I can hear well out of mine. They actually let me hear better because mine are stereo with 2 mics on them. I can hear what people are saying real clear from about 25 yards away. You can even turn up the volume to hear even better. Bought my dad and brother a set and they like them.This is why so many use the smallwalkers game ear in the woods but i cant afford them yet. They allow you to hear game approaching better but block the harmful load noises with firearms. They would be good for duck or pheasant hunting where you may be shooting over and over. I am going to do anything it takes to save the hearing that I have left because you can never get it back.