Ear Protection

[patrick0685]

I'm thinking about getting some custom made electronic ear protection like these (ESP (http://www.espamerica.com/p-22-esp-stealth-electronic-hearing-protection-shooting-earplugs.aspx)) Has anyone ever used any or had any made? The NRA endorses these (Sound Gear (http://www.soundgearhearing.com/products/hearing-protection-for-hunters-shooters)) but I dont know how I feel about those.

[Circuits]

I've had everything from the cheapie muffs to remington-branded electronic noise-cancelling muffs, to quite nice muffs, to the disposable and molded inserts. These days, I tend to run disposables more than anything else, for the relative comfort, and the fact that they don't interfere with cheek weld like giant earmuffs do.

Those look like they'd at least address the bulk issues of headphone-style earmuffs, active or not. I did enjoy the ability of the electronic muffs I've used to pass most normal conversation easily, even while wearing them during cease fires, etc - it was only ever the bulk that turned me away from them.

[Rabid]

You might want to try the Surefire Sonic Defenders before spending that kind of money. I really like mine for everything besides indoors shooting. Gun shots are muted surprisingly well considering you can hear people talk. I am sure they are not as good as the electronic ones but its $14 vs. $600.

[copfish]

I love my Sordins. That is what I wear most of the time on range day. I have a hard time with the Surefires. I always have a pair of soft foam plugs in my pocket for those times when you need protection...

[SAnd]

I can't get any of the custom molded earplugs to fit my ears. Make sure of the terms as to what happens financially if they can't get them to fit.

The way I read it the ESP have a pass through of 90 decibels. For me that would be too loud. Make sure that the pass through level is OK for your comfort level.

[TheWeeze]

If you go with a high level in-ear custom plug like that, go to an Audiologist and buy a pair from them and they can program it (if I understood my wife correctly) for whatever pass through you need. Shooter's plugs from any of the hearing aid companies are the way to go if you're willing to drop $1,600-$2,200 on them. But you have to go through a hearing aid practice or Audiologist in order to get them done right.

[kwando]

I have a set of the custom molded ones from the guy at tanner, they fit OK. Not enough protection and i find myself using them PLUS my Howard Leight.

The Howard Leights are awesome! I've owned several pair of electronic muffs and these are by far the best for under $45. They are directional, have a 3.5mm port, and low profile.

If i was going to spend $2k i'd make sure that they have some guarantee fitment/satisfaction. During fitment, bring gum or eat because that can looses the custom plugs.

[TheWeeze]

If i was going to spend $2k i'd make sure that they have some guarantee fitment/satisfaction. During fitment, bring gum or eat because that can looses the custom plugs.

That's why I'd recommend going to a company that sells hearing aids/Audiologists, because all of their custom products, no matter what, have a fit guarantee. If they don't take the impression right, or it's just not right, then they'll be remade for free. Don't quote me on the plugs, but I'm 99% sure that's the case.

[hatidua]

Is the reaction time (for lack of a better term) faster on the ones in the original post than electronic muffs? I only ask because the electronic ones I've used (Peltor, Howard Leight, Etc) are great for shots #2 onward but shot #1 is often louder than I'm comfortable with.

Additionally, and an audiologist could describe this far better than me, but sound/concussion does not enter exclusively through the ear canal, which is why muffs+plugs is better than plugs by themselves - we take in sound through the surrounding bone as well.

[TheWeeze]

Is the reaction time (for lack of a better term) faster on the ones in the original post than electronic muffs? I only ask because the electronic ones I've used (Peltor, Howard Leight, Etc) are great for shots #2 onward but shot #1 is often louder than I'm comfortable with.

Additionally, and an audiologist could describe this far better than me, but sound/concussion does not enter exclusively through the ear canal, which is why muffs+plugs is better than plugs by themselves - we take in sound through the surrounding bone as well.

My wife is an Audiologist, and she insists that I wear over the ear protection, and actually prefers that I wear cheap disposable plugs under them. The shooters plugs are really good though, as they're electronic and have a very tight fit, so I don't think that you can necessarily go wrong with them, but I can ask her about them tonight.

[Ronin13]

You might want to try the Surefire Sonic Defenders before spending that kind of money. I really like mine for everything besides indoors shooting. Gun shots are muted surprisingly well considering you can hear people talk. I am sure they are not as good as the electronic ones but its $14 vs. $600.
I have a pair of Surefire EP3's and they do the job just fine for me... Spent about $15 on them a year and a half ago at 5280 while picking up some ammo. Never had an issue with them, they're comfortable, and my hearing loss has not worsened (I was stationed near 4 arty batteries in Afg).

[TEAMRICO]

Ear Pro?
What?.....WHAT?

WHAT?
Yes, Use EAR PRO.......

[patrick0685]

Yea im looking at these for duck/goose hunting. I dont want to be surprised by the birds but also want to protect my ears, and the muffs are just to much bulk for constant up/down with a layout blind and shotgun, they would never stay on. Weeze see what your wife says, im looking into seeing if they can considered hearing aids and have some insurance help.

[Hoser]

Jack from ESP made me a set of electronic plugs several years ago. I use them for hunting and shotgunning. Great investment.

[generalmeow]

Whenever you fire a gun, make sure to be irresponsible. And eye responsible too.

[Ronin13]

Whenever you fire a gun, make sure to be irresponsible. And eye responsible too.
*Slapping thigh* Good one! [LOL]

[patrick0685]

yea i wear oakley 99.99% of the time so that part is covered pretty well...which ESP's did you get Hoser?

[Mtn.man]

Get a full face helmet with inner ear protection, neck protection, and a flip up visor. That should do the trick.

[Hoser]

yea i wear oakley 99.99% of the time so that part is covered pretty well...which ESP's did you get Hoser?

Not the digital ones is all I remember.

[bgouker]

I have tried several lately, I was also going to get ESP's. I went to the Audiologist and they tested my hearing and suggested a filtered custom plug they make for shooting. Instead of electronic, it has a filter in it where you can converse, but when you shoot, it is quite effective in the noise reduction. I was surprised, but they work great. I just ordered another pair to keep in the other truck. 160 compared to 2100. If you need amplification, then the electronic are the way to go. I had nothing but trouble with the Surefire ones and was using foam plugs. I believe the reduction is 60db on the filtered plugs.

[ray1970]

I just use standard, foam type disposable ear plugs. Cheap, no need to risk any sort I eat infection from reusing them since you throw them away, don't interfere with rifle or shotgun stocks like ear muffs, and they do a good job of reducing the noise to a safe level.

Now if everyone I shoot with would just speak up a little when they talk to me everything would be perfect.

[Guylee]

I love my issued peltors, but for normal range use I just go with cheapie fome inserts. I bought some peltors from walmart and they are nice but not nearly the same sound quality or comfort of the more expenseive ones. I just try to go with the foamies when I can because they are comfortable, don't mess with cheek weld, and you can still kind of hear conversation through them.

[TheWeeze]

Talked to my wife and she said that there is no way that she can think of that insurance might help pay for shooters/hunters plugs of any kind. Mainly because they don't look towards the long term. While they may help prevent hearing loss in the long run, it's not worth it for them in the short term since most people don't carry the same insurance for a long period of time.

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