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Hearing protection

v35
My hearing isn't the greatest because of hunting when I was younger (I think). I'd like to get some new ear protection.

I have an old set of ear muffs but would like to find some good ear plugs or similar. I remember there used to be some that would allow speech to pass but block out loud blasts. Are they still on the market? Suggestions on where to find them?

Thanks!
Rick
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Comments

11 comments

Date Votes
  • v35
    I wanted to upgrade my hearing protection and was looking at the peltor electronic earmuffs, primairly the #6 and #7, with the audio enhancment. In my research, I see they also have some tac options with radio attachments. The #6 is 75-85$, the #7 are 125-135$, the tac models start around 250$

    Has anyone used these hearing protectors, and how do they rate? What is the difference between the 6 and 7? Will the Tac work with the motorola GMRS radios?


    Thanks Rusty
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  • 11b6r
    When they are properly inserted, the basic little yellow foam disposable EAR plugs have a higher NRR (Noise Reduction Ratio) than ear muffs. Highest is about NRR 34.

    There are also slimline muffs that can be worn over plugs.
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  • gunnut505
    Think about it this way; if you're already concerned about your hearing loss, why not get a pair of those mold-to-your-ear plugs?
    Ears are like eyes, kidneys and lungs; you only get a pair, then you're done.
    Personally, I like to shoot F-class (big bore, loud magnum rifles at 1,000 yds.), and I use a Peltor 32db muff over a pair of squishy plugs.
    This setup is hot, not very comfortable, and QUIET.
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  • nmyers
    This company sells off-the-shelf products, & they also sell custom molded plugs through their dealers:

    http://www.earinc.com/m-hunting.php

    I got my plugs made at a gun show; they should be able to give you contact information for dealers in your area.

    Neal
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  • charliemeyer007
    When I shoot my M-53 Jet with full tilt loads I wear both ear plugs and muffs.
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  • beantownshootah
    quote:Originally posted by 11b6r
    When they are properly inserted, the basic little yellow foam disposable EAR plugs have a higher NRR (Noise Reduction Ratio) than ear muffs. Highest is about NRR 34.

    This.

    I think you do have to take the noise reduction rating on these with a grain of salt. Real world sound pressure reduction can be pretty variable depending on individual fit, which frequencies you're looking at, and other factors, but good plugs used right are at least as good as any muffs, and better than most.

    Muffs do have certain OTHER advantages (ease of use/reuse, cheaper electronic ones, etc), but increased sound reduction isn't one of them.

    Personally, I really like these. They're made of a denser foam than many, dirt cheap, readily available, and at least as good at blocking noise as any plug I've tried:

    http://www.walmart.com/ip/Flents-Quiet-Contour-Foam-Ear-Plugs-80ct/17324932

    You can get custom plugs made, but I think the biggest advantage of those is that they're more comfortable. You can also get ones that are a bit more selective in which frequencies they block, making it easier to hear normal conversation. Don't think these offer much advantage in terms of actual dB reduction, though.

    quote:There are also slimline muffs that can be worn over plugs.

    And this. The total sound reduction isn't additive, but muffs over plugs are quite a bit more effective then either one separately.

    I typically wear thin shotgun type muffs over plugs when shooting centerfire rifles or shotgun. I picked up this type once, and liked it enough to have kept it, but there are probably other brands that can work:

    http://www.gamaliel.com/peltor/PEL97012_Peltor_Shotgunner_Earmuffs_Green.asp

    Of course the slim muffs aren't as good on their own in terms of noise protection as the thicker ones but what they lack in absolute protection they make up for in function and ease of carry.
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  • bigoutside
    Howard Leight low profile have been effective for me.
    L1 has a 25 NRR.

    Thin enough for me to get a good cheek weld on any rifle I shoot.

    And I've worn foam plugs underneath at the "big boy" ranges when watching others.

    I'm contemplating going active and there are many thin designs that I think would work well with plugs. Kind of a boost the low end to get past the plugs. And the high end cutoff gives extra NRR. But I'm still pondering. So won't recommend that combo until I've tried it.

    Browning also has some buckmark branded muffs that have a cutaway design.
    31nrr. Which is pretty high. -my daughter wears those.
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  • Cubslover
    As said before, proper wearing of earplugs will surpass any earmuff.

    Howard leight 34NRR. Either orange or yellow. Insert them properly.
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  • TriumphGuy
    I've used them all, foam plugs, molded silicone plugs, plain muffs, and electronic muffs. It all boils down to convenience, cost and comfort. Worn properly, there is not a great deal of difference in the attenuation of any type. Today I generally wear Howard Leight electronic muffs for the conversational convenience, but when it gets hot the molded silicone type is hard to beat for convenience. Plugs and muffs together add a little protection. Muffs attenuate acoustic shock to the bone structure around the ear, something very important if you are shooting very loud weapons.
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  • armilite
    I've been wearing the Peltor Pro Shotgun head phones for years. I've even adapted them to my hard hat that I wear every day at work. They were the highest DB rated of anything I could find for under $30.
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  • Sparty_76
    I am a Safety Manager and know a little about ear plugs and ear muffs. Also once attended a 3-day 3M seminar on ear plugs and muffs. Ear Plugs can have very good NRR, but they must be inserted correctly and deep enough. The proper way is to tilt your head, reach your opposite arm up over you head and grab the opposite ear. The auditory canal does not go straight in but angles upward. Just sticking the plugs in do not give you a good fit. One of the previous writers is right on, the old yellow EAR foam plugs have some of the best NRRs and they are the cheapest too. You need to roll them down as tight as possible before insertion. NRR can be 34 if worn per directions. Not wearing ear plugs correctly can reduce the NRR by 50% to 100%. Ear plugs are deep enough if someone looks right at you, almost nose to nose, and looks at you ears. If any part of the actual plug, not including the stem, is seen they plugs are not deep enough.
    If you wear glasses the boughs of the glasses break the seal on muffs around your ears. That little break can reduce the NRR by as much as 50%. So if you have 30 NRR Ear Muffs, and wear glasses, the NRR is actually 15.
    The NRR ratings are calculated in "Lab Conditions". NRR ratings of >24 are considered good.
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