Behind-the-Head Ear Muffs

[Ballistic147]

I'm considering a set of the behind the head ear muffs but would like to hear from some folks that have used them. First off, these will not be for shooting. I want them for when I'm operating lawn equipment as I want to save what hearing I have left. The reason for behind the head style is I'm bald so I also need to wear a wide brimmed hat to keep my head, neck and ears from being scorched. Standard ear muffs just don't work with that style hat and for whatever reason I have never been able to get ear plugs of any type to work.

For those of you that use this type of muffs, do they stay on well even when you are sweating? What particular brand do you like?

Just need something that will stay put and not get in the way of the hat. Recommendations are appreciated.

 

[chief38]

My experience is that the behind the head position is less effective at stoping noise than over the head. I'd use a GOOD set of ear plugs. The Howard Leight foam plugs are disposable and are rated to 33dB NR! They are cheap too!

PS: I just did this quickly, if you surf around you can find them for a better price but this is the model = 33 dbNR. If you buy them READ THE INSERTION INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY!!!!! It makes a big difference in performance! Just so you know these plugs are a higher rated NR than any head set style I know of!!


Howard Leight MAX USA 33 NRR Single-Use Earplugs - Uncorded w/ Polybag | FullSource.com

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

There are no over or behind the head muffs that don't interfere with a brimmed hat! You need your sun protection!!! As far as shooting goes, they are all good for pistols, but for rifles and shotguns, they are all a pain in the butt. Best bet is with some sort of plugs! The real good ones allow you to hear conversations, but block out any loud noise. I have had all of the above, and swear by some plugs the Army artillery units use. They block 35 db. The other problem is you use your entire head to hear with, especially your forehead! It is a helmet or hard hat that save you then. On the farm I mowed and chain sawed with the plugs and a soft hat with a brim. I am a little heard of hearing (at least that's what I tell the wife!)

Ivan

 

[max]

I bought a pair like Hickok45 uses and I don't care for them. The plastic piece that connects the 2 ear plugs rubs on my collar and when it does this it transmits the noise into the ear plugs.

 

[perryhd]

I had this same issue. Tried a set of behind the head muffs and did not like them at all could not keep them sealed to my head. What I use now is a hat that has a soft brim and is large enough to go over standard muffs. The muffs are hot and uncomfortable but I also have a hard time keeping plugs sealed. The hat has a chin strap that keeps it on. I'm sure it looks doofus but at my age I don't much care how it looks.

 

[Ballistic147]

For shooting I wear a set of Peltor electronic muffs and they work great. My personal shooting range is in the woods so no real need for sun protection. When mowing I like to wear Skull Candy Bluetooth earbuds. Nothing like rocking out to Iron Maiden while working. The ear buds alone work really good while running the string trimmer as it isn't very loud (Sthil 4 stroke) and you can't even hear it but my backpack blower and zero turn mower throw out a lot more noise so the ear buds alone don't work as well.

I've tried both the foam type plugs and the silicone plugs and neither work for me as they won't seal. The Skull Candy ear buds work much better but still don't drown out the noise. With the ear buds plus the regular muffs I can barely hear the blower and can't hear the mower at all however there is no sun protection. I do shave what little hair I have but there's really not much so growing hair isn't an option.

I do like the idea of a larger hat. Just need to find one big enough. Don't really care if it looks a little goofy. Main goal is to save what little bit of hearing I have left. I know we are not promised tomorrow but at 47 I'd like to think I have a few more tomorrow's left. Just want to be able to hear the best I can. Thanks for the input.

 

[Kanewpadle]

I have a Peltor around the head noise cancelling muffs and they work better than the $250 pair of Pro Ears that I also have. Go figure.

 

[LMWIS]

I ride a Harley and was having trouble with the wind noise. I needed something to fit under my helmet so I visited an audiologist and got a set of custom made earplugs. I use them when riding, but also when I'm running the chainsaw, Whippersnipper, lawn mower etc.

They're not expensive, and the shape of your ear holds them in rather than pressure in the ear canal. They're quiet, reusable and fit tight, so they won't affect your hat or make you sweat.

And l still look amazing.