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Extra ear protection.

4xforfun

4xforfun

Gold $$ Contributor
I am not sure why, but for some reason my ears are starting to hurt when shooting at a match. I really never was affected by muzzle blast....mine or anyone else's.....but now!!!:eek: I see people using both insertable ear protection along with regular muffs. I tried that at the last match with those soft orange plugs, but had a hell of a time getting them into my ears. Like they were TOO soft and even when I lubed them up I really couldn't get them into the canal.

What are the other options besides the soft orange throw away types?

Thanks,
Tod
 
One world class pistol shooter, Doug Koenig , when he was shooting I think was the Master's decided to wear a full face motorcycle helmet to over come the blast that was actually absorbed through the skull. Double up on plugs as well as muffs is a good idea. The molded plugs as well as muffs helps. Doug was not allowed to use the helmet in competition, but it made a lot of sense to me. Not very practical for all types of shooting, but it would help keep the blast from absorbing through the head. I think Doug was onto something for sure.

Sounds crazy and would look even more, but it would make a difference. Why do race car drivers wear ear plugs under there helmets, with tape over them. Would be helpful.

Also, when you roll up the foam plugs to fit better, wet them with your mouth and they will slide in better.
 
troupe said:
One world class pistol shooter, Doug Koenig , when he was shooting I think was the Master's decided to wear a full face motorcycle helmet to over come the blast that was actually absorbed through the skull. Double up on plugs as well as muffs is a good idea. The molded plugs as well as muffs helps. Doug was not allowed to use the helmet in competition, but it made a lot of sense to me. Not very practical for all types of shooting, but it would help keep the blast from absorbing through the head. I think Doug was onto something for sure.

Sounds crazy and would look even more, but it would make a difference. Why do race car drivers wear ear plugs under there helmets, with tape over them. Would be helpful.

Also, when you roll up the foam plugs to fit better, wet them with your mouth and they will slide in better.
Click to expand...
Mandible (jaw) is how humans pick up 20% of what we hear.
 
troupe said:
Sounds crazy and would look even more, but it would make a difference. Why do race car drivers wear ear plugs under there helmets, with tape over them. Would be helpful.
Click to expand...

Actually the tape is over the lead from the ear bud used to transmit radio comms to the driver. The microphone is added under the helmet liner in the portion below the visor. The earbuds have a jack attached to the base of the helmet around the area under the ear. Just a helmet does provide a very good, but inadequate level of hearing protection for most types of cars. I have used generic foam ear buds and some high dollar custom molded ones when racing. I actually preferred the cheaper foamies! The same also with hearing protection on the firing line...the foamies, inserted properly, were more comfortable to me than the custom molded plugs...and much cheaper. To insert a foamy properly you need to roll it between your fingers for a minute or so to warm it up and get it rolled tight enough yo enter the canal before it expands. Properly inserted foamies can get up to 33dB reduction, with the right brand. I still used an amplified gated set of muffs to allow me to hear range commands/scorer as with the foamies inserted deeply I cannot hear voices.
 
4xforfun said:
That is what I used....soft foam plugs. I rolled them up between my fingers but just couldn't make them fit right.
Click to expand...
there are more then one type of foam and decibel ratings, some of them are like clay, you need to roll it between your fingers tightly!!! and right it the ear fast! but I do love the custom made ones, look around you for a BIG trap shoot, state match or something that's very well attended, you will most likely find a guy there with a trailer, I have them made for $60, they can even mold headphones right in. this is the guy Silent treatment, Jerry Bryant 941-380-2111, call him and ask where he's gonna be, I think he knows others that do the same thing.
 
One word "Otto" then put your muffs over them, take off the muffs and hit the switch and you can hear the conversations around you, foam is pretty comfortable, I twist it, insert it and wait a few minutes then ready to go, yes they are expensive but just imagine the cost of hearing aids (I have those too). I can wear them all day.
 
Mack's ultra soft foam ear plugs are best I have tried. If shooting suppressed by myself I use just the plugs, if others are shooting I wear electronic muffs over the foam plugs, than I can still hear voices(safety thing for me).
 
As one who has suffered from hearing loss and severe tinnitus (not ringing, but a high pitch dog whistle in each ear that never ever stops) for 30 years. I implore each and everyone of you to take all possible precautions to protect your hearing. I can’t tell you how many doctors have told me “you’ll get used to it”. They were all full of shit.
 
cmysix said:
there are more then one type of foam and decibel ratings, some of them are like clay, you need to roll it between your fingers tightly!!! and right it the ear fast! but I do love the custom made ones, look around you for a BIG trap shoot, state match or something that's very well attended, you will most likely find a guy there with a trailer, I have them made for $60, they can even mold headphones right in. this is the guy Silent treatment, Jerry Bryant 941-380-2111, call him and ask where he's gonna be, I think he knows others that do the same thing.
Click to expand...
I got a couple of pairs made about 20 years ago and they are great.
 
Here are some foam plugs that may be better suited for smaller ear canals.

Howard Leight R-01204 Laser Lite High Visibility Disposable Foam Earplugs, 50-Pairs

Honeywell Laser Lite Hi-Vis Earplugs are a great choice for a comfortable and effective pair of earplugs. They are highly visible, which can help to prevent accidents. They also have excellent noise reduction, making them ideal for use in loud environments.
www.honeywellstore.com www.honeywellstore.com

Honeywell Super Leight for Women pre-shaped foam earplugs - 14 pair - R-01757

The Howard Leight by Honeywell Super Leight Disposable Foam Earplug family has just gotten better! Super Leights now come in a petite size redesigned for women with better fit and performance for small ear canals, and still maintain a high NRR rating of 30. The pre-shaped, contoured foam is...
www.honeywellstore.com www.honeywellstore.com

lysianearplugs.com

Slim Size Foam Ear Plugs for Small Ear Canals, 100 Pairs, 35dB SNR Noi

Brand LYSIAN Color Green, Pink, Purple, Blue, Skin Material PU, ABS, POM Size 100 Pair (Pack of 1) Recommended Uses For Product Noise Protection Country of Origin China Product Dimensions 3.46 x 3.46x 5.3 inches; 5.29 Ounces About this item [Soft & Comfortable Sponge Material]: The earplugs...
lysianearplugs.com
 
4xforfun said:
I am not sure why, but for some reason my ears are starting to hurt when shooting at a match. I really never was affected by muzzle blast....mine or anyone else's.....but now!!!:eek: I see people using both insertable ear protection along with regular muffs. I tried that at the last match with those soft orange plugs, but had a hell of a time getting them into my ears. Like they were TOO soft and even when I lubed them up I really couldn't get them into the canal.

What are the other options besides the soft orange throw away types?

Thanks,
Tod
Click to expand...
Are they foam? If they are, you need to roll and compress them between your thumb and pointer finger then reach over your head with opposite hand and pull ear up and insert them then hold till it expands.
 
Also keep in mind there are different sizes made in the disposable foam plugs, finding the right size for you helps.
 
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