Here at Farlows, we have a real focus on safe shooting practises. Whether you shoot a few times a week or get one or two friendly invitations each season, ear protection should be high up to list of priorities when checking over your kit for the season ahead. Exposure to gunshots without ear protection can lead to a range of hearing problems from hearing loss to irreversible tinnitus.
What to Look for in Shooting Ear Defenders
- Decibel reduction (NRR/SNR ratings) – how much protection you actually need.
- Electronic vs passive defenders – pros and cons.
- Comfort and fit – all-day wear for driven shoots.
- Weather resistance – rain, mud, cold (important in UK).
At Farlows we stock a range of options to protect your hearing whilst shooting, from standard over-ear defenders, to electronic ear defenders and electronic ear buds that amplify the sound around you, but cutout the loud noise over a certain decibel such as a gun shot. Check out our range online or visit us in-store at Pall Mall, London, for even more advice!
The electronic options are really great to use as they pick up the sound of your quarry breaking cover and ensure you can hear people around you. This helps to know exactly where the beaters are as they draw closer. Not only is this beneficial for your shooting performance, but also from a safety and situational awareness point of view as you will always know where the other guns, beaters and picker-up’s are around you. This is especially important if there is a problem mid-drive and shooting needs to pause for example.
Quick fact: gunshots typically 120–160 dB, long-term risk of hearing damage.
The Best Hearing Protection for Shooting
ISO Tunes Defy Slim Basic Earmuffs
The ISO Tunes DEFY Slim Basic Earmuffs are the entry point of our electronic ear defenders range. They deliver superior protection in a no-frills, ultra-slim design. Tactical Sound Control™ allows you to hear and control ambient sound volumes, all while protecting you from harmful gunshot noises. DEFY Slim Basic is the ultimate electronic earmuff for distraction-free, high-performance protection.
Peltor Optime II Earmuffs Hearing Protection
For shooters looking for dependable hearing protection without the electronics, the Peltor Optime II Earmuffs are a simple, robust choice. Originally developed for demanding, high-noise environments, their double-casing design helps reduce resonance and provides effective high-frequency noise attenuation, making them a practical option for protecting your hearing around loud noise.
Comfort has also been carefully considered, with broad, soft foam-filled sealing rings that provide a secure fit without excessive pressure around the ears. Generous space inside each cup helps reduce heat and moisture build-up, while replaceable cushions and inserts make them easy to keep clean. A particularly good choice for anyone wanting straightforward, comfortable passive hearing protection without batteries, charging or additional electronic features.
Peltor SporTac Electronic Hearing Protection
The Peltor SportTac™ earmuffs are developed specifically for hunting and sports shooting. A well known name in the shooting hearing protection field and this is for a reason. The SporTac is one of the most popular options out there, they are loved by many for their high build quality, perfect sound transfer and compact design. The smooth, level-dependent function eliminates abrupt sound cut-off. They protect against harmful impulse noises while letting in, and amplifying, ambient sounds.
- Reliable, widely used in UK shoots.
- Automatic noise suppression + amplification for ambient sound.
- Comfortable for long sessions.
ISO Tunes Caliber Earbuds
The latest product within the shooting hearing protection market is the ISO Tunes Caliber earbuds. They are a small, ultra-lightweight and minimal alternative to those seeking simplest and faff free option of hearing protection! The earbuds stow away in the case which charges the individual bud units when closed, making them easy to keep with you in a pocket. They offer the same unrivalled hearing protection and noise amplification as the range of over-ear hearing protection does, they are just so much smaller and more easily portable. They come with a wide variety of buds to suit every ear shape, ensuring the best protection possible.
- Lightweight, discreet, Bluetooth-enabled.
- Great for mobile shooters or those who prefer in-ear protection.
- Ideal for clay shooting and practice.
Napier Comfy Foam Ear Plugs
These are the most comfortable in ear foam plugs available. These shaped ear protectors are made from closed cell foam that is hygienic and more efficient than conventional material. Whilst these are a great low-cost option, they do not offer the same hearing protection as our other options. They are very handy to have stashed in your coat pocket or attached to your cartridge bag in case you forget your usual ear defenders!
A Final Word from Jack
“Personally I shoot with the ISO Tunes Caliber Earbuds. I like how compact they are, easy to stow away between drives and whilst shooting they don’t get in the way at all but still deliver the same performance I need to safely cut out shots but amplify birds and people around me. I have shot with them in very wet conditions and havnt had any issues! They are also rechargeable so no messing around with batteries and come with a huge variety of plugs for different ear shapes and sizes. I couldn’t recommend them high enough!”
FAQs: Shooting Ear Defenders in the UK
Are passive or electronic ear defenders better for shooting?
Both can provide effective hearing protection, but the best choice depends on how and where you shoot.
Passive ear defenders provide straightforward protection without batteries or electronics, making them simple, reliable and well suited to clay shooting, range use and situations where communication is less important.
Electronic ear defenders add level-dependent sound technology, allowing you to hear normal conversation and surrounding sounds while reducing harmful impulse noise from gunfire. This can make them particularly useful for game shooting, driven days and other situations where being able to hear instructions, other Guns or activity around you is important.
Whichever type you choose, comfort, fit and an appropriate level of noise reduction should always come first.
What decibel reduction do I need for shooting?
Most shotguns produce around 150 dB. Aim for at least 25–30 dB reduction.
Are electronic ear defenders worth it?
Yes if you need to hear instructions, beaters, or gamekeepers clearly while staying protected.
Do I need different ear protection for clay vs game shooting?
Not necessarily, but comfort and communication requirements differ.
Can I try these in-store?
Yes - visit Farlows, Pall Mall (London) to see selected models and try them on with the expert advice from our in-store team.
