Active headphones

Electronic shooting headphones — what are they and how do they work?

Tactical active headphones are a hearing protection solution tailored to the needs of military and professional shooters. The main function of such headphones is to protect hearing when using firearms or when in a noisy environment. The device is especially suitable for artillery, because it is the soldiers of these units who have the greatest risk of hearing damage.
Active headphones perform only the function of hearing protection and are not intended for communication via radio stations. They should not be confused with shooting headphones with a mic, or which has a jack for it.

How do gun shooting headphones work?

To understand how active headphones work, you need to understand decibel levels and their effect on human hearing. For example, the sound of breathing has a level of 10 dB, regular talk has a level of 60, and the sounds of gunshots has a level of 120 or more. Noise exceeding 100 dB is dangerous to hearing, and 160 dB causes eardrum rupture.
A one-time effect on unprotected hearing organs of the sound of a shot from a small weapon in the range of 150-170 dB on average is an annual permissible dose of noise that does not cause irreversible consequences. All subsequent shots irreversibly destroy hearing, so the use of active headphones is a must when working with weapons for a long time.
The job of active headphones is to regulate and equalise the sound. The built-in electronic device picks up and amplifies environmental sounds (voices and nearby footsteps) coming through the microphone. At the same time, it reduces the sound impulse from the shot. As a result, the average level of noise entering the auricle does not exceed 82 dB.

What to look for when choosing military noise cancelling shooting headphones?

To choose high-quality active headphones, pay attention to several important points.

• Noise absorption rating. There are two types: European — SNR (Single Number Rating) and American — NRR (Noise Reduction Rating). The number next to the abbreviation indicates how much peak noise the headphones will absorb, that is, how much volume they will block during operation.
• Number of microphones. Tactical active headphones have two omnidirectional microphones that amplify quiet ambient sounds. Some models are also equipped with a conversational microphone on a flexible stem.
• Attack time. A parameter indicating how quickly the electronics operate under peak load. The lower this indicator, the less the user will be cut off from surrounding sounds when muffling the noise.
• Ease of use. The buttons that turn on, turn off and switch modes should be comfortable when working with headphones while wearing protective gloves. Some models have voice prompts when changing modes, as well as automatic shutdown when not in use for a long time.
• Design. This point must be taken into account based on the helmet with which the headphones will be worn: for a helmet with covered ears, a product with low-profile headbands is suitable; for a helmet with rails, you will need a collapsible model, attached with adapters. Also, for convenient and compact transportation, it is important that the headphones are foldable.
• Security. To ensure stable operation in harsh and adverse weather conditions, the headphones must be waterproof, shockproof and dustproof.

 
Which active headphones are not suitable for tactical purposes?

Noise canceling music headphones. Noise reduction in such models will not allow you to hear quiet sounds, and there are no special microphones for this.
Civilian active headphones. This equipment is for construction workers, airport workers and noisy industries. Most of these products do not have a built-in headset and have oversized cups and unmasking bright colours.
Models from little-known manufacturers. Products from brands unknown on the Ukrainian market may not be compatible with radio stations popular among the Ukrainian Armed Forces or may not fit on a helmet. It will also be more difficult for them to find parts in case of repairs.

Buy active headphones online

The Ballistics online store of shooting equipment offers you all the popular models of headphones and headsets from leading brands — Walker's Razor Slim, 3M Peltor Comtac VIII, Earmor M32H, MSA Sordin Supreme Pro DUAL and others.
To create an order on our website, you just need to add the required product to your cart, click the “Buy” button and provide contact information.
Each product is carefully checked before shipping and securely packaged according to Nova Poshta standards. Delivery of orders is carried out to all settlements of Ukraine or to an address of the client’s choosing.
Don't put yourself in additional danger while shooting — buy active headphones for your helmet or for rails today!