Electronic ear defenders

[dreever]

Norm,

I use good foam plugs, but when shooting my .308 with muzzle brake they just don't seem to be enough, so I wear electronics over them which does seem to make a difference.

Question: Is there anything out there that I could use along with plugs that would cover the ear but yet be of a super low profile (as flat to you head as possible) that would still afford some more protection and not be bumping on the stock?
Also could you recommend, in your opinion, the best plugs to purchase regardless of price. Money's no object when your eyesight or hearing is involved.

Danny

 

[kemen4]

As an afterthourght .... I have been using the Napier Pro 10 -- I believe it is branded Zem Hearsafe in the US ?
it seems to block loud noise very well and at the same time makes my tinitus far less noticeable. I have used the mod 9 for shotgun use and now have the 10s for the rifle range.
Whilst not as clear as with the electronics, conversation is still possible: even those about how odd they look!

 

[wapiti25]

I use Action Ears for hunting. They have been around for a long time but not a lot of advertising. They have a nylon strap that goes over the head and a spring band behind the head so they work with a cap. I have been using them for hunting for over ten years. The model that i'm talking about is called Action Ear Sport. The company is Silver Creek Industries in Manitowoc WI. I have bought ear cushions and mic covers, their parts service is good. The strap has velcro so it is adjustable. I really like the fact that you can use them with a cap (over) or a hat (under) if it was big enough for the strap

 

[wapiti25]

They are going with me this weekend on a turkey hunt.

 

[normmatzen]

Dreever,

If the foamies aren't doing the job, you aren't inserting them far enough. I know that is a trite answer, but true. The foamie must be rolled up between thumb and index finger till it is a tiny rod, then quickly insert it into the ear canal and press it in with your pinkey finger till it expands fully. Now you will be afraid you can't get it out! But just pinch it between thumb nail and middle finger nail and pull it out.

The easiest, best and most comfortable sound reduction would be custom fitted plugs. And I don't mean the ones you buy at the gun show! Go to a local recommended hearing aid dispenser and tell them you want custom, solid ear plugs that extend past the second bend. They will know exactly what you mean and will make an impression of your ears and order the molds from a mold lab. They will fit into the outer ear comfortably and will not be too big. By extending past the second bend in your ear canal, two things are accomplished by extending the plug into the bony region of the ear canal (past the cartilagenous region). One, when you talk, it won't sound like you are talking into a 55 gallon drum and 2. the sound attenuation will be maximum. These plugs can cost from $75 to $125 depending on local cost of living. You will not be sorry! And, the dispenser/audiologist will insure they fit properly and in fact do extend past the second bend.

 

[normmatzen]

You guys are baiting me with that SHOOTFORUM article aren't you!!

Its really a shame the guy didn't get some professional help with his "research." Your ears CAN"T tell! He could have gone to a local university offering an audiology program and had a student do this research for a thesis and the results would have been based on measured clinical trials instead of anecdotal evidence. Come on! 27 pages of opinions?

Your hearing health is at risk here!

 

[normmatzen]

For some good clinical studies of gunshot noise impulses as well as comparison of various protection schemes, check out this ;

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/pubs/presentations.html

This site has 3 especially good presentations in power point type form.

I also stand corrected; although properly inserted ear plugs are the best protection, the practicalities of life make the combination of plugs and passive muffs the best practical protection! Check out the attenuation of foam plugs as far as the distribution. You can see why foam plugs have such a poor noise rating by OSHA. Realistically, proper insertion is not trivial. Also the three ridged solid plugs I use must also be inserted carefully for best protection.

 

[dreever]

Norm,

Thanks for the information. I've an appointment with an audiologist for Monday. Cost of the custom fit plugs $125.00.
A small price to pay to keep my hearing.

Danny

 

[JCummings]

I've noticed with the three ringed plugs there is a huge difference in noise attenuation when you get them in right. With practice it's pretty easy to get them right but if you don't really force yourself to fully seat them you won't get the protection you need. The problem I have is that If I shoot with them very often, like I do during winter smallbore shooting they do start causing ear canal pain.