Hearing protection at Recon Company – active and passive protection for shooting ranges, on duty and in noisy workplaces

Hearing protection determines whether your hearing remains intact after years at the shooting range or in a noisy workplace, as a single unprotected gunshot is enough to cause permanent hearing damage. At Recon Company, we select hearing protection according to the same standards we have developed through over 30 years of supplying public authorities: robust sound attenuation, a secure fit and performance under real-world conditions, rather than relying solely on specifications on a data sheet. The right design depends on the intended use, and our range is organised precisely accordingly.

Active hearing protection for the shooting range

Active hearing protection amplifies quiet ambient noise and commands whilst simultaneously attenuating the sudden impact of a gunshot. At the shooting range, this is the key advantage, as announcements and fellow shooters remain audible whilst the ear remains protected at the moment of the shot. Models such as the Peltor ProTac, SportTac or the headset-compatible ComTac cover the spectrum from simple noise attenuation to radio connectivity. Electronic hearing protection costs more than passive ear muffs, but the extra cost is well worth it wherever you need to hear and shoot at the same time. If you only rarely need hearing protection whilst shooting, a simpler solution will suffice.

Earmuffs or earplugs: choosing the right design

In terms of design, earmuffs and earplugs are the two main options. Earmuffs enclose the entire ear, sit securely and can be put on and taken off quickly, but they take up space under a helmet and can cause heat to build up around the ear in hot weather. Earplugs sit directly in the ear canal, are flat in design and fit under a helmet and headset, but must be inserted correctly; otherwise, the noise reduction is significantly reduced. Foam earplugs such as the 3M E-A-RSoft are inexpensive and designed for mass-market use, whilst filtered models such as the Surefire Sonic Defender dampen the bang whilst allowing speech to be heard. For troops, there are the simple Bundeswehr earplugs, which can be found in the Bundeswehr equipment section.

Assessing attenuation, fit and helmet compatibility correctly

The most important specification is the attenuation in decibels, stated as SNR. The higher the value, the greater the reduction; however, more is not automatically better: anyone who still needs to hear commands at the shooting range is better off with active electronics than with high passive attenuation. Fit is also crucial, as for those who wear spectacles, the arms can break the seal of the ear cup and reduce the actual attenuation. Flat-arm spectacles or earplugs are the best solution here; suitable safety goggles with thin arms can be found in the safety goggles section. Every millimetre counts under a helmet, which is why slim-profile ear cups or earplugs are a sensible choice; suitable models can be found in the helmets section.

Tactical hearing protection for duty, hunting and noisy workplaces

Tactical hearing protection must do more than simply dampen sound: it should allow ambient sound and radio communications to pass through, be robust against moisture and impacts, and be compatible with helmets, goggles and headsets. When hunting, quick reactions are crucial because the shot is unpredictable and your hearing must be unimpeded in the split second before it is fired. In noisy workplaces, on the other hand, consistent noise reduction over hours without pressure points is key. A single model rarely covers all three scenarios equally well, which is why it’s worth considering the specific application. The full range of protective equipment for operational use can be found in the ‘Equipment’ section.

• With valid proof of eligibility, the public sector discount applies, enabling government departments and emergency services to equip themselves at a significantly lower cost.
• Ordered hearing protection is also delivered directly to emergency services personnel abroad via field post.
• Advice is provided by the Recon Team, who have practical experience, either online or at the Salzgitter store, to ensure that the design and attenuation are suited to the specific application.
• ISO 9001 certification provides evidence of audited processes from procurement through to dispatch.