Muzzle Braked 338 Lapua - Can I Protect My Hearing?

[M-61]

If Norm Matzen comes on I am sure he will talk about the mastoid bone, its role in conducting sound, and how you can do nothing about it. (I think)

 

[Phil3]

I am hoping Norm Matzen will weigh in, given his stated expertise. It appears from all I have read, that there is a "floor" in sound attenuation (reduction) that can be achieved through ear plugs and muffs. At high sound levels, "bone conduction" limit is the problem and is not solved with better plugs and muffs. Fact is, even if ZERO sound traveled down the ear canal, the reduction in sound pressure to the ear may be 40 - 60 or decibels at most (depending on information source). Since in actuality, some sound does get past the plugs and muffs, and if the best reduction is say 35 decibels, that is simply not enough. Especially for something like a 338 Mag, or a 357 Mag 4" revolver in an indoor range. The problem is well known for personnel on aircraft carriers launching jet aircraft, which at an estimated 150 decibels, is STILL much less than many guns. See what is being developed to handle that in the link below.

http://acoustics.org/pressroom/httpdocs/162nd/Dietz_3pNS3.html

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237506200_Hearing_Protection_for_Bone-Conducted_Sound Highly technical.

I doubt most will want to don the helmet shown, even if was available, but it is clear, with many guns, especially those with muzzle brakes, and/or weapons in enclosed areas, plugs and muffs cannot ensure hearing protection, but only slow the inevitable hearing loss. Since I live in California, I cannot legally have a suppressor, so it may be best to stick with my 223, 6BR, and a 6.5, with a longer barrel, no muzzle brake, and the best plugs and muffs I can find, while staying away from fellow shooters with muzzle braked rifles or other cannons, as well as walls and canopies. Or if a 338 Lapua, then fit a suppressor kept in a free state when I cross out of California.

Phil

 

[Delfuego]

Are you sure your friends hearing loss is not from his wife yelling at him? Retiring early so he could hit the circuit, shoot 12 hours a day had to take a toll. All she asked was to get the lawn mowed once every 2 weeks.

His name stars with a "K" I don't think they have lawns at his elevation, but they rest sounds familiar...

 

[cuznguido]

I shoot 338 LM, Weatherby 30-378, and 50 BMG all with brakes and have lost all hearing in right ear. But lost it before I started shooting these. Your muffs and plugs will protect you just fine.

 

[T-shooter]

Ear muffs and foam plugs should work. The ear muffs have to fit tight or they won't work nearly as well. I use the Pro Ears 33. I took them apart and added some silicone rubber to the inside of the shell which helps dampen the noise level. They did fit a little loose which was comfortable but let more noise in so I tightened the fit. If you can't find an easy way, a simple elastic sweat band over the outside will work.