What type of hearing protection do u use

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EarPro EP3 Sonic Defenders® Earplugs from SureFire

I don't think enough people know about the SureFire Defender series.
They are fantastic because like an "electronic" device they allow the user
to communicate and hear normal noise levels. But due to SCIENCE they
passively block anything above 85db, no batteries needed.
 

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For matches, general shooting.

Howard Leight Impact Sport Electronic Earmuffs (NRR 22 dB) Green


Always have some in the bag or box, basic ear plugs that work but don't have pointy ends to touch the eardrum. I have large ear canals, plugs have to go pretty deep to work.

3M E-A-R Classic Earplug, Yellow, 200-Pair - Ear Protection Equipment Accessories - Amazon.com@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41prbIazdZL.@@AMEPARAM@@41prbIazdZL



For when I want to wear a warm hat but not ear plugs. Work better than I expected.

A new generation of hearing protection: SensGard
 
I bought 1 pair of these, liked them so well I bought a second pair for anyone who goes shooting with me to wear.

Amazon.com: Howard Leight R-01526 Impact Sport Electronic Earmuff: Home Improvement@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41bcSICIjBL.@@AMEPARAM@@41bcSICIjBL

Low profile so a secure check weld can be had w/o interference, can amplify voices, you can hear everything going on around and more, and only $39 from Amazon.

They fold nicely for storage, too.

Just about forgot the most important part. There is an external jack for your music player. Lots of high end models don't offer that, yet.

Only way they could improve these would be to make them Blue Tooth capable.

However, since I value my hearing, depending on the size of the indoor range I use and the caliber of rifle allowed, I double plug my ears w/some custom molded earplugs.
 
I've warn full coverage muffs indoors for 35+ years, 90% of that time was the Peltor 27db units (still have them). I've also used some other Peltors with more attenuation, but they're much bulkier.

Last year I bought a set of the new 3M Peltor X-Series 27db and like them very much. They're smaller with a much improved headband system and seem to offer better attenuation than previous models.

I think their efficiency is due to the multi-material / multi-part construction of the ear-cups which dampens sound conduction more than the old one piece shells. Along with improved pads and headband system which give a tighter but still comfortable seal.

They do seem quieter, leading me to think the 27db is either measured differently or marketed more conservatively. While nobody will sue you for more attenuation than advertised, I doubt the opposite is true.

I recently realized I have some hearing loss and developed tinnitus, and while I'm certain shooting was responsible in part, I do believe music headphones & earbuds were also to blame.

Since the damage noise does to your hearing is cumulative I would always advise the most noise protection you can stand.

A generation ago nobody used muffs indoors. My generation never (or very very seldom) used hearing protection outdoors with long guns or hunting. As a result the guys that mentored me are invariably deaf as stones and my generation all seem to have some degree of hearing loss.

The good news is technology (and awareness) has given us better choices both indoors and outdoors both shooting and hunting.

Bottom line is: more protection is better and (since you won't know the damage you've done for decades) it's better to err on the side of goofy looking uber-protection than fashion and wear something ALWAYS!

/c
 
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Yeah, use the good stuff. I've been shooting since I was 8, my first hearing protection was a pair of rubber swimmers ear plugs. I don't think they worked all that well. Then 4 years in the Air Force and 35 years in a noisy factory. I've worn ear plugs pretty much every day for three decades but I still have constant ringing in my ears and there are some sounds I just can't hear.
 
I'm with Phil & think the 22Sparrow is the way to go. Today I was shooting my 15-22 & CZ 455. Shot the 15-22 & then switched over to the CZ. Funny thing is, I forgot to take the suppressor off the 15-22 & the loud report from the CZ, without suppressor, about made me wet myself.

A suppressed 15-22 is real quite but a suppressed bolt gun is unbelievably quiet... as long as you remember to put the suppressor on.
 
OK. I'll bite since no one has. Granted, I live on a farm and have my own outdoor range, but you guys wear hearing protection for .22s? Really?

We'll throw muffs or plugs on when we're playing with the bigger stuff but even for .22 WMR, we don't usually bother.

I understand that it matters if you're in an indoor range so no need to go there.
 
WilsonFlyer said:
OK. I'll bite since no one has. Granted, I live on a farm and have my own outdoor range, but you guys wear hearing protection for .22s? Really?

We'll throw muffs or plugs on when we're playing with the bigger stuff but even for .22 WMR, we don't usually bother.

I understand that it matters if you're in an indoor range so no need to go there.
Click to expand...

It matters no matter where you shoot. Don't think so, ask your doctor. Granted if you are only popping off a few rounds, I doubt there would be much damage, but shoot hundreds of rounds every week, as I do; that is a different matter. If I didn't shoot suppressed, I would always use protection... even on my home range.
 
Like Brett248Vista I also use the Surefire EP3 defender ear plugs. They work great and no sweat or cheekweld issues like with over the ear muffs.
 
Another Surefire Sonic Defender series user here. I prefer the EP4 version though. I like these so much I use them at work as well (lots of machinery running at times). Quite comfortable for all day use and I can still hear what's going on around me.
 
SureFire EP7 plugs & Howard Leight Impact Sport muffs.

I tried EP3s and EP4s; the EP4s can make a deeper seal in the ear, but I found them to be uncomfortable - the EP3s feel better, but at times the seal isn't as good; the EP7s are best of both worlds - a soft expandable plug that gets a good, comfortable seal. Still have the EP3s as a backup set in the shooting bag.

I have a small recording studio business and also contract as a national examiner for music technology exam recordings, so I want to keep my hearing as keen as possible! :)


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
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Foam plugs... They provide more protection than anything out there. If you prefer, add a pair of muffs over them to decrease db levels even further.

After 9 years on a flight deck, some of which next to an EA-6B, the loudest, most teeth-vibrating aircraft on the deck, with foamies and muffs... I would recommend them to anyone!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
AR-Getsome said:
Shooting Gear
I know you are new here. The search function above is very easy to use and helpful. Your posts are very vague sometimes. Also if you look below this thread there are similar threads with numerous posts.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p-15-22/217156-hearing-ear-protection.html
http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-competitive-shooting/230075-hearing-protection.html
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/186507-what-best-hearing-protection.html
Click to expand...

I use my "Stihl" brand ear muff protectors. If they're good enough to mask the sound of an Stihl MS390 chainsaw, they're good enough for a .38 Smith.
 
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