Passive Shooting Ear Muffs
Ear muffs are essential when you’re on the range. If you work with guns, it’s important to invest in shooting ear muffs to protect your ears and prevent possible hearing loss. In many cases, passive ear muffs offer a budget-friendly solution.
Which Passive Shooting Ear Muffs are right for me?
-
What are passive shooting ear muffs?
Passive shooting ear muffs are a simple, reliable form of hearing protection that use foam-filled ear cups to physically block loud sound — no batteries, no electronics, just solid noise reduction. They’re designed to reduce the impact of high-decibel noise like gunfire, making them a trusted option for both recreational and professional shooters.
These muffs don’t amplify or filter sound — instead, they provide a consistent, sealed barrier against harmful noise. They’re perfect for those who prefer a no-fuss, maintenance-free solution and work well for indoor ranges, outdoor shooting, and hunting.
-
When should I use passive shooting muffs instead of electronic ones?
Passive ear muffs are ideal when you want maximum protection with minimal complexity. They’re a great choice for indoor ranges, where sound levels are especially intense and echo-prone, or for casual shooters who don’t need to hear voices or ambient sounds during practice.
They’re also perfect as secondary protection when used in combination with foam or filtered ear plugs — a common practice among serious shooters who want the highest level of noise reduction. If you're not worried about conversation or tech features, passive muffs offer unbeatable simplicity and value.
-
How do I choose the right passive shooting ear muffs?
Start with protection level — look for muffs with a high SLC80 rating or Class 5 certification for serious sound reduction, especially if you’re shooting indoors or using high-powered firearms. For comfort, choose a model with adjustable headbands, soft ear cushions, and a secure, balanced fit that stays in place through long sessions.
You’ll also want to consider size and weight, especially if you’re combining muffs with other gear like safety glasses or hats. For compact storage and transport, look for foldable models that fit easily into your range bag.
At Earjobs, we stock a range of passive shooting muffs designed for all types of shooters — from beginners to professionals — with comfort and safety in mind.
Filters
Shooting ear muffs
If you're spending any time at the range, shooting ear muffs aren't just recommended — they're essential. A single gunshot can reach decibel levels as high as 165 dB, well beyond the threshold for immediate and permanent hearing damage. While many shooters rely on earplugs, earmuffs offer full-ear coverage and more consistent protection, especially for high-calibre firearms or repeated exposure.
At Earjobs, we stock a wide selection of shooting earmuffs designed for all types of shooters — from occasional range visitors to professional security and military personnel. Our range includes both passive and electronic models, with options featuring directional sound, active noise cancellation, and long battery life.
Whether you're shooting indoors or outdoors, wearing quality earmuffs will reduce your risk of temporary hearing loss, long-term damage, and conditions like tinnitus. Here, we explain why earmuffs are critical for hearing safety, and how to choose the best ones for your needs.
Should I wear ear muffs when shooting?
Yes, always. As you probably already know, gunshots are some of the loudest noises made by human activity. They can reach a level of 140 dBA compared to a chainsaw’s 109 dBA. A .32 Long fires a 152.4 decibel (dB) blast while a .44 S&W Magnum blasts fires at 164.5 dB.
Gunshots are so loud that a single gunshot can result in a Temporary Threshold Shift, which is when your ears are unable to hear and process the full range of sounds. What’s more, a Swedish study on shooters showed that working with guns for a prolonged period of time can lead to High-Frequency Hearing Impairment (HFHI), a form of permanent hearing loss. It can also lead to gradual hearing loss over time, a phenomenon called the “shooter’s ear.”
Wearing shooting earmuffs is highly advised for both casual shooters and security professionals.
What is the best shooting ear muff?
The best ear muffs for shooting should have a Sound Level Conversion (SLC80) rating of 25dB or above. They cut down noise by approximately half. To put this into context, a person wearing SLC80 30dB earmuffs when a 120dB gunshot is fired will only hear 90dB.
How long does ear ringing last after shooting guns?
It varies between shooters, but you may experience tinnitus for up to 16 hours after shooting a gun. This is a condition in which the ears keep ringing after being exposed to loud sounds.
Earjobs offers a collection of shooter’s ear muffs and ear plugs that can effectively protect your ears and prevent hearing loss while shooting. We also have electronic shooting muffs with a long battery, so you can enjoy your time at the range for longer.
Express shipping available
Available Mon-Fri, 9am-5.30pm AET
On orders made before 3:30pm AET
Over 200,000+ customers served