Ear Protection

[patrick0685]

I'm thinking about getting some custom made electronic ear protection like these (ESP) Has anyone ever used any or had any made? The NRA endorses these (Sound Gear) 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.