

Pressing a small button on the side of each changes the mode, and there is a noticeable difference in what you hear and how loud it is in each one. I put them in right away and they fit comfortably and perfectly. The two color-coded molds (one for right, one for left) connected by a strap accept regular hearing aid batteries and came with extra wax traps. My custom shields arrived in an impressive hard case with a small carabiner linked carrier inside. It’s a little funny to think about, people able to see your “ears” without you physically present. Whoever opened the box asked in astonishment when they started making ear protection for babies. I laughed when Dickinson told me of the commotion I caused in their facility. I sent Tetra impressions from my local audiologist and they made a pair of Custom Shields - devices with STO custom fit to my specifications. I soon learned my ears have not grown since I was a baby! Lo and behold, I have the smallest adult ears he’d ever seen. I didn’t mind, curious as to what he had to say. I had relied upon Hocks Noisebreakers custom earmolds from an audiologist for years as they were the only things that would fit me. When I first met Bill Dickinson at an event and began chatting about the importance of hearing protection, he asked what I used. In fact, I think I was a company first, setting a record for the smallest pair of devices Tetra’s ever made. I wanted to try a pair of Tetras, but not just anything would do for me. This spring I had the opportunity to hunt with Kevin Paulson of on a mentored turkey hunt in Nebraska. I’ve largely stepped away from firearm hunting to hunting with a crossbow for this very reason, but am excited to return to it this fall. I’ve missed early signs of deer because I couldn’t hear them or nearly spooked them trying to insert plugs with as little movement as possible. I’ve religiously worn ear protection for years in the woods, though I will admit it has frustrated me. Other modes, for turkey, waterfowl, elk, deer, and upland isolate aid in better detection, distance judgement, and direction of game.Įighty-six percent of hunters admit to not wearing hearing protection while hunting, claiming one shot can’t do enough damage. While I am not an avid shotgun shooter, I certainly understand how valuable this is. They do this through specific programs and Specialized Target Optimization (STO).įor example, range mode is intended to isolate and enhance the frequency of the clay throwing mechanism, allowing shotgun shooters to get on target faster. While electronic hearing protection has existed for years, Tetra seeks to amplify specific sounds to give both hunters and shooters an edge. Speaking with Dickinson, I was fascinated by their innovative approach. Your ears are just the gateway to the brain and with all the science behind hearing loss and health problems like dementia, it simply not worth the risk.” “While we call it ear protection, you really are protecting your brain more than your ears. “Biggest reason…to protect hearing is that you owe it to your future self and loved ones in your life,” Dickinson said. They are also tied to pre-existing conditions, like diabetes. Exposure to loud noises can cause all sorts of problems, including high blood pressure and hypertension. Tetra Co-Founder Bill Dickinson, AuD further educated me on a topic I already knew was important. Most will admit it’s a good idea but it’s too much work for them or hinders their ability. I’ve always taken wearing hearing protection incredibly seriously and some people have jokingly made fun of me for it. As an avid competitive shooter, I’m very frequently exposed to loud noises.
