Good hearing protection

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JeffShrugged

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I have a big set of ear muffs for shooting but they aren't very comfortable and they are hot. I've seen some guys using what looks like ear plugs connected to simple bands. Are these any good? Like 30+dB protection? Is there a good brand I should be looking for? Thanks!
 
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Ear plug / headphone DB ratings all vary by model and manufacturer. Best to compare them and their ratings. When I do not want to deal with headphone type protection, I just use the standard yellow foam industrial type ear plugs that you roll between your fingers to shape, then insert into your ear, and let expand. They work well.

Always had good luck with Walker electric headphones, usually backed with foam ear plugs when shooting something particularly obnoxious. These are the brand we used on the Gvt. shooting ranges as instructors, and they held up well. For what its worth, you do get what you pay for, to an extent. I have seen a lot of guys with cheap electronic headphones have durability issues. Unless you are shooting on a private range, by yourself, I would not consider non-amplified muffs. It is a real benefit to be able to hear range instructions, and what is going on around you, and elec. muffs provide this.

I don't think the soft rubber type ear plugs often found mounted with a band as you describe work as well as the simple disposable foam type that expand to fit your ear canal.

As a kid, I just shot without hearing protection until my ears hurt. Then I got smart and used empty 38 casings and cigarette buts. That's why I say "Hu"? quite a bit....

Larry
 
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I've been using the plugs on strings for a couple years now. Just a couple weekends ago I was at the local hardware store and picked up a set of plugs that have the hard plastic band that uses tension to hold them in your ears.

I found it much better to use these instead of the ones on the string. You just toss them in your ears quick when you're shooting, and when you're not, you just hang them around your neck. There's no fuss of having to twist the plugs up and insert them into your ears, then wait for them to take shape. The new ones are just held in place. I believe they're 30+db
 
macski222 said:
I've been using the plugs on strings for a couple years now. Just a couple weekends ago I was at the local hardware store and picked up a set of plugs that have the hard plastic band that uses tension to hold them in your ears.

I found it much better to use these instead of the ones on the string. You just toss them in your ears quick when you're shooting, and when you're not, you just hang them around your neck. There's no fuss of having to twist the plugs up and insert them into your ears, then wait for them to take shape. The new ones are just held in place. I believe they're 30+db
Click to expand...

I second that. I have a pair of those and they are great! Don't remember the DB reduction rating but next time I see them in the store, I'll check.

I used to wear muffs exclusively but I found that when shooting a (non-scoped) rifle or shotgun, the butt tended to lift the right side just enough to let the sound come in so until I found those, I was wearing plugs and muffs together which although not a bad idea, can get old really fast.
 
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I have custom-made, silicone rubber ear plugs that I use when trapshooting. They fit into your ear canal, and, when wet with saliva, totally block most outside noises. You can faintly hear the spoken word, but the muzzle report is reduced to a faint level. You can have them professionally made by a company like E.A.R., Inc., or buy a kit and make them yourself. They work extremely well in blocking injurious noises.
 
For .22 LR., I just wear a pair of Howard Leight electronic muffs. Extremely effective and very comfortable even wearing glasses. For centerfire calibers and any time I am shooting at a indoor-range, I use a pair of USGI plugs and the HL muffs. Again, extremely effective.
 
I've used the headband style for years, whenever I'm around loud equipment and for small caliber shooting . You can wear them around your neck, and snap them into place when you need them.

I do not consider them adequate for larger caliber centerfire pistol and rifle, and suggest you get a good set of electronic muffs.

That's just my opinion, but as one of the few guys in my hunting camp who can still hear the hounds at any distance, I must be doing something right.:)
 
I have used Peltor Pro's for years. I also have friends on AD that love their MSA Sordin low profile muffs, typically mounted on their helmets.

I'm not saying that the more you spend the better,, but quality, durability, & warranty are considerations.

Good luck..
 
I also use the HL electronic for years.

They are low profile and easier to use with a rifle.

The electronics work very well to hear speech on the range.

The sound reduction/protection is not enough. Always use disposable foam plugs too. The combination provides excellent hearing protection at an affordable price.

I'm thinking about trying the Surefire on really hot days or for long sessions with the AR where any style muffs are bothersome. Anyone use Surefire?
 
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I use the soft rubber plugs without the connecting string (25 Db reduction) ALONG with a set of Peltor Ultimate 10 muffs (30 Db reduction) while shooting both indoors & outdoors. When just shooting a 22 rifle or skeet, trap & sporting clays outdoors I'll use just the plugs alone. The .22's outdoors are not that loud and I can't correctly shoulder my O/U browning with bulky muffs on. I shoot from the international position and the muffs constantly bang into the stock while mounting the gun. While Pheasant Hunting I wear a special pair of ear plugs that allow 22 Db reduction but still allow me to hear the dogs, the Pheasants and talking - and still offer a substantial margin of protection.
 
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What did you say?

;)


I've worked in various manufacturing plants throughout most of my 17 year career, so I'm pretty comfortable and used to various types of eye/ear protection.

When we are at the outdoor rifle range, I only use the higher reduction (30+) plugs on a string. When we go to the indoor club, I use these plugs under a set of 29+ Radians Terminator muffs.

Works pretty darn well.

Edit...I grab ear plugs now and then when I visit the various plants across our division). My company encourages our employees to take home ear plugs and safety glasses for their immediate family (yard work, wood shop, etc).
 
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Welcome to the forum. This topic is almost as popular as what caliber to use on bears! The search function here might find you more info.

I buy the foam plugs by the thousands for my guys at work. I always have a bunch on hand in my cars, gun rugs and range bag. They work ok and I use them by themselves occasionally when shooting small stuff (.22lr) outside. For any indoor shooting or for larger/louder calibers, long rifles and shotguns I too wear the HL Impact Sports. Either alone or (usually) with foam insert plugs.

I shoot a lot of clays with my kid. He and I both wear the HLs. They are thin, work very well, still allow for conversation and do not interfere with shooting shotguns.

As far as sweating and hot in summer, let me know if you find something that hits those buttons and still protects your ears and works at the range.


Good luck Jeff!
 
I'm testing out these electric plugs: Etymotic EB 15.

I use them for shooting and bomb tech work...jury is still out. I'm trying the different inserts.
 
I have been wearing both plugs and muffs for years and am not too particular about brands.
 
No matter what type of hearing protection you prefer use it every time they are needed. I didn't follow that simple advise for years, and by the time I started using both plugs and muffs it was really to late. So three weeks ago I had to lay out $6,800.00 for a set of hearing aids.

I'm glad that I can hear very clearly again, but I would have rather spent the $$$$ on something a little more fun.
 
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