Hunting Blog

Hunting season is right around the corner, and we know many of you are gearing up for the season. You may be stocked up on ammo, deer corn, and camo, but what about hearing protection?

Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) can cause hearing damage, and the louder the sound, the quicker it takes to cause hearing loss. Sounds at or below 70 dB are considered safe.

The extent of damage to your hearing caused by noise depends on:

  1. Decibel level, or how loud the sound is

  2. Distance, or how close you are to the source of the sound

  3. Time, or the length of time you are exposed to the sound

A single gunshot blast can produce noise from 140-175 dB, well above the recommended safe hearing level. Additionally, one shot can cause temporary hearing loss and even lasting damage. At these volumes, the length of time doesn't have to be as long to result in hearing damage.

Despite these statistics, only 58.5 percent of enthusiasts who use firearms always use hearing protection. Unfortunately, 21.4 percent of enthusiasts never use hearing protection when shooting.

The best thing you can do to prevent hearing loss is to use some type of hearing protection when hunting or at the shooting range every single time. It's best to put on your hearing protection before setting up on the range, since someone shooting next to you can have the same impact as shooting the firearm yourself. Foam earplugs AND earmuffs work well enough at protecting your ears, but some have expressed this makes it harder to hear ambient noise and conversation from those around you.

Fortunately, Westone offers a variety of hunting hearing protection designed specifically to provide exactly the kind of hearing protection required in the field. 

Our DefendEar™ DigitalX (DEDX) line is our latest generation of custom-fit, digital hearing protection. This line includes the DX1, the DX3, and the DX5, along with a variety of accessories.

The DX1

Our entry-level digital hearing protection product, the DX1, features digitally optimized programming that's ideal for any type of general shooting environment. The DX1 offers the user all of the hearing protection available in the rest of the DigitalX product line at a lower, more affordable price. One main feature of the DX1 is the 4-stage push button volume control with a mute function and a separate on/off button so the user never inadvertently turns the module off. The NRR for the DX1 with DefendEar™ Digital custom-fit earpiece is 26 dB. However, Impulsive Peak Insertion Loss ranges of 37.3, 44, and 42 dB can be achieved depending on peak exposure. 

The DX3

The mid-line DX3 features the choice of three digitally optimized programs or modes. The DX3 features the same digital rocker switch that is in our flagship DX5 model. It allows users to toggle between the three different user modes easily, as well as adjust the volume. The DX3 features vocal status updates and audio tones, so you know which mode has been selected. A mute function is ideal in situations where concentration is a must. The DX3 also includes a vocal low-battery warning and "Auto-Save" feature. This feature allows settings to be saved when the unit is turned off or when the battery is removed. User settings are stored and will be available when the modules are turned on again. The NRR for the DX3 with DefendEar™ Digital custom-fit earpiece is 26 dB. However, Impulsive Peak Insertion Loss ranges of 37.3, 44, and 42 dB can be achieved depending on peak exposure. 

Below is a breakdown of the three different modes:

GAME MODE – When the impulse noise created by a gunshot is sensed, the unit activates, reducing the volume and keeping the user safe from harmful noise. The volume then immediately returns to normal.  

CLAY MODE – This mode provides the same hearing protection as Game Mode but is optimized for a faster rate of fire.  

TACTICAL MODE – This mode is preferred when hunting or stalking game. Amplification of background sound is reduced so that these sounds are not distracting. The volume then immediately returns to normal.  

Keep in mind that the amount of hearing protection provided will not change regardless of which mode is selected.

The DX3 is ideal for these outdoor situations:

  • Tactical Situations

  • Recreational Shooting

  • Clay Target

  • Game Hunting

  • Competition Shooting

The DX5

The new DX5 is without a doubt the most technologically advanced shooter's hearing protection that Westone has ever offered. The DX5 features five different programs or modes, offering the most flexibility. The DX5 features a center rocker switch that allows users to toggle between the five different modes easily, as well as control the volume settings. The DX5 features vocal status updates and audio tones, so you know which mode has been selected. A mute function is ideal in situations where concentration is an absolute must. The DX5 also includes a verbal low-battery warning and "Auto-Save" feature. This feature allows settings to be saved when the unit is turned off or when the battery is removed. Settings are stored and will be available when the modules are turned on again. The NRR for the DX5 with DefendEar™ Digital custom-fit earpiece is 26 dB. However, Impulsive Peak Insertion Loss ranges of 37.3, 44, and 42 dB can be achieved, depending on peak exposure.

Below is a breakdown of the five different modes:

GAME MODE – When the impulse noise created by a gunshot is sensed, the unit activates, reducing the volume and keeping the user safe from harmful noise. The volume then immediately returns to normal. Game Mode also includes a wind noise reduction algorithm. 

CLAY MODE – This mode provides the same hearing protection as game mode, but it is optimized for a faster rate of fire. Clay Mode also includes a wind noise reduction algorithm. 

RANGE MODE – Perfectly designed for indoor firing ranges or for use with large caliber weapons, ambient awareness is still provided in this mode, although at reduced levels. The use of "double protection" (earmuffs) is advised while shooting indoors. 

HUNTER MODE – This mode is preferred when hunting or stalking game. Amplification of background sound is reduced so that these sounds are not distracting. Hunter Mode also includes a wind noise reduction algorithm. 

WIRELESS COMMUNICATION MODE - Settings are the same as in Game Mode, but this mode allows the user to incorporate a wireless audio input for full two-way communication using the DX5 Neck Loop. Each harness is made to suit the user's proprietary radio and features a remote PTT (transmit switch) and microphone, so the user has remote access to radio functionality. The DX5 Neck Loop is sold separately. 

Again, keep in mind that the amount of hearing protection provided will not change regardless of which mode is selected.

The DX5 is ideal for these outdoor situations:

  • Tactical Situations

  • Recreational Shooting

  • Clay Target

  • Wingshooting

  • Game Hunting

  • Competition Shooting

  • Windy Conditions

  • Large Caliber Firearms

Additionally, the DX5 can be used indoors along with additional ear protection, such as earmuffs.

When shooting any kind of firearm, it's important to have some sort of hearing protection on your side, whether it be heavy duty earmuffs or custom-fit hearing protection devices. Our Customer Experience team can help you find just the right type of shooting and hunting protection earpieces that will work best for you, so when you head out for some practice at the range or out into the field you can do it with peace of mind. Happy hunting!