Thin ear protection

v35

March 14, 2012 09:33

In shooting the AR15 or Keltec P2000 there's a problem in getting close enough to the sights while using earmuffs. I have several styles that work pretty well if ear plugs are also used.
While using ear plugs alone the noise is too loud even outdoors.
I want to keep what's left of my hearing.
Any recommendations?
I wouldn't want to guess on the number of loss of hearing claims the VA
will see in the coming years.

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  yoshmyster

  March 14, 2012 09:50

  The best stick 'em in the ear plugs I came across was "Spark Plugs" made by Modex (the swirly ones). Highest rated foam number at 30 des. compared to similar plugs and pretty cheap. I picked up a box of 200 off ebay years ago for $30 or so.
  
  Now I seen those wax or are they silicone numbers that look like they would be better since they're solid. But I think they may break off and get stuck in the ear canal.

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  beantownshootah

  March 14, 2012 10:53

  I don't like the wax ones, and I don't know that they are really any better in terms of noise reduction than the foam ones.
  
  In fact, while the different foam ear plugs are RATED differently, its not really clear to me that in PRACTICE (ie in the ear canals of actual human beings instead of in testing machines) one works much better than another.
  
  I usually just buy the ones I find in bulk cheap at the pharmacy, with a decibel rating of 29 or 30.
  
  There is an "extreme" version put out by Hearos with a decibel rating as high as 33, and I suppose that is probably your best bet if you need maximum sound protection from a foam plug.
  
  Also, different earmuffs have different configurations. I have one pair (forget the brand) that is portable and thin. It doesn't offer nearly as much protection as some of the bigger/better ones, but it does make it easier to get close to the sights with certain guns, and again, coupled with ear-plugs too, there is good protection.

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  nmyers

  March 14, 2012 11:04

  Check these out:
  
  http://www.earinc.com/m-hunting.php
  
  I have custom silicone plugs that I bought at a gun show; took 20 minutes to make them. They work well, even with high power rifle noise.
  
  Neal

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  He Dog

  March 14, 2012 15:24

  +1 on Neal's suggestion. Custom plugs are your best bet.

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  Sooeyman2035

  March 15, 2012 14:48

  The Corps provided us with bullets for ear protection in 1962. I can still hear a little bit.

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