hearing protection

[double-dipper]

I recommend you get a range bag and leave it packed with the basics.

My range bag stays packed with two sets of muffs, three sets of safety glasses. clear for very overcast days, medium blue for partly cloudy days and dark for bright sun. A small bottle of gun oil, rag and small cleaning kit.

 

[MRB1]

After years of green jet engine runs, tractors, shooting and teenagers my hearing is almost gone - even with protection. I still wear muffs, but there's little left to protect.

 

[prairieviper]

For ear muffs, but the optional gel cups. If your shooting session is less than an hour, it won't make a difference. After a couple of hours, your head/ears will be thanking me. I had mine on for almost 9 hours last Saturday. No way I could do that with the stock ear pads.


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You are correct about the gel pads. The only complaint I have about the Walker's is that they push against my glasses enough that after a couple of hours, they begin to hurt in the temple area right above my right ear. If I was only going to be on the range for an hour or so, I probably wouldn't notice it. I have not purchased the aftermarket gel pads as of yet but am in the process of checking them out online.

 

[rockquarry]

I've tried electronic twice in the last twenty or so years. Less than impressed. I'm much better off with ear plugs and high number earmuffs.

 

[GT_80]

In a hurry get to the range this AM and grabbed 2 handguns and ammo and my red box. Get to the range--no muffs--found a pair of junk ear stuff in my red box --orange spongy with blue string. Well let off 1- 9mm shot and I thought I was going to die. I had ringing, static like sounds, couldn't hear very much and TV sounds
distorted. It's gotten a bit better since 9:30 AM.
So, I really don't recommend shooting without hearing protection.
Best is to take your time packing up and be extra sure you have all your safety stuff and your ammo then enjoy
Len

I have multiple sets of earplugs in my rage case, in my truck, and in my storage area, so I always have some. I did have some with the strings on them once that got caught behind the stock on my shotgun, and when I fired a shot, the recoil pulled it out of my ear- just the echo was like I was in the twilight zone- so eerie... I only had it happen once or twice. I prefer earplugs to most headphones, they're less bulky, and unless you wanna spend a decent chunk of change on headphones, the foam earplugs have a better db reduction rating. I bought some inexpensive headphones, and they don;t even work great for mowing my lawn because they shift too much, and only have like a 15 or 20 db reduction because they just have cheap foam in them.

My rule is outdoors, at least 25-30 db reducing foam ear plugs, indoors plugs and earphones.

 

[Claymore33]

YES I USE THEM

I use to wear big ear muffs with ball cap but I usually wear cowboy hat to stop skin cancer on temples. So now I use those in ear molded ear protectors that you listed. They work great and I can wear cowboy hat.

 

[vinn]

pistol range noise;

does anyone know how good are the muffs with knobs to adjust the sound.?

 

[GT_80]

does anyone know how good are the muffs with knobs to adjust the sound.?

price dictates quality on those. Just saying... there are cheap electronic ones, and expensive ones... you only get one set of ear drums

 

[len917]

I have learned the hard way to keep two pairs of muffs and multiple foam earplugs in both of my vehicles at all times.

I keep 2 caldwell rests and a sandbag in the trunk A pair of muffs shouldn't take up much room
Thanks

 

[mtgianni]

Most of the muffs I have seen have a lesser rating than most plugs. 25-27 vs as high as the 33 on the plugs we used to get at work. Make sure that you follow the proper instructions on plugs, opening the ear canal and allowing 15-20 seconds for them to settle in before going to the next ear.
CDC - Mining - How To Wear Soft Foam Earplugs - NIOSH

 

[rockquarry]

If you want the best in protection, the standard, non-electronic muffs with the highest number rating plus soft plastic (not foam) ear plugs can't be beat. If you want to have a conversation, take off the muffs and you'll still have some protection. With this setup, there are no batteries to worry about, either.

 

[chief38]

Unfortunately I've learned the hard way!!!!! Please take this advise from someone who knows about hearing loss.

1) Buy disposable foam ear plugs at the highest rating you can find. I get the Howard Leight brand that are rated at 33db's. Wear them underneath a good set of ear muffs that are at least a 30db rating. NOTE: READ the directions about inserting the plugs - most people I watch do NOT insert them correctly!

2) Always carry extra sets of plugs! Keep some in your car, shooting bag, hunting vest, jacket pockets, etc. I always bring them to weddings too!

3) In case you fail and find yourself in a situation that you just don't have a set with you, toilet paper that is wet and formed in your ear will work in a pinch! It actually works quite well. May not be something you have heard of before, but you have now - believe me it works well! Just keep them wet!

4) Avoid using the electronic muffs by themselves or at all if possible. Unless I've missed something when looking at their ratings, they do not protect your hearing half as good as the double protection method does.

5) NEVER, NEVER, NEVER be "bullied or shammed" into being "macho" and not wearing hearing protection! You WILL pay for it in the long run. I only wish I followed these simple suggestions myself 40 years ago!