Let's talk hearing protection

[Pef]

I use 3M foam ear plugs and electronic ear muffs. I usually have the ear muffs shut off as well, especially if I am not with a partner at the range. I have some minor tinnitus from a ND (used to have crystal clear hearing) and I don't want it to get worse or damage my hearing.

I used to wear just foam earplugs in indoor ranges. Sometimes the reports were loud, but my ears never rang. Now I don't want to take a chance.

Going from pure quite to constant (but relatively minor, I think) tinnitus over night has made me appreciate what I lost. Don't take a chance. If you want my advice, and you asked for it, double up and use ear plugs that are passive and with very large dB rating.

 

[dannybot]

I have used open cell foam ear plugs forever, I don't really care for muffs, for the reasons stated already. For the last several years, I have only been able to find the closed cell foam plugs at sporting goods stores, gun shops, pharmacies and the like. But they don't work well.

Recently, I found the open cell plugs at MRI centers at hospitals, so every time I get a chance I'll grab as many as I can pocket. But that's not really an option for most folks. You can order them online: E.A.R. Inc. Online Store

I find these shape, stay in place and suppress noise far better than the closed cell type that is normally available at retail locations.

My wife has gotten into shooting in the last year, but she doesn't like ear plugs at all, so she got herself some nice noise cancelling headphones for Christmas: Amazon.com: 3M Peltor Tactical Sport Hearing Protector, MP3 Compatible: Home Improvement@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41nHEll%2BixL.@@AMEPARAM@@41nHEll%2BixL. I was skeptical, having tried a few cheaper pairs and finding them lacking.

Also I shoot 3gun, so I was concerned that they would not work well enough and I would need plugs in addition to a $100 pair of muffs. But they fit well enough that eye protection does not allow too much sound in, guys shooting AR's with muzzle brakes aren't too loud, I can fit a boonie hat over the loop, I can shoot a shotgun or rifle without interference and I can even shoot from prone with them. They also stay put when running from station to station, and don't get pulled loose slinging and unslinging a rifle.

As for the Surefire EP3 plugs, there are a few guys at the 3gun club who use them and are happy with them as well.

 

[12s]

One other important detail with foam-type plugs -- they can only provide the max protection if inserted properly. Pull the floppy part of your ear (the pinna) back and away from your head when inserting them. Most people have a natural curve in their ear canal so this tension facilitates better placement of the plug and thus better protection. [Next time your doc looks in your ears, you'll notice he/she typically does this to get a full view.]

As stated above, be sure to roll the plugs compact and keep your finger on the end sticking out until it fully expands. Like many things (especially shooting!), technique is critical for proper function. Just my two cents for this topic while we're at it.

 

[MP9cBilly]

Muffs block more sound through the area around the ear... strange but true. Wear at least muffs... or muffs plus plugs... especially indoors.

 

[Rastoff]

Muffs block more sound through the area around the ear... strange but true. Wear at least muffs... or muffs plus plugs... especially indoors.

Once again, only if worn properly. As soon as you put glasses on, that protection you thought you were getting is not as good because of the arm of the glasses breaking the seal.

Nothing is perfect. The foam plugs are the best, the muffs do block a little more around the bone surrounding the ear. It's best to wear both, but none of it is any good if not worn properly.

 

[CA Escapee]

I use the Pro Ears electronics and add ear plugs under them on indoor ranges.

Same here. And you certainly don't have to turn the Pro Ears on in an indoor range.

Bill

 

[srings]

Some good insight here. I'd heard of folks doubling up, but thought it might be too much. But with all the post on here with people doubling up foam and muffs...I'm going to try it now. I recently bought these: Amazon.com: Howard Leight R-01526 Impact Sport Electronic Earmuff: Home Improvement@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41bcSICIjBL.@@AMEPARAM@@41bcSICIjBL Haven't had a chance to try em out, but I've read good things both in this thread and on this and other forums.

 

[107driver]

Years in helicopters and shooting have led to a lot of experimentation--and expense. My current shooting solution is a the Tactical Command Industries DEHP Pro-X, TCI OEM Digital Hearing Protection by MSA Sordin for TCI, an enhanced version of the MSA active hearing protection unit.

Unfortunately, I am cursed with unwieldy elephant ears, and the factory ear cups were not deep enough. To solve this, I dug around in my aviation supplies shoebox and found a pair of David Clark ear seals, http://www.davidclark.com/store/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=14. I stacked them on the existing seals using Barge cement: both more comfortable and quieter.

If I am shooting indoors or something extra loud, I add earplugs under the muffs. I used to use soft foam plugs, but years of use at work caused an allergy to all the foams. So, at more expense (at least a write off for work), I went to Custom Protect Ear, Hearing Protection, Earmolds and Advanced Hearing Solutions | Custom Protect Ear | The Smartest Hearing Protection in the World., and had silicone custom molded earplugs made. Of all the custom plugs I have tried, theirs is the softest, most comfortable silicone, and good customer service.

I use the muffs with powertools all the time too--they allow me to listen to a radio with the volume set on low but block out saws, etc. There is also an mini-stereo jack on them for MP3 use, although thus far I have not used it.

_107driver

 

[kozmic]

I use the active Impact Sports for handguns, rifles and shotguns as does my son. I have the active (thin) Caldwells for guests at the club. My wife prefers foam because of interference with her prescription glasses. If I shoot indoors I will use foam in addition to the Leights. Especially on the larger calibers.

Both the Impact Sport and the Caldwell headsets are highly regarded and readily available and fairly inexpensive. I recommend both highly and both are a small price to pay for protection. Foam inserts are cheap and can be bought at construction supply stores or at outlets mentioned above for cheap and in bulk if you want.

Most of my shooting glasses and even my sunglasses have wire or small bows. I don't find the loss of effectiveness and seal to be too bad from from them.

There is a bunch of great info here but if you aren't seeing what you want, check out the related threads listed below. If nothing else you'll see a lot of repetition and reaffirmation on what folks here use.

 

[t bell]

Yeah guys have really given me alot of options as far as hearing protection. I picked up a pack of foamies and will try them with probably the Leights when I order them from eBay.

 

[bmyers]

Article on shooting and hearing protection

Nice article on hearing protection and the levels you are exposed to when shooting.