Low Profile Ear Muffs

[Ram]

I'm looking for a recommendation on quality low profile ear muffs. Everything I've tried so far has presented a clearance problem with the stock.

Robert Whitley in Guns of the Week, week 90, is shown with a set of ear muffs with a lower profile than any I've tried. Does anyone know the brand and model of these muffs?

Thanks!

 

[Forum Boss]

First suggestion -- use quality foam earplugs. The NRR is better than virtually all earmuffs.

But if you MUST use muffs, the thinnest, quality units I've ever tried are the Peltor/AO Safety ShotGunner Folding Earmuffs, item # 97013. These are cutaway on the lower edge and also fold up completely.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=719119

These are also sold as "AOSafety Stowaway Muffs" at Sears etc.


Also check out the Peltor behind-the-head Shotgunner Muffs.

SmartReloader now makes a very thin set of muffs, but I haven't tried them. The Peltors work well and they stow in very little space.

 

[Ram]

Thanks for the suggestions. I like to use foam plugs and ear muffs together.

 

[nfhjr62]

ever thought of costom fit ear plugs

 

[normmatzen]

Hey Guys! Don't get me started again.

The Ear Plug Guy ;D

 

[Ram]

I've tried the custom fit silicon plugs in DIY kit at Cabela's, but I think they were less effective than good foam ear plugs.

 

[normmatzen]

I would not recommend the "made at the gun show" plugs and NEVER the "do it your self" kit!!

Best bet for plugs (aside from cheap old yellow foamies well inserted) is going to a local hearing aid dispenser and telling them you want some quality solid ear plugs that go down to the second bend. And, they will cost from $100 to $150.

For those that are interested, the second bend is in the boney region of the ear canal and if the plug goes this deep, it stops the occlusion effect. That effect is what makes your own voice sound like it comes from a 55 gallon drum!

 

[maxpower]

Thanks for the tip Normmatzen.
Just a few questions. I have bought a few different ear plugs before, special ones ,come in cases etc, but most are still rattling around the dash bourd of the car after being used once. They were usualy pretty uncomfortable and hurt like hell after a while. Maybe I,m just a wuss?
These 2nd bend ear plugs, what are they like? Are they hard or soft? Any comfort issues?
As for ear muffs, I,m looking at getting the Peltor electronic slimline.

 

[BoydAllen]

If you are near, or shoot, a firearm with a muzzle brake and/or a CF pistol, at a covered range, I suggest double coverage. One needs slim muffs to clear the stock comb, but these have low Db ratings, so additional protection is needed. I bought a box of Howard Leight 33 Db rated foam ear plugs and use them in combination with some older slim muffs. Even thin electronic muffs can be used this way. Sometimes shooters forget that the electronics only cut off the feed to the speakers. They can't add to the actual protection. When I am off the line, in the reloading area, I switch to single coverage.

 

[normmatzen]

MaxPower,

If you go to a hearing aid dispenser, ask for solid ear plugs that extend past the second bend. Some folks can't get that due to ear canal shape, but if you can, you will have an ear plug with both maximum comfort and maximum attenuation. Remember, the maximum attenuation you can get with ANYTHING is 40 dB or slightly above. This is due to bone conduction. The bone includes your whole skull! The act of insertion may cause slight discomfort that will disappear once they are fully inserted. And, the dispenser will work with you to insure correct fit and comfort.

These plugs will be made with a soft and pliable, anti-allergetic plastic and, as they are very carefully custom made and have a very small presence in the outer ear, will be very comfortable. You will be able to wear them for long periods. I have a pair of Etymotic "Musicians Earplugs" that are made the same way, but with a button in them that limits the attenuation to 25 dB and yields full fidelity. I wear these on my motorcycle to cut the wind noise. This is the major noise heard while riding and at highway speeds can be damaging, even with a full coverage helmet.

NOTE: The rating on packages of over the counter ear plugs are rated at NRR levels. This is NOT the attenuation they offer! As most ear plugs can be inserted incorrectly, OSHA requires the manufacturer to measure maximum attenuation and then do a statistical analysis of the attenuation with various incorrect insertions and the NRR value is derived from that. In the case of the "yello foamies" They can yield 40 dB attenuation if inserted correctly, but some folks simply place them sideways in the external ear! With even casual insertion into the ear canal, the attenuation can degrade to 20 dB. That is the origin of the NRR 33 value on some foam plugs.

 

[ericskennard]

Look at the MSA-Sordin, best I have ever tried. Use these with some plugs. I too use custom molded plugs and often the the headphones.