I was introduced to firearms at an early age. My Christmas present as a nine year old was a youth .22 long rifle. I shot my first pheasant at 10 years old on a game farm. I grew up in a culture of handling guns of all different calibers – from shotguns to rifles. From sighting in our rifles for deer season to shooting five stand, my family always emphasized hearing protection. However, when we went into the field to chase everything from deer to rabbits, hearing protection was an after thought. As I’ve grown older, I’ve realized hearing protection is an essential, yet often overlooked aspect of hunting for many hunters. We put an immense emphasis on handling firearms properly, and we spend money on the best gear we can afford to withstand the elements; however, protecting our hearing often falls by the wayside. The sound of gunfire, although a familiar part of hunting, poses a significant risk to our hearing over time. Exposure to these loud noises can lead to permanent hearing damage , subtly creeping up on hunters as they age. According to the National Council On Aging, about 40 million American adults between the ages of 20–69 have hearing loss caused by excessive noise exposure. Art Diaz from Alclair Outdoors, was recently on an episode of the UpDuck Podcast and discussed this topic as well as the innovative technology available to hunters today to help protect against hearing loss.

Today’s Hearing Protection Technology

Diaz, grew up in California, has incredible photography skills, and has a background as a musician. Wearing hearing protection as a musician is commonplace, as Diaz shared, and his goal when he started working with Alclair Outdoors was to bring his experience as a musician wearing hearing protection to the field. He wanted to improve his hunting experience, and safeguard his hearing without sacrificing environmental awareness. Alclair Outdoors specializes in creating custom-fit hearing protection for outdoor enthusiasts. This is what drove him to help build customized, high tech options for hunters. Unlike the basic earplugs that muffle all sounds, today’s hearing protection equipment is designed to filter harmful noises while allowing hunters to hear ambient sounds, such as the movement of game or the conversations of fellow hunters. This balance is crucial for maintaining situational awareness while hunting, ensuring both safety and success. One of the many questions I had was if the technology would allow me to hear soft sounds such as wing beats, conversations next to me, and the soft crunch of grass as a deer approaches. Diaz explained that his experience as a hunter and understanding what hunters like myself wanted to hear, is what allowed him to help build the innovation into the lineup of hearing devices Alclair Outdoors offers. One of the UpDuck podcast cohosts, Matt Jeske, bought a pair of ear plugs from Alclair Outdoors. On several episodes of the UpDuck Podcast he referenced his ability to hear conversations of other hunters in the blind with him, and the protection afforded after firing over 300 rounds in a day during a guided Mexican duck hunt.

Custom-fit for Comfort and Efficiency

Diaz emphasizes the importance of custom-fit devices for hunters, which offer unmatched comfort and efficiency. Custom-fit earplugs are molded to the unique contours of the user’s ears, providing a perfect seal against noise while staying securely in place, regardless of the hunter’s movements. This personalized approach not only enhances protection but also ensures that hunters can wear their devices for extended periods without discomfort.

One significant barrier to widespread adoption of high tech hearing protection among hunters is the perceived inconvenience of obtaining custom-fit devices. Diaz demystifies this process, explaining how simple it is to get fitted for Alclair’s products either at their facilities, trade shows, or through audiologists. A hunter needs to have a mold made of their ear via a puddy-like impression material. This mold is then sent off to Alclair Outdoors or another manufacturer. At an audiologists office, the appointment to create the molds can be completed in 15 minutes and the cost, while insurance dependent, isn’t typically over $100. While the process can seem daunting at the start, it is much simpler than it initially appears, and it’s hard to put a price on the benefits of hearing preservation.

A Shift in Perspective

There’s another piece of the conversation, and that is the cultural shift needed within the hunting community around hearing protection. Just as hunters have embraced advancements in gear and safety equipment, there’s a growing need to prioritize hearing protection. High-quality, custom-fit earplugs should be viewed as essential gear, akin to a reliable firearm or a sturdy pair of boots. Hearing protection is not just about preserving our ability to hear; it’s about maintaining our quality of life. Putting venison in the freezer, dropping a big rooster after my dog does his work, or shooting a few ducks are wonderful memories. Being able to share those stories and hear stories from other hunters throughout the rest of my life is even more important. While I spend a good amount of time thinking about hunting, the majority of my time is spent at my job, with my family, and living a regular life. For me, I don’t want the 1% of time spent in the field affecting the other 99% of of the life I live. As the hunting community becomes more aware of the importance of hearing protection, it’s hopeful that more individuals will take the necessary steps to safeguard their senses. I know I will be when hunting season approaches this fall.