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+--- Thread: Ear Protection ?? (/showthread.php?tid=24910)
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Ear Protection ?? - Serenitynow - 09-06-2022
Hey guys and gals.
I've always just used foam ear plugs. They actually work pretty well. But, since I've gotten into more AR15 shooting, I'm thinking that I might want something better.
What ear protection do you use when shooting and why did you choose this ? What did you use before settling on this ?
Does anybody have any recommendations for a fairly small head, under about $50 ?
I wasn't really sure where to post this, so if it's in the wrong place, let me know.
Thanks in advance.
Ear Protection ?? - kmon - 09-06-2022
The foam earplugs used correctly have better noise blocking than most other ones including muffs. If you want the most protection use the foam earplugs and ear muffs. I do that when shooting the really loud ones and will not shoot the 50BMG without both. Burn 217gr powder behind a 750gr bullet and it is loud with a break on the rifle.
Not associated or recommend these folks but they do describe NRR pretty good. https://www.coopersafety.com/earplugs-noise-reduction
Ear Protection ?? - Serenitynow - 09-07-2022
I have heard about people doubling-up like that.
I'm considering doing that also.
Ear Protection ?? - Happy2Shoot - 09-07-2022
I use both always.
3M PELTOR X5A Over-the-Head Ear Muffs, Noise Protection, NRR 31 dB
Howard Leight MAX-1 Uncorded NR33 Foam Earplugs
Unfortunately, NRR 31 + NRR 33 does not equal 64 dB reduction.
The rule of thumb is take the best number and add 4. So, in my case it would be 37 dB reduction at best.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CPCHBCQ?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013A0C0Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Ear Protection ?? - Klem - 09-07-2022
I use 'double ears' religiously, including when shooting suppressed. Ear plugs with electronic muffs.
It was mandatory in the Service and habit forming. Why do I do this - hearing loss is cumulative and irreparable.
Ear Protection ?? - Stugotz - 09-07-2022
After too many years of sittin' in a duck blind plus upland bird hunting, I double up with foam plugs and Peltor 300's for 99.9% of the time.
Ear Protection ?? - Mesa1978 - 09-07-2022
Plugs and electronic muffs; recommended.
Ear Protection ?? - Harpoon1 - 09-07-2022
Stugotz Wrote:After too many years of sittin' in a duck blind plus upland bird hunting, I double up with foam plugs and Peltor 300's for 99.9% of the time.
+1
And the Gel Ear Cup upgrade/mod! Feel better, seal better!
Ear Protection ?? - mtnlvr - 09-07-2022
Another doubler here. The only times I don't is when hunting where I use some Walkers Silencers, and if everyone is shooting suppressed I'll only use one layer.
Ear Protection ?? - mdram - 09-07-2022
i got some walker elec muff over half off on midway, they seem to work well
Ear Protection ?? - lazyengineer - 09-07-2022
Klem Wrote:I use 'double ears' religiously, including when shooting suppressed. Ear plugs with electronic muffs.
It was mandatory in the Service and habit forming. Why do I do this - hearing loss is cumulative and irreparable.
This, this, this and this.
Ear plugs do not stop bone-conduction from that area just in front of your ear, which some modern headphones now use to play music through even, rather than your ear canal at all. Most muff's don't stop enough total noise to prevent ringing and hearing damage under sustained fire (nor do plugs alone). The correct path is to use disposable foam ear plugs coupled with electronic muffs turned up to maximum over your ears. This way you also tend to hear close to "normal", at the range.
Howard Leight and many others are thin enough now not to be obtrusive and are cost effective. Pro-tip: purchase aftermarket gel cups for them and discard the factory foam ones for improved comfort, seal, and durability. I run a 14.5" Pin and Weld with a muzzle break for my field Grendel - it's loud.
When field hunting, I don't shoot a lot, and open-field is generally doesn't capture and reflect the sound back as bad as at a gun-range - so often I just use the electronic muffs for improved hearing while hunting and ear protection as well. Not as good as doubling up but for a couple of open-field shots, it's fine. If your round-count and setting is louder, double up there too.
Ear Protection ?? - trubulator - 09-07-2022
Indoor range is plugs and muffs for me. Outdoor target shooting, at least plugs, sometimes both. Hunting is a lower round count and being able to hear what is going on around you really matters, so I use in-ear electronic plugs or electronic muffs.
Ear Protection ?? - Serenitynow - 09-07-2022
A co-worker brought in his Howard Leight Impact Sport earmuffs in for me to try-on this morning. They're too large for me.
I need something smaller fitting if anybody knows of any.
Ear Protection ?? - Arkhangel5 - 09-07-2022
Serenitynow Wrote:A co-worker brought in his Howard Leight Impact Sport earmuffs in for me to try-on this morning. They're too large for me.
I need something smaller fitting if anybody knows of any.
Serenity,
They dont get much smaller than the Howard Leights. Maybe what you are looking for is a muff with a 'shooters cut' on one of the ear pieces, eg MSA sordin's.
I had a pair of HL's and it always bugged me that the muff would interfere with my cheek weld. Not an issue with Sordin's or Peltor ComTacs.
Be advised that those 2 I just listed are on the high end of ear protection. Near or over $300.
I have been testing the electronic ear bud type protection lately and they don't work that great for me, too loud under a cover or indoors, just acceptable in an outdoor setting.
SY
Ear Protection ?? - LR1955 - 09-07-2022
Serenity:
I tend towards 3M Foam Ear Plugs plus a set of electronic ear muffs. I also have a pair of Walkers electronic ear plugs that attach to a neck piece so I don't lose them.
Funny thing is that when I wear the plugs and muffs, I never turn the muffs on or have them at a very low setting. For years I used plugs and a pair of thin shotgun muffs and my hearing is still pretty good. That was when electronic muffs were super big and bulky. Couldn't shoulder a rifle without hitting them.
The Walkers electronic plugs are not as good as the 3M Foam plugs but are sufficient when I am shooting in a open area during the heat of the summer or when waiting to shoot at a match.
A lot depends on your firing position.
If you shoot off a concrete bench, concrete floor, and a covered firing line, the noise bounces around and is louder than if you were standing in a open area.
Plugs and muffs for the concrete pads and covered firing lines.
Plugs and muffs when using a comped carbine, rifle, or pistol no matter where. Or if I have to time or score someone using a comped carbine, rifle, or pistol. Including .22's that are comped. Amazing how loud even a .22 is when it is comped.
Walkers electronic plugs for wide open areas when it is super hot out but I have to be able to hear things. Won't hesitate to use the 3M plugs alone in open areas either but only when it is so hot that ear muffs fatigue me and get filled with sweat.
LR-55
Ear Protection ?? - StoneHendge - 09-07-2022
I have a round head and have had problems with muffs getting pushed up by my cheek weld on a rifle, especially with bulkier electronic muffs. Not good when it happens! The Walker Razor Slim Electronic muffs solved that for me. If you have a small head, I would be sure to look at them.
Also, ditch the baseball cap when using muffs. To many ways to break the seal around your ear when your focused on a shot. I wear a bandana if it's hot or a thin fleece or merino skull cap if it's cold.
Ear Protection ?? - Serenitynow - 09-07-2022
Sorry. I should have been more clear.
The headband was too large, not the ear cups themselves.
I couldn't adjust them close enough to fit my head without sliding down off my ears.
Ear Protection ?? - Arkhangel5 - 09-07-2022
Serenitynow Wrote:Sorry. I should have been more clear.
The headband was too large, not the ear cups themselves.
I couldn't adjust them close enough to fit my head without sliding down off my ears.
Serenity.
Maybe a behind the ear type. does away with the headband.
example:
https://www.amazon.com/Caldwell-Electronic-Protection-Amplification-Adjustable/dp/B00BD57O8W/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=behind+the+ear+hearing+protection&qid=1662594376&sprefix=behind+the+ear+hearing+prot%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-4
SY
Ear Protection ?? - DIANEB - 09-08-2022
Serenitynow Wrote:Hey guys and gals.
I've always just used foam ear plugs. They actually work pretty well. But, since I've gotten into more AR15 shooting, I'm thinking that I might want something better.
What ear protection do you use when shooting and why did you choose this ? What did you use before settling on this ?
Does anybody have any recommendations for a fairly small head, under about $50 ?
I wasn't really sure where to post this, so if it's in the wrong place, let me know.
Thanks in advance.
The earmuffs I wear at the range are called Silencio...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/384779366207?hash=item5996a32f3f:g:WCIAAOSwo6RiLjt7
Ear Protection ?? - Serenitynow - 09-09-2022
https://www.howardleightshootingsports.com/collections/electronic-earmuffs/products/impact-sport-metallic-charcoal-gray-black-youth-adult-small
Just to follow up with this. I just ordered these.