Namely, I want a pair of those earmuff type things. I was in my local sporting goods store, and they ranged from $10 to $35 (I want the non-battery ones, I don't need that feature - just the basics) and a variety of brands. The hearing protection ranged from 21 to 26 to 29 and 30... Any suggestions on what is good and what isn't? I'm tired of using ear plugs, and rather get some actual head phone type ear protection.
Suggestions on a good pair of shooting hearing protection?
- Thread starter Vegetaman
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Evil Dog
US Veteran
My understanding is that the higher the number the greater the protection. Conversely the higher the number the harder it is to hear any background noise, like somebody shouting CEASE FIRE !!! Personally I use the ones that have built in amplification, they really do suit my needs.
I wear a set of Silencio's that cost $30.00. They are effective even with magnum centerfire rifles and I can still hear line commands. Also they are well isolated and don't transmit squeaks and slight bumps.
Amici
Member
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2008
- Messages
- 707
- Reaction score
- 8
Highest noise reduction I've found is NRR 33, up from 31. Go here:
Pro-Ears Ultra 33 Passive Earmuffs (NRR 33 dB) Black - MidwayUSA
Pro-Ears Ultra 33 Passive Earmuffs (NRR 33 dB) Black - MidwayUSA
+1 for those. I wear these and when shooting Magnums I also double plug and use the disposable foam ear plugs.
I have tried several others and the Pro Ears are the best. I think they are even made in the USA.
http://store.altusbrands.com/product_p/pe-33-u%20shooting.htm
Free shipping!
Last edited:
+1 for the Pro-Ears Ultra 33's. They are made in the USA (hurray). I would like to get an electronic pair (Pro-Ears makes very good ones) sometime.
Chris
Chris
What's the lowest level protection that is recommended? Like, would a 25/26 NRR be good? I don't go shooting enough to warrant a huge investment (namely in the electronic ones), but I'd still like to save my hearing.
The Pro-Ears Ultra 33s look pretty nice, though.
The Pro-Ears Ultra 33s look pretty nice, though.
BigRich315
Member
I received a free "customer appreciation" pair of Silencio and haven't been very impressed. When I get into rifles, shotguns, and even .44 Mag I want to throw in a set of plugs after a few shots. They advertise 21 NRR, so I would at least go with mid to high 20's.
(These are nothing to 3" Winchester Super-X Sabot Slugs or 7mm Rem Ultra-Mags)
(These are nothing to 3" Winchester Super-X Sabot Slugs or 7mm Rem Ultra-Mags)
jag312
Member
Pro-ears plus foam ear plugs. My hearing is damaged enough. I want to protect what hearing I have left. And always war shooting glasses. You want to protect your eyes even more than your hearing.
I've already got the glasses covered, but thank you.
Last time I went shooting, I had this old pair of blue Smith & Wesson earmuffs that worked great for .44 mag.
And the last time I shot some .308 rifle, I had a red Remington pair that worked fantastic.
Wish I knew what the ratings were...
Last time I went shooting, I had this old pair of blue Smith & Wesson earmuffs that worked great for .44 mag.
And the last time I shot some .308 rifle, I had a red Remington pair that worked fantastic.
Wish I knew what the ratings were...
IcarryS&W
Member
Sound pressure level and the dB scale
Actual sound pressure "power" is reduced by half every 3dB just as in RF (radio frequency) power. Going from 27 to 33 dB would result in only 1/4 the level reaching your ears.
Since the ear's response is non-linear you don't actually perceive the reduction as that much, but in terms of potential damage to your ears it makes that much difference.
Actual sound pressure "power" is reduced by half every 3dB just as in RF (radio frequency) power. Going from 27 to 33 dB would result in only 1/4 the level reaching your ears.
Since the ear's response is non-linear you don't actually perceive the reduction as that much, but in terms of potential damage to your ears it makes that much difference.
If you do not shoot a lot, just go to the local pharmacy or Wally Mart and get a nag of the foam plugs rated at 30 or higher. Just make sure to insert them correctly. Roll them up in a thin strip and put them in and they expand.
The dB rating is the same plugs or muffs.
The dB rating is the same plugs or muffs.
Amici
Member
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2008
- Messages
- 707
- Reaction score
- 8
Maybe. Maybe NOT.
Also, foam plugs only dampen noise passing directly through the auditory canal. Much noise comes through the skull, transmitted by the bone. Muffs protect against that; plugs DON'T.
Try the Pro Ears, they are very good. really. I am very happy with them and I have had major surgery on my left ear due to a scuba diving accident. A primer going off will give me fits.
Glitch
Member
As someone with lifelong hearing issues, I've done a lot of research on this subject.
I highly recommend the following, from Enviro Safety Products (a really great company with great prices):
These are my go-to muffs:
Peltor H9A Earmuffs - Safety Earmuff
For slightly more protection, but a wee bit bulkier:
Peltor Ear Muffs including the Peltor H10A Ear muffs
Best earplugs out there, and cheap at $21 for 200 pairs:
Howard Leight Max® Earplug-Uncorded
Based on my experience, I wouldn't waste time looking for other sources.
I highly recommend the following, from Enviro Safety Products (a really great company with great prices):
These are my go-to muffs:
Peltor H9A Earmuffs - Safety Earmuff
For slightly more protection, but a wee bit bulkier:
Peltor Ear Muffs including the Peltor H10A Ear muffs
Best earplugs out there, and cheap at $21 for 200 pairs:
Howard Leight Max® Earplug-Uncorded
Based on my experience, I wouldn't waste time looking for other sources.
truckemup97
Member
I've got enough hearing loss already. I double up, using the 32db Winchester foam plugs from WM (~$2/12) and an inexpensive pair of AOsoft muffs I have from an old job. I don't have any problem hearing someone yell "Cease fire".
Don't believe what the guy at WM told me, though. He said if you use the 32db plugs and some 26db muffs, it'll give you 58db noise reduction! Unfortunately, it's not true. The muffs will add 4-5 db at best, but it's still added protection.
Don't believe what the guy at WM told me, though. He said if you use the 32db plugs and some 26db muffs, it'll give you 58db noise reduction! Unfortunately, it's not true. The muffs will add 4-5 db at best, but it's still added protection.
+1 on the Howard Leight ear plugs. Best on the market for sound reduction. But I still recommend Muffs, preferably electronic.
Vegetaman:
Get the highest NRR muffs you can find. The Pro-Ears (passive) have 33 NRR and they are only about $30 to $35 (Brownell's or similar place). Your ears are worth the 10 dollar premium over a cheap pair of ear muffs.
Chris
Get the highest NRR muffs you can find. The Pro-Ears (passive) have 33 NRR and they are only about $30 to $35 (Brownell's or similar place). Your ears are worth the 10 dollar premium over a cheap pair of ear muffs.
Chris
Similar threads
