When it comes to firearms, safety is more than a set of rules — it’s a mindset. And two of the most overlooked yet essential pieces of gear for every gun owner or shooter are eye protection and ear protection. Whether you're at an indoor range, an outdoor shoot, or even just cleaning your firearm at home, your eyes and ears are vulnerable to permanent damage without the right protection.

Here’s what every new gun owner should know about safeguarding their senses — and why these two pieces of gear are never optional.

Firearms operate with controlled explosions — and even under the best circumstances, things can go wrong.

Common eye hazards include:

• Flying brass casings from semi-automatic pistols or rifles
• Gunpowder residue, oil, or solvent spray during firing or cleaning
• Shrapnel from target backstops or bullet fragments hitting hard surfaces
• Malfunctions or catastrophic failures (very rare, but serious)
   

A quality pair of shooting glasses protects your eyes from direct impact, debris, and chemical exposure. Even at outdoor ranges, wind or dust stirred up by shooting can irritate unprotected eyes.

• ANSI Z87.1+ certification (means they meet high-impact safety standards)
• Wrap-around or side-shield design for more complete coverage
• Anti-fog coating and UV protection for outdoor use
• Clear lenses for indoor ranges or shaded lenses for bright outdoor conditions
   

Avoid regular sunglasses unless they are certified impact-resistant. Standard lenses might shatter under pressure — creating more danger, not less.

Gunfire is loud — often over 140 decibels (dB). To put that in perspective, sounds over 120 dB can cause immediate hearing damage. Permanent hearing loss can happen with just one unprotected shot, especially indoors where the sound reflects off walls.

• Temporary hearing loss (temporary threshold shift)
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears, sometimes permanent)
• Permanent hearing damage, even if it takes time to notice
   

There are two main categories of hearing protection:

1. Earplugs

• Small, disposable or reusable
• Good for moderate noise levels or when doubled up with earmuffs
• Look for an NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) of 28 or higher
   

• Cover the entire ear and provide excellent noise reduction
• Can be passive (basic) or electronic
• Electronic muffs amplify quiet sounds (like conversation) while blocking loud noises like gunfire — ideal for training or range instruction
• Aim for an NRR of 25 or higher; higher is better
   

Pro tip: Doubling up (wearing plugs and muffs together) is recommended for indoor ranges or larger calibers.

• Never shoot without both eye and ear protection — even “just one shot.”
• Keep a spare set in your range bag in case yours break or a friend forgets theirs.
• Try on gear before you buy, if possible — comfort matters.
• Clean and store your gear properly to ensure a longer lifespan.
   

Eye and ear protection may not be as exciting as a new firearm, but they’re far more important. In fact, ask any experienced shooter — and they’ll tell you the same thing: no range session, no hunt, and no gun cleaning session is worth risking your sight or hearing.

Make it a habit. Make it a rule. And protect yourself every time you shoot.