What are you using and what would you recommend? My hearing is getting bad and I want to protect what I have left.
Thanks

I've got the Howard Leight impact pro by Honeywell. 60 bucks with free shipping from Amazon. They have 30 db noise reduction versus 22 db for the $40 pair of Howard Leights. Bulkier too, but I find them comfortable.

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USS Brewton FF1086
SWCA#3597

A friend I shoot Sporting Clays with is 67 years old and just shuts off one hearing aid off and turns the other way down. Then wonders why there is nothing on the radio on the way home!

Ivan

I have these as well. The work very well.

They work best when my shooting glasses are not put underneath them. I tend to raise the temples of the shooting classes to be kind of high so as to give the best seal for the earmuffs.

I don't know why it took me so long to internalize this - but electronic earmuffs are not noise canceling. IMHO one needs to assess them based on what their noise reduction rating is - which isn't associated with their electronic capabilities. Basically one wants good earmuffs - that have the feature of allowing normal conversation in - that cut off that normal sound instantaneously when something loud is heard.

If they're not good earmuffs when turned off or when the batteries are dead - they're not going to be any better when the electronics are turned on.

Glad you've made this decision and that you're taking this extremely important step towards providing protection for your hearing. Once lost, your normal hearing can't ever be restored.

I also use Howard Leight ear protection - Impact Pro Sound Amplification Electronic Earmuff (R-01902) .

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That's what we do!

I use them as well. Just bought my second pair as I broke the first pair. But they were several years old. They also have a pretty fast shut off time.

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

I have a set of Peltor Tactical-Pro electronic muffs, but the electronics quit working shortly after the warranty expired. Of course, this is just a case of one. I don't know how good they are overall.

I still use them because they work well with noise reduction without the electronics, but I'll probably pick up a set of Howard Leight muffs at some point.

The problem with all over-the-ear muffs is they don't seal well. The arm of your glasses breaks the seal. This tiny opening drops the NR rating by a lot.

I use SportEAR hearing protection: Custom Edge 30 – SportEAR They are expensive, but I can wear them all day and they are truly amazing. I wish I could loan them to people to try; they're that good.

I also have the Howard Leight protectors. They're OK, but there is a noticeable delay between sound reduction and back at full volume. With the SportEAR plugs, there's no noticeable delay. You hear everything around you clearly, but when you take a shot it's muffled, then everything is clear again.

They also sell universal fit plugs. For sound amplification and attenuation they work just as well as the custom fit ones I have. They're just not as comfortable and I can only wear that type for half and hour or so before I have to take them out.

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Freedom isn't free.

Thanks fellas for the info. I'm sure gonna get some.

So far so good with my Peltor ears. 3hrs to auto shut off and in 2 years Im still on the first batteries. I give it 5 stars.
I have the Tactical Sport model.
Jim

I've tried both the Howard Leight and the Peltor's. The Howard Leights did not seal properly so switched to the Peltor's. Both (and for that matter all) earmuffs hurt my head after about a half hour. Then I found the Walkers Razor X electronic ear buds. There kind of a horseshoe design that you wear around the back of you neck and they have retractable ear buds that pull out and go into your ears. A push of the button on each side of the unit retracts them back into the housing. Also an on/off switch and volume control on one side. The battery is rechargeable and last about 7 hours per charge. 31 Db rating. I used them all last year and am very happy with them plus no bulky ear muffs when trap shooting. $120 at Cabela's or Walkers website.
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It's Alive !!

Those Walker's buds look interesting. 98.49 with free shipping on Amazon, but the reviews are mixed.

I've used a couple different brands of electronic ear protection, including Pro Ears and Peltor. I always found them to be "louder" than the non-electronic versions. The primary purpose for electronic ears, in my humble opinion, is to be able to hear range commands in a dynamic environment. If you're interested in protecting your hearing, use ear plugs and over the ear muffs in combination . . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

I just checked out the Walker razor on Amazon and saw that the XV with Bluetooth is $20 cheaper than the non Bluetooth "X". More and better reviews too. I might have to get a pair.

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USS Brewton FF1086
SWCA#3597

Been using Howard Leight Impact Sport Electronic for quite a few years in tandem with foam plugs. They're low profile which helps when shooting rifles. Hearing protection is inadequate absent the foam plugs.

If low profile isn't a criteria, theres a lot of better options for superior hearing protection, particularly seal around the ear.

A lot of attention is given to hearing protection related to gunfire, but keep in mind the lawn mower, trimmer and blower.

I bought a pair of these recently, and they don't seal well with my shooting glasses. I guess I'll keep them as loaners.
tb

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frontsightnsqueaz

Someone mentioned non-electronic muffs plus ear plugs. That's probably good advice if you want the best in hearing protection. I've tried the electronic once and could see no advantage over a conventional, good quality setup as described. And no batteries needed.

Electronic muffs are dual purpose, hearing protection from muzzle report while amplifying voice level sounds so you can hear voice commands between shots or for conversation without removing gear.

With foam plugs, my HL do a good job of protection and I can still hear voices (not the spooky kind ). Electronic muffs allow a shooter to hear instruction or when someone hollers cease fire or cold range without having to be slapped upside the head to get their attention.

I was referring to good hearing protection only rather than a compromise measure. However, your point is well taken, particularly if one has to listen to voice commands.

If all you need is good hearing protection you don't need the electronics. My interest was, as others have mentioned, to be able to clearly hear range commands and instructions.

Another reason some use electronic hearing protection is for home defense because they'll muffle the sound of gunshots while still letting you hear what's going on in your home.

You have to make a choice and a compromise. If you want total protection, use plugs and Muffs together and forget being able to hear any range commands or conversation. I use Howard Leight electronic muffs and when a gun goes off within 20-30 ft whoever am talking with lips are moving without my being able to hear a word. I have hearing loss from working on Jet engines 55 years ago, but have not lost any additional hearing in the last 30 years from shooting.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I just got back from the range where I used these:


They are not electronic and not really a new idea. They are an improved version of an old idea. These ear plugs offer two NRR levels. 13db when just talking and 33db when a large impulse, like a gun shot, is delivered.

They make a normal conversation just slightly muffled. That's what you'd expect from a 13db NRR. I was pleasantly surprised to find that they muffle the gun report just like regular foamies.

The best part is they're only $18 and no batteries required. You can get them here: In-Ear Impulse Hearing Protection - The Safariland Group

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Freedom isn't free.

IMHO electronic ear protecters just don't give you the proper level of Db noise reduction for any kind of long term protection as for our purposes. I've yet to see any that match the higher Db NRR that a combo of ear plugs & good head muffs do.

I use Howard Leight disposables (33 Db NRR) in combination with Peltor Ear Muffs (30 Db NRR) unless I am ONLY shooting a .22 Rifle outdoors where I will use the plugs themselves. Electronic Muffs (at least to the best of my knowledge) only reduce noise up to mid 20's Db ratings. While that may be OK for casual infrequent use, I don't believe that it is good enough for a shooter constantly going to the Range. Just my opinion and YMMV - but don't be under false pretenses for the sake of your hearing!

I will readily admit that if you need to shoot where you must hear Range Commands than the combo I use is pretty hard to hear with, but if you are just shooting at a place that is more casual, you can take off the muffs and hear with the plugs still in when the shooting stops - at least good enough to converse somewhat until shooting resumes.

How much do you want to spend? I used the HL's for several years and they were just ok. Didn't seal well, were not comfortable for long sessions and the sound quality was clipped. This summer I bite the bullet (pun intended) and bought a pair of MSA Sordins with the gel cups. Night and day difference, sound quality is superb, comfortable for hours on end, and no clipping.

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Plastic has no soul