Hunter Hearing Protection
Protect your hearing while preserving awareness
Estes Audiology is proud to be a distributor of Starkey Custom Fit SoundGear and Westone DefendEar Digital electronic shooter plugs. These in-the-ear products are designed for hunters and shooters who want amplification as well as hearing protection.
Amplification and hearing protection options for hunters and shooters
Starkey Custom Fit SoundGear Plugs
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Custom Fit Silver
Classic single-mode custom electronic hearing protection for those who don’t shoot as often as the professional hunter or shooter. -
Custom Fit Platinum
More advanced devices that have 4 distinct memory modes to handle amplification, high-frequency boosting, wind management and telephone use.
Universal Digital Shooter Plugs
Getting custom hearing protection is simple
- Step 1First, we look in your ear to ensure that the canal is clean and clear.
- Step 2We place a small piece of cotton inside your ear to protect your ear drum.
- Step 3Then, similar to getting a mold at your dentist, we will make a print of your ear using a flexible substance.
- Step 4In 60 seconds or less, your mold is ready.
- Step 5You receive your custom hearing protection in about 2 weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it important to use hearing protection?
Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the only type of hearing loss that is completely preventable, with the use of appropriate hearing protection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 12.5% of children and adolescents aged 6-19 years and 17% of adults aged 20-69 years have suffered permanent damage to their hearing from excessive noise exposure.
When should I use hearing protection?
Hearing protection should be used any time you are participating in a high-noise recreational activity or job. Some of these include: hunting, music industry, motor sports, construction, etc. Noise-induced hearing loss can occur from exposure to noise over time, as well as exposure to one intensely loud, brief event. The louder the sound, the less time it takes to cause damage. If you experience ringing in your ears or temporary hearing loss in your ears after a high noise event, the environment was too loud and could cause damage.
How is custom hearing protection different from non-custom hearing protection?
Custom hearing protection is modeled after an impression taken of the ear. This will provide the best and most comfortable fit in the ear, which will eliminate ear pain or soreness that can occur with non-custom products. Custom hearing protection also provides a tight seal in the ear that prevents the unwanted high-level noise to leak into the ear.
How do I properly insert my hearing protection devices?
Some hearing protection devices are marked red (right) and blue (left). If they are not marked, they are not side specific.
For custom products: Slide the thinner side into your ear canal and twist the plug until it fits comfortably in the ear. Pull up from the top of the ear, to straighten the ear canal, as you push the ear mold into the ear.
For non-custom products: Slide the thinner side into your ear canal and pull up from the top of the ear, to straighten the ear canal, as you push the ear plug into the ear. If you are using a foam plug, tightly squeeze and roll it before putting in the ear canal.