I be deaf....and it’s my fault. Sort of an exaggeration, but not too far off.
Now have super expensive hearing devices. Duke Medical fitted. Not your local used vehicle salesperson now working at Belltone.
Was also a Corporate Safety Director. So I have some expertise.
First up. Within reason, buy good quality, but always use it. Went to the NC Symphony last night. They were playing as backup for a Stones Tribute Group, who had their own band. First time in over 6 years of membership that I had seen the symphony in ear plugs.
Our standard disclaimer for Workman’s Compensation claims were Firearms, Motorcycles and Rock Concerts. It that was in your history, forget it. Should have included lawnmowers and chain saws and such. Always use protection.
ONE brief incident can do major damage. I trimmed off about 10 decibels one early morning on a deer stand. I would put in my ear plugs after I climbed into the stand. Bucky walked out and broke my routine. Gun was still on ground waiting with tether string to be pulled up, unloaded of course.
Pulled out my S&W 629 and emptied it. OUCH.
OK. Word to HEED.
I traveled to many facilities in my division and also as an auditor. The most comfortable ear plugs that I and my other peer Directors found was the Purple Rockets. Our employees would wear them without complaining. Go to Amazon. Many vendors there and on eBay. In our forging factories, we required both Muff and Plugs for the Forge Shop. Noise Reduction is additive. So, constant or really loud .... wear both.
No major difference in the NR numbers for the custom molded vs foam....IF the ear canal is blocked. Foam is harder to get in and properly fitted. That is why I liked the Purple Rockets. They are a ponted molded bladder and easily and comfortably seal. I keep a dozen or so new pairs for friends and family that might occasionally shoot.
Next up is MUFFS. As long as they fit and seal and are comfortable, any good brand, electronic or non electronic will work. But if you have long stringy oily hair or a bushy Afro cut or really thick hair or insist on pulling your cap down like Beetle Bailey, you will have issues. Muffs need to seal OVER the ear and excessive hair or a cap brim prevent that. Put on your cap and just perch it on your head. Put on and seat your muffs, THEN adjust your cap and don’t let the brim or band get partially under the muffs.
FINALLY.... read the reviews or be able to return the muffs. I bought a pair of the electronic on sale at Cabela’s. They had the best price, even compared to Amazon. I spend a few hours just experimenting and such at DCWC when it is closed to visitors. No one usually there but me. I can easily wear mine without issues and I plug in my iPod and listen to my tunes.
I have the microphone style and with my significant hearing loss, they are great.
If you got this far, GOOD.
I can also, from personal experience and research and spending a lot of time with Doctors of Audiology, tell you to get hearing devices NOW, not later. The longer your brain functions without being able to properly process sounds, the more frustrated it gets and shuts down. Think LAZY EYE Syndrome. You actually do IRREVERSIBLE damage to the brain’s ability to recognize SPEECH. I had a bad experience with my first set Circa 2001. Put it off until family was in full rebellion. Have had to do special work and bringing back some of my speech recognition (it is scored and tested).
Had I found the right fit and technology 10 years ago, I would “hear “, with assistance much better than I do today.
No BS in this. Facts and experience.
Happy Banging