Howard Leight Safety Equipment
About Howard Leight
Howard Leight was founded in 1972 by entrepreneur Howard Leight, who established the company with a focus on hearing protection innovation.
The company began as a small hearing protection innovator and has grown to become "the gold standard of hearing protection" in the industry.
Over five decades, Howard Leight has evolved from its founding through strategic acquisitions, first by Honeywell International in 2010 and most recently by Protective Industrial Products in 2025.
The brand has made a significant impact on shooting sports and occupational safety, holding over 70 patents and operating one of only three accredited NVLAP acoustical laboratories in the United States.
Today, Howard Leight continues its commitment to preventing occupational and recreational hearing loss while maintaining its reputation as a leader in hearing conservation solutions.
Popular Howard Leight Features
Electronic Sound Amplification
- Built-in directional microphones amplify ambient sounds up to 4x normal volume while maintaining safe levels up to 82dB.
Automatic Sound Compression
- Electronic circuitry automatically shuts off amplification when sound reaches 82dB, protecting against harmful noise levels.
Superior Noise Reduction
- 22dB NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) provides effective protection against firearm noise and other loud sounds.
Lightning-Fast Attack Times
- The latest Bolt series features 0.5 millisecond attack time, which is 250x faster than classic Impact Sport models.
Slim Profile Design
- Reduced profile minimizes interference when shouldering rifles and fits comfortably under tactical helmets.
Extended Battery Life
- Approximately 350+ hours of battery life with automatic 4-hour shutoff feature to preserve power.
Best-Selling Howard Leight Products
Impact Sport Electronic Earmuffs
- The most popular and widely recognized Howard Leight product, featuring 22dB NRR and electronic sound amplification.
Impact Sport Bolt
- Advanced electronic earmuffs with lightning-fast 0.5 millisecond attack time for ultra-responsive hearing protection.
Impact Sport Bluetooth
- Electronic earmuffs with integrated Bluetooth connectivity for wireless audio streaming and communication.
Impact Sport In-Ear Electronic Earbuds
- Compact electronic hearing protection alternative offering the same protection in a smaller, more portable design.
Leightning Series Passive Earmuffs
- Popular passive protection models including L1, L2F, and LOF variants for reliable, non-electronic hearing protection.
Shooting Sports Safety Combo Kits
- Complete protection packages that include both eye and ear protection for comprehensive shooting sports safety.
Low-Pressure Foam Earplugs
- Orange foam earplugs with 30dB NRR providing comfortable, disposable hearing protection for extended use.
A800 Series Safety Glasses
- Shooting sports eyewear designed to complement Howard Leight hearing protection for complete safety coverage.
Popular Uses for Howard Leight
Shooting Sports and Range Use
- Range shooting, competitive shooting, and recreational plinking benefit from the ability to hear range commands while maintaining hearing protection.
Hunting Applications
- Hunters use Howard Leight products to hear game movement and environmental sounds while protecting against muzzle blast from firearms.
Tactical and Law Enforcement
- Military personnel, law enforcement, and security professionals rely on Howard Leight for maintaining situational awareness during operations.
Professional Training and Instruction
- Firearms instructors and range officers use Howard Leight products to communicate effectively while staying protected from noise exposure.
Occupational Safety
- Industrial workers and professionals use Howard Leight hearing protection in noisy work environments to prevent occupational hearing loss.
Howard Leight FAQs
QUESTION: What is the NRR rating of Howard Leight Impact Sport earmuffs?
ANSWER: Howard Leight Impact Sport electronic earmuffs provide a 22dB Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) for effective hearing protection.
QUESTION: How long do batteries last in Howard Leight electronic hearing protection?
ANSWER: Howard Leight electronic earmuffs typically provide approximately 350+ hours of battery life with normal usage.
QUESTION: Are Howard Leight earmuffs compatible with rifle shooting?
ANSWER: Yes, Howard Leight earmuffs feature a slim profile design that reduces interference when shouldering rifles and shotguns.
QUESTION: What is the attack time on Howard Leight Impact Sport Bolt earmuffs?
ANSWER: The Howard Leight Impact Sport Bolt features a lightning-fast 0.5 millisecond attack time, which is 250x faster than classic models.
QUESTION: Do Howard Leight electronic earmuffs amplify ambient sounds?
ANSWER: Yes, built-in directional microphones amplify ambient sounds up to 4x normal volume while maintaining safe levels up to 82dB.
QUESTION: Are Howard Leight products made in the USA?
ANSWER: Yes, Howard Leight hearing protection products are made in the USA with rigorous quality control standards.
QUESTION: Can you connect external audio devices to Howard Leight earmuffs?
ANSWER: Many Howard Leight electronic earmuffs feature 3.5mm audio input jacks for connecting external devices, with Bluetooth options available.
QUESTION: What type of batteries do Howard Leight electronic earmuffs use?
ANSWER: Howard Leight electronic earmuffs typically use standard AAA batteries with automatic shutoff features to preserve battery life.
QUESTION: Are Howard Leight earmuffs suitable for youth shooters?
ANSWER: Yes, Howard Leight offers youth and small adult sizes specifically designed for smaller head fits and younger shooters.
QUESTION: How does the automatic sound compression work in Howard Leight earmuffs?
ANSWER: Electronic circuitry automatically shuts off amplification when sound levels reach 82dB to protect against harmful noise while allowing normal conversation.

