Hearing Protection Recommendations

[chomondely3]

I am looking for hearing muffs that have the highest degree of protection and are thin.
Presently, I am using plugs under ear muffs. I find that the stock pushes up on the right ear muff when I shooting off the bench. I learn that the ear plug has loosened up shortly after I fire the rifle.
I prefer not to use electronic ear muffs as the batteries tend to die at inopportune moments.

Recommendations as to thin ear muffs with a high NRR rating?
Thanks in advance,
Chomondely

 

[NateHaler]

Google Search

 

[TrxR]

What do you all think of custom molded ear plugs?

 

[Jefferson]

What do you all think of custom molded ear plugs?

some don’t fit well if they use old wax for the mould

and those don’t stand up for very long

Get the ones done for industrial workers, they usually do a company with many employees and you can get on that list at the end of the day. say 20-50- employees and you are the last one and they do a separate work order for your plugs

Also get 2 sets one regular and one complete silence. it is almost complete silence

 

[Triple BB]

ESP America are the Cadillac of hearing protection. Been wearing them for 20 years. That's 60 - 80 days a year with waterfowl. Can wear them all day with no discomfort. I'll put muffs over them at the range, but that's it...

 

[chomondely3]

Thanks for the thoughts. I have tried molded plugs, but not much luck with getting a good seal.
Anyone have experiance with Walker Razor Slim muffs?

 

[Dub]

Otto NoizBarriers best I have ever used

 

[rardoin]

I use MSA Sordin muffs with the gel pads. They are electronic but the batteries last over 6 months. I have no issues from the bench nor prone. They are pricey but IMO worth it as hearing aids have been much, much more costly than if I would have had appropriate plugs/muffs and used them at a much younger age.

 

[rijndael]

I’m really happy with my inexpensive pair of Walker muffs. It’s tough finding good pairs for indoor use, these work well.

 

[dgeesaman]

I am looking for hearing muffs that have the highest degree of protection and are thin.
Presently, I am using plugs under ear muffs. I find that the stock pushes up on the right ear muff when I shooting off the bench. I learn that the ear plug has loosened up shortly after I fire the rifle.
I prefer not to use electronic ear muffs as the batteries tend to die at inopportune moments.

Recommendations as to thin ear muffs with a high NRR rating?
Thanks in advance,
Chomondely

I continue to use earplugs under muffs but I push the right muff as high as possible that it still covers my right ear.

For my line of sight behind the scope, making a muff skinnier would not have solved it anyway.

David

 

[ChrisNZ]

some don’t fit well if they use old wax for the mould

and those don’t stand up for very long

..

Dunno what sort of Mickey Mouse outfit you have been dealing with but the industry hasn't used wax for more than forty years. It's now normally an addition silicone but there are other more budget options.

As for "not standing up for long", again you have experienced some sub-standard materials. Industry-std silicone custom plugs will do a good 4-5yrs long as your ears don't change shape, eg sudden weight loss.

The key issue with custom-moulded devices is a top grade ear impression by an --experienced-- clinician. Very few fly-by-nighters have the necessary skill and no subsequent mould manufacturing can retrieve that.

(PS. I'm a just-retired clinical audiologist who has a real interest in the topic)

 

[Jefferson]

Chris you are correct, I,meant silicone

do not go to the local gun show for a fitting usually those guys are not very good as Chris suggests,

try to use companies that go around to industrial sites and do a bunch at a time say 50 or more

 

[Kevin Taylor]

I really like Howard Leigh’s brand. Don’t wear my hearing aids at the range and need the voice amplifier.

 

[AlNyhus]

The original style Peltor Shotgunner is a good one. The new Shotgunner II style is a bit bulkier, though. Walker offers what is essentially a new version of the original Peltor Shotgunner with 22 db reduction. That and a set of 3M 29 db foam ear plugs works well for me. -Al

 

[Dave Marshall]

Double up.

I buy the best disposable foam plugs I can find by the case and use a set of muffs over them. I keep stashes of new plugs in my truck, range bag, gun case, equipment bags.....you get the idea. There’s always a clean new pair within reach and all of my range buddies know where to find some of they need em.

You can buy -33db foam plugs by the case for less than $1 per pair. Worn under almost any set of earmuffs you will be protected even if your earmuff gets pushed out of place. Foam plugs worn under electronic earmuffs to hear range commands is about the only thing better.

I‘ve spent hundreds of dollars on electronic earplugs and I almost always end up back at foam plugs under muffs for the firing line.

You cannot buy back lost hearing or eyesight. Protecting what you have is not the place to be a skinflint.