Why the ASHA Says You Need to Protect Your Ears When Shooting

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is a reputable organization that strives to address, evaluate, treat and prevent auditory, language and speech issues.  The organization is comprised of professionals from an array of fields, including audiologists and hearing scientists.

One of their contributors, PhD Michael Stewart, a professor of Audiology at Central Michigan University wrote an informative article for their website about the dangers of shooting a gun without proper protection for your ears.  Let’s take a look at some of his more interesting findings in the article.

• Noises that are greater than 140db can cause significant and permanent hearing damage. The overwhelming majority of guns create a noise above 140d db.
• People who use firearms are more likely to experience hearing loss.
• It is not a gradual issue; people can experience hearing loss after just one shot.  Although it is not overly likely, a combination of factors can cause that to occur.
• Typically, firearm users with hearing damage have issues hearing “high pitched sounds,” and many suffer from tinnitus, which is ringing in your ears.
• According to different studies, only half of firearm owners use hearing protection during target practice.

Fortunately, as the article and our website conveys, this grave issue can be easily prevented by owning and wearing proper ear protection.  It is prudent to think of your hearing protection as a vital part of your hunting gear, just as you would think of your gun or camouflage when preparing for a hunting outing or trip.  Moreover, remember to take them with you anytime you go to the range or practice outdoors.  As evidenced by the studies mentioned in the article, many people are forgetting them for practice, even though your ears are at the same risk practicing as they would be out in the woods when you shoot at a deer or at a different animal.

The top advantage of shooting earplugs from ESP is that hunters can protect their ears without losing their ability to hear the different sounds of the outdoors that can lead them to their prey.  If you have any questions, or would like to learn more about the benefits of our products, please contact us today.

A Sensible Investment for Gun Owners

As any hunter, marksman or other gun enthusiast could tell you, shooting a gun can often be deafening if your ears are not properly protected.  For most experienced shooters, the difference between a successful and unsuccessful shot comes down to concentration.  Not being able to fully focus can lead to undesirable results.  Similarly, worrying about the sound of your gun next to your ear, or trying to concentrate when your hearing is temporarily compromised can lead to inaccurate shots.

Fortunately, there is a solution for gun enthusiasts: Electronic Shooters Protection (ESP) has developed a variety of innovative earplugs that uniquely protect your hearing while shooting.  Not only do they help protect your ears from a thunderous noise; they also drown out other irrelevant noises that could affect your concentration.

Our protective earplugs for shooters are ideal for any type of hunting outing.  Regardless of whether you are meandering through the woods, up in a stand, or on an exciting hunting expedition, our protection ear plugs will quickly become an accessory you can’t do without.

Additionally, our protective earplugs are wonderful for trips to the shooting range.  The shooting range is a great place to work on improving your shot, however, it is also extremely loud, and can be difficult to concentrate.  As such, shooters will need a way to drown out the noise to concentrate, and protect their ears in the process. 

Lastly, custom shooting earplugs can prove to be a tremendous investment for those in the law enforcement field.  They will surely be an asset during target practice, and can help improve your concentration.  More importantly, should a potentially hazardous situation arise, you can quickly put in your earplugs, and protect your ears from temporary or perhaps even permanent hearing loss.

Please let us know if you have any questions about any of our products.  Our shooting earplugs can serve as the perfect gift for the hunter or gun owner in your life, so please let us know if you want help selecting the right one for their needs. 

Father’s Day: The Perfect Gift For Hunters

What does dear ol’ dad really want for Father’s Day this year? Encouraging his passion for hunting is an obvious starting point, but where do you go from there? Hunting supplies and accessories are fairly broad categories, and if you aren't a hunter yourself you might find yourself lost in the sea of possibilities.

Start simple; start with protection. Dad needs to keep his hearing properly protected whether he’s on the range practicing, in the field scouting, or in a tree lining up his next target. ESP America offers a variety of options that can not only protect your father’s sense of hearing, but can also adjust to the ambient noises around him so that he doesn't miss a thing.

The decibel level at which damage can be sustained to your hearing is between 90-95dB [http://www.gcaudio.com/resources/howtos/loudness.html]. Using that level as a basis, and considering that a rifle shot can be upwards of 170dB, it stands to reason that Dad should be wearing hearing protection.

Imagine bottling the roar of a motorcycle for 40 straight hours, and then unleashing that noise in a single split second. That’s the kind of audio assault that Dad’s ears undergo every time he pulls the trigger.

Since we specialize in custom ear plugs, we are sure to have a set that is perfect for virtually any father that loves getting into the great outdoors. Our extensive selection of inventory can fit within various price ranges, meaning that no matter your budget you can outfit Dad with exactly what he needs to keep his ears safe.

Hear that? That’s the sound of a contest being held!

Enter now for a chance to win a pair of Elite Classic Earplugs from Electronic Shooters Protection (ESP). In order to be included in the contest, participants must first log onto Facebook and like ESP’s page. Once registered, hopefuls can check back with the website daily and enter one time per day. Participants can also follow ESP on Twitter for a chance to win and also gain more chances to win by inviting others to enter the contest.

The earphones, which retail for approximately $900, are designed with state of the art manufacturing techniques and analog circuitry. These Elite Classic Earplugs, made for shooters to provide the ultimate protection, still allow for great sound quality like each earplug made by ESP. Hunters and shooters can still enjoy amplified sounds while protecting their ears from damaging noises exceeding 90db.

These buds, made to slip comfortably into the ear and are barely noticeable when correctly placed, are great for those who want to block out noise, while still hearing sound. They are made for hunters and shooters, but can also be used while lawn mowing and construction and any while performing any other noisy task.

ESP describes the sound quality reproduced by the Elite Classic hearing protection devices as suitable for all shooting situations, but slightly less smooth when compared to our Digital models. The Elite Classic Hearing Protection Device is the perfect option for those on a budget with general hunting/shooting needs.

ESP has been a leader in ear protection devices since 1994. Providing customers with custom molded earplugs designed to block out negative noise while still allowing smooth natural sounds in an open listening environment.

Contest Eligibility Requirements:

• Participants must register at https://www.facebook.com/ElectronicShootersProtection
• Like the Facebook Page
• Register anytime now through July 3
• Winner will be chosen at random July 4
• Check out the contest rules on Facebook for more details

**Winner is responsible for providing professional ear impressions in order to receive prize.

Have fun and good luck!

Side Effects of Not Using Hearing Protection While Shooting

We know too many people with hearing loss and chronic tinnitus, which is a constant ringing in the ears. No one wants these problems, but many get them because we’re all exposed to extremely loud noises.

The louder the noise, and the longer you hear it, the more likely you are to experience hearing damage. When you have to shout to the person next to you just to get your point across, you’re in an area where the noise is so loud that it could literally hurt your ears.

Hunters, police, soldiers, and musicians especially need to protect their hearing. Gunfire and explosions are loud. Guitars and amps “cranked up” make some concerts painful on the ears.

Have your ears ever felt “clogged” for a couple hours after hearing loud noises? That’s a short term effect of exposure to loud noises while shooting at a gun range or attending a rock concert. Your ears may feel “full,” like there’s some pressure in them. You may experience tinnitus (ringing in the ear). Occasionally, you can even feel dizzy. These are signs that your ears need better protection from loud noise.

Obviously, a long term effect of exposure to loud noise is hearing loss. People tend to lose the ability to hear high pitched sounds, like women’s voices. You’ll be at party with people talking around you and have a hard time understanding what they’re saying. In addition, your personal range of sounds—from soft to loud—decreases, so you’re not able to hear everything you used to be able to hear.

ESP America (Electronic Shooters Protection) makes digital hearing protection devices and custom molded earplugs. Serious hunters, shooters and musicians choose ESP America because our products are the top-of-the-line when it comes to hearing protection. Since our earplugs are custom molded to an individual’s ear shape and size, buyers appreciate the precise and comfortable fit. You can see ESP’s products here: www.espamerica.com.

Where and When to Spring Turkey Hunt

Spring Turkey Hunting

The spring time can mean warmer weather, fresh growth, and longer days. For serious hunters the spring time can also mean that it’s time to gear up for turkey hunting. This additive hunt can be challenging, and requires the best practices and equipment. 

This is due to the fact that wild turkey’s senses are extremely keen. They have been known to have the best eyesight and hearing the woods, and hunters are no exception. Turkey will flee the scene at the slightest hint of danger and utilizing patience and expertise is crucial. However these challenging aspects are what make spring turkey hunting a favorite amongst avid hunters.

Following an American tradition, spring turkey hunting can be discovered across the United States. For more information about your state’s exact season, rules, and regulation check with your states official fish and wildlife service. Be sure specifically check the dates and permits involved in the opening turkey hunting season.  

Below is a list of the top states for spring turkey hunting and their 2013 seasons. Don’t live in these areas? Check out the guided hunts available in each state to plan your hunting getaway.

Top States for Spring Turkey Hunting (2013 Open Seasons):

• Missouri: April 15th  -May 5th, 2013
• Tennessee: March 30 - May 12, 2013
• South Dakota: April 13 - May 19, 2013
• Florida: March 2nd– April 21st
• Kansas:  April 10 - May 31, 2013 (regular season)
• Oklahoma: April 6 - May 6, 2013
• Pennsylvania: April 27-May 31, 2013
• Texas: Apr. 15-May 14, 2013
• Wisconsin: April 10th – May 21st (Periods A-F)
• Alabama: March 15 – April 30

For junior seasons, bag limits, and specific zone dates check with each states fish and wildlife advisory committee.

As with any hunting season be sure to practice the best safety precautions; this includes your hearing. Having the proper fitting and functioning hearing protection while shooting can make a big difference when on a challenging hunt. Check out ESP America’s line of electronic hearing protection for hunters to complete your safety checklist today!

The rise in firearm sales

The Second Amendment to the Constitution gives us the right to bear arms. However, in recent months, gun owners are getting increasingly worried that their right will be reined in.

The heightened tension that people might lose the right to purchase a gun has led to a shockingly number of gun permit applications across the country. According to NBC, in 2011, "there was a prompting a record 16.4 million instant criminal background checks of potential owners, up 14.2 percent from 2010, according to FBI figures."

Connecticut based company and gun maker, Sturm, Roger, & Co. had such a rapid increase of sales that they had to suspend new order requests because they just couldn't keep up. In 2012, the company received over 1 million orders for wholesale.  The gun manufacturer shipped a staggering 1.1 million firearms all over the country last year as well.

Ginger Colbrun, a spokesperson for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms states that "a rise was seen in all four primary categories: pistols, revolvers, rifles and shotguns."

If you've recently purchased a new firearm or are contemplating the purchase, make sure you have a set of ESP's digital in-ear hearing protection plugs. Risking your hearing is not worth it because it limits your ability to hunt and perform law enforcement jobs.

Our digital ear plugs are revolutionary and allow you to get the best of both worlds, the ability to hear sounds around you and protect your ears from the deafening noise a firearm makes.

(Source NBC News http://m.nbcnews.com/business/gun-sales-soaring-boosted-gun-laws-concerns-about-obama-532154)