I purchased this item for a friend of mine and as well as for myself and we both really enjoy them because they amplify the sounds that you hear around you except for loud noises such as gunshots.  Its like wearing the regular type of ear muffs, but with the ability to hear and then some.  We use them for hog hunting and these hearing protectors allow you to hear what is going on around you as well your conversations as if you we not wearing them at all.