such as those from a firearm are usually near or in excess of 130 dB. It is thought that noise exceeding 90 decibels is harmful over prolonged exposure. Gunfire can cause damage since most gunfire will exceed the dangerous hearing levels mentioned. Hearing protection will help prevent permanent damage to your hearing that results from loud impulse sounds.
Electronic hearing protection comes in many forms by various manufacturers. These include ear muffs, behind the ear, in-the-ear, and molded in-the-ear devices. While they may be different physically and/or technologically they do have some similarities such as amplification circuitry, an exterior microphone, and an interior speaker.
When looking for hearing protection, you will notice that products are rated by a noise reduction rating (NRR).This rating describes the amount of sound attenuation which is provided by the hearing protection device. Theoretically, the larger the NRR rating the greater amount of protection you are receiving. This is useful to understand when evaluating a device but remember there are also other things to take into consideration.
One such item to remember is the actual NRR is greatly affected by how the device fits the user. One can see how a custom molded plug might be more advantageous when comparing it with a plug that is not custom fitted. In addition, the NRR is an average measurement across the entire spectrum of audible sound. One device may not provide the same amount of NRR as another at various frequencies. Even so, the NRR gives you a starting point for a method of comparison. Just remember there are other variables.
The obvious benefit of electronic hearing protection is that it allows you to hear the sounds that are around you while you are hunting. The electronic in the ear units, such as those offered by ESP, provide the overall noise suppression by the actual ear plug itself. The volume amplification capability allows the user to adjust ambient sound electronically that is reduced by the earplugs physical reduction of all sounds.
Wanting to move the idea of using an in the ear device forward I contacted Jack Homa of Electronic Shooters Protection. I spoke with Jack at length regarding my needs, application, and budget requirements. Jack recommended the ESP Dynamic which had not yet been released for sale to the public or listed on his website. I was looking forward to giving the product a try at the range and also putting the hearing protection through the ringer on my upcoming dangerous game hunt in Tanzania.
The ESP Dynamic has state-of-the-art digital circuitry to deliver the highest quality sound. What I like about this model is everything is automatic. The Dynamic has automatic digital settings that adapt to the ambient noises that are around you. The device automatically selects the best setting to filter sound that is unwanted and allows sound that is important to get to your ear. The only setting that requires adjustment on the ESP Dynamic is the volume control to allow more or less amplification to suit your particular needs at a given moment.
The electronic circuitry of the ESP device provides attenuation or suppression of damaging noise levels. The earbud has advanced compression circuitry that instantly activates to protect you from any noise over 90db. In this way damaging sounds are not allowed to be over amplified. Some electronic devices simply use a peak-clipping circuit or cutout. This approach allows the amplifier to shut off entirely for an instant. The negative side to this approach is an annoying gap in all sounds.
The advanced circuitry in the ESP systems allows compression circuitry to control the damaging sound and not allow it to exceed a safe level while still allowing other sound levels to be heard. All sound is not simply shut off or clipped. This prevents a sound gap being created when only a specific level of sound needs to be controlled.
Electronic hearing protection comes in a variety of models with various capabilities. These include options such as analog circuitry models, digital circuitry, preprogrammed sensitivity level options, and single or multiple microphones. Those adhering to a tight budget generally lean toward an analog model while those who are able to spend a little more generally lean toward the improvement of digital sound quality. Preprogrammed sensitivity level options allow for an automatic device. The benefit of a model with multiple microphones is they can be located on the device in such a way as to create better sound coverage and to help reduce noise causing factors.
Jack gave me the name of a person to contact locally who would make impressions of my ear canals. I met with Pat Fountaine of Target Solutions at a location close to my residence. Pat had my ear molds completed in a matter of minutes and I was on my way. Pat mailed the molds to Jack at ESP and from them Jack had his lab create the actual in-the-ear device for a perfect custom fit. The ear canal mold is not part of the actual in-the-ear device but rather it is used as a pattern to create the custom fitted earbud.
In less than two weeks after my fitting I received my custom fitted ESP Dynamic digital shooters electronic hearing protection! I quickly read the product use guide and then I headed for the field to do some double rifle target shooting.
Inserting the batteries is a simple and clearly detailed process in the instructions that takes just a second. Putting the earbuds into my ears was effortless. I gave the power switches a slight turn and began to utilize the hearing protection. I shot a variety of ammunition through both my .450/.400 NE and .470 NE. The sound amplification and compression circuitry worked without a hitch. I was able to hear conversation clearly while engaged in shooting. Being able to clearly hear birds, people walking and talking is truly beneficial when compared to the lack of sound when using a simple earplug without electronic amplification.
Since I was planning an upcoming safari, the final test would be to see how they functioned for me while hunting. My time in Tanzania would allow me an excellent opportunity to utilize the ESP Dynamics in a variety of true hunting scenarios.
During my hunt I used the Dynamics while glassing, relaxing, hunting with just my PH present, and also at times hunting with another hunter present. Game encountered included Cape buffalo, hippo, elephant, lion, leopard, kudu, impala, zebra, hartebeest, waterbuck, eland, and warthog. Shooting distances ranged from just a few paces for dangerous game up to 300 yards for plains game.
I was really impressed with how well the Dynamics worked for me while hunting. I tried hunting both with and without the devices in as many situations as possible. Initially, I found that I was tending to over-amplify by turning-up the volume too much. As I experimented with the devices I found that in most situations I did not require very much amplification. When walking on crunchy leaves you immediately can determine if you are over-amplified. If I was simply sitting and watching an area I would sometimes turn them up just a little to enhance my ability to hear distant sounds.
For me, speaking while wearing electronic ear plugs takes just a few minutes to get used to and then I am good. This is because as you speak you hear your voice being digitally processed and then played back through the device. It is not a big deal just something that you will adjust to when wearing electronic hearing protection. Firearms that were shot while I was wearing the ESP Dynamics included .375 H&H, .450/.400 NE, .500 NE, and .577 NE. No problems were encountered and the devices performed as I had hoped. I never felt that my ability to hear properly was compromised while wearing the Dynamics. Now there is no excuse for me not to properly protect my hearing while hunting.
The number one maintenance concern for in the ear electronic protection devices is earwax. Make sure you clean your ears regularly and that will go a long way to prevent problems. While hunting, I always bring Q-tips and alcohol prep pads along with me for use in camp. I clean my ears daily with a Q-tip by first softly squeezing the end of the Q-tip with an alcohol prep pad to lightly moisten the cotton material and then I clean my ear. Cleaning and maintenance of the ESP systems is rather simple. The ESP product comes with a wax pick which is used to remove any wax or debris from the opening at the end of the canal of the ESP device (not your ear canal). You should not wash the systems as you might damage the electrical components. You should not use lubricants or cleaning solvents. The ear buds should be stored in a cool dry place.
The ESP system is warranted for one year against any failure due to normal wear and tear, this also includes the fit. Any service work that might be needed in the future is done by returning the product to ESP for service. Any needed repairs will be completed quickly at their lab, for a flat rate, and returned with a new one year warranty.
The only thing left for you to do if you want to retain your hearing ability while hunting and still protect your hearing is order a set today. Give Jack a call or drop him an email. Discuss your needs and budget and have Jack assist in selecting the options that will work best for you. Contact information is available through the Electronic Shooters Protection Website.
