Everything you need to know about active earplugs

Constant noise and loud noises can damage your hearing. Ear plugs can be used to reduce the level of discomfort. Modern models do not just muffle the sound, but have an active noise cancellation system. It allows you to select the appropriate settings for comfortable shooting and in order to hear what is happening around without removing your earplugs.

There are two types of these devices - passive and active. The former are conventional liners made of silicone or other polymeric materials. Among them there are models that can be used for sleeping, working, shooting or flying. These products are disposable and reusable. Active noise canceling earplugs are not just plugs, but a technical device with an acoustic system. As a rule, they are designed for long-term use. Most often they are used for work or hunting, they can be called professional hearing protection.

The earplugs have an acoustic filter inside that cuts out high-frequency sounds such as gunshots. At the same time, the low frequency range is quite distinguishable, so the owner can hear speech or footsteps. A special microphone, which is also located inside, detects soft sounds and can amplify them, allowing you to quickly spot targets while hunting and prepare to fire. Earplugs of this type are sold in stores, you can buy a suitable kit.

Shooting models with acoustic noise reduction usually have 3-5 programs. These modes allow you to remove only high-frequency sounds, while maintaining the possibility of communication, or you can select the option with full sound absorption. The adjustment is carried out from the remote control or using the buttons. The earbuds differ in the level of noise reduction. High protection models can block sound waves of 82 dB or more. For shooting, it is worth choosing the option with the maximum degree of protection.

Some electronic devices have a speech extraction system that allows you to emphasize the sounds of voices and increase their volume for comfortable communication. Also, built-in microphones can pick up soft sounds, which is important for hunters tracking an animal or bird. There are noise canceling models that you can sync with your phone and use as a headset. Some have an audible indication of the battery charge. Tactical earplugs have a certain degree of moisture protection, so they can be used even in heavy rain, they are not afraid of contact with water. However, diving with these devices is not worth it.

• 3M Peltor. A division of a large American company specializing in the production of hearing protection devices. Offers headphones and earplugs for athletes, shooters, military and police officers, and aviation workers. Many models come with interchangeable tips for maximum efficiency when using earbuds.

• Aurica. The Russian hearing aid company also produces protective equipment.The earplugs are presented in the Noisekiller series, they are suitable for professionals and amateurs. The devices are equipped with a special microphone that amplifies quiet sounds. It is possible to order an extended configuration with additional features - synchronization with a smartphone, use as a walkie-talkie.

• 44 SOUND. The Russian manufacturer produces various types of earplugs and headphones, including for shooting. Offers the possibility of individual production by impression, you can also choose a complete set, the number of noise reduction programs. The products are manufactured in Moscow using Danish and German components.

• Walker`s. American brand specializing in passive and active protective devices. Earplugs differ in the number of programs available, the level of maximum sound absorption, and battery life. The manufacturer uses electronic components protected by a special moisture-resistant coating.

Many novice hunters cannot decide what is better to buy - headphones or earplugs. but the earbuds have certain advantages that can become decisive arguments when choosing:

• active earplugs with all electronic filling weigh less than headphones;
• these devices do not squeeze your head or get in the way if you wear glasses;
• ears do not sweat with them, even with prolonged use.

Not everyone needs the sound amplification function, some consider it superfluous. If you do not need to talk or listen to your surroundings, then you can choose models with filters that also provide noise cancellation, but do not have a microphone. Due to this, their cost is lower.

If you need active devices, it is worth checking how the earplugs are able to amplify quiet sounds, and what range they capture (usually below 20 dB). The noise absorption level of the models can be different, the parameters vary on average from 98 to 110 dB. Pay attention to the battery life: for good models, it ranges from 300 hours of continuous use. It will also be useful to clarify how long one battery charge lasts if you are going to use the device for a whole day.

It is better to choose earplugs made of antibacterial materials with a special coating, the design of which makes it easy to clean. When not in use, store them in a special case. Also, the earbuds should be comfortable so that switching modes does not take much time. Products should fit snugly in the ear, but not press on the walls, if they fall out or are difficult to insert - this is wrong, and you need to change the attachments, otherwise the protection will be ineffective.

In the next video, you will find a detailed overview of the QuietON active noise canceling headphones.