Looking for GOOD foam ear plugs

S

snowman

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For some reason unknown to me, those I've come across in recent times have become softer(not as dense) and in some cases smaller. These are NOT as effective as what used to be readily available in these parts; namely, plugs which one could feel expanding, until one would think one's ear was filled with foam insulation. They kept the sound out so well that muffs weren't really necessary.

Has anyone else noticed a change in foam plugs in your area? Can you recommend any online or other source for me? I have tinnitus and need to muffle the noise just as much as possible.
 
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The ONLY ones that work for me are Howard Leight Max. They're bell-shaped and the only way they work for me is to use them backwards...I roll the big end up really tight and insert that end.
 

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Construction equipment shops sell yellow ones cheap that work pretty well, the expanding type but you really have to get them way in.
 
I use the 3M "Classic plus", issued to us for use in the chiller room( actually a big box on the wall at the entrance) and they work great. I found by accident that washing them doesnt hurt their usefulness. Left a couple sets in the vest zipper pocket when laundered an they came out good as new. over the years I accumulated a lifetime supply.

I prefer them on the trap range or in the shop, as the muffs seem to squeeze my noggin after long sessions on the range.
 
I buy the orange ones at Walmart in a clear box with 5-6 pairs for $1.99. They work just fine. We use them for NASCAR as well - Martinsville and Bristol - you are almost in the action :)
 
Bib said:
The ONLY ones that work for me are Howard Leight Max. They're bell-shaped and the only way they work for me is to use them backwards...I roll the big end up really tight and insert that end.
Click to expand...

They have these at my work. Pretty effective.
 
I prefer muffs. However, I have a new-to-me Alfermann trap gun and the stock strikes the muffs even though they are supposed to be for shotgun shooting and work fine with other guns.

So, when using the Alfermann, I use the bell shaped Max foam plugs.

You have to get them "in" for them to be effective. I roll them between my palms till they are small and pointed. Then I reach behind my head, grab the rear of my ear and pull it back and insert the pointy end into the ear canal, then finish the job by a gentle push on the back to seat it. I hold my finger on it till it unrolls and fills my ear canal (a few seconds is all it takes).

Works fine and is the only one that seems to be effective for me.

Bob
 
Bob,

Thanks for your response. I know the procedure; I've been doing it for years. As I said, the old ones worked; but the ones I've bought in recent years are different and not nearly as effective. They don't expand sufficiently like the old ones. I haven't been able to locate the old kind and wondered if anyone had experienced anything similar and found a solution.

I bought a pair of 'bell-shaped' ones a couple months or so ago and they simply aren't dense enough; maybe I'll stick the flared end in first as someone suggested.

Regards,
Andy
 
I sleep in an open 8 man barracks, just like when I was in basic training. I use them to deaden the sound of 8 old snorer's assorted door banging and the too frequent rocket attacks. The ear plug of choice is the leight ones displayed above. I pick up ear plugs from the various flight terminals in Afghanistan and whenever I see those I pick up a cargo pocket full!! I also notice some different brands make your ear canal itch and others actually hurt if you sleep with them in.
 
All plugs, muffs, etc. have a noise reduction rating. The rating is shown on the box they come in, as NRR xx. The xx is the numerical rating. Good foam plugs usually rate around NRR 30. The higher the number, the greater the noise reduction.

Also, while many foam plugs are one-size-fits-all, some do come in sizes. If your current plug is uncomfortable, you might need a size smaller.
 
My wife went to an industrial safety supply place and found me a huge box of the Howard Leight Max earplugs. I think I have a lifetime supply now. Those earplugs seem to work really well for me. Even after a day on the skeet range or sporting clays course, my ears still feel good.
 
I use 3M Classic EAR yellow foam ear plugs to sleep in. I get them from Amazon. 200 pairs are $30. I also wear them under my Sordin electronic ear muffs when shooting. I wore these for 30 years in my job as a hydraulics/pneumatics repairman to lower the high pitched whine of the motors and pumps. They are very effective.
Amazon.com: Aearoaosafety 310-1001 EAR Classic Ear Plugs In Pillow Packs (CAB3101001) Category: Earplugs: Health & Personal Care@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31ZHvWuc-XL.@@AMEPARAM@@31ZHvWuc-XL
 
That's really kind of you, Stu. I would be interested in trying them out. I'll send the pm to you.

Andy
 
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