Ear protection,, what's up??

Howard Leight Impact Pros (not Sports, which are very good, just not as good)
I no longer have to double up with muffs and plugs. Best NRR (noise reduction rating) you will find for the money, by far. I did a whole chart on this a few months back either here or at another forum. You can spend $200 and not get the same NRR as these.

$58 at Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Howard-Leigh...TF8&qid=1516402503&sr=8-2&keywords=impact+pro
 
Last edited:
fieldgrade said:
Howard Leight Impact Pros (not Sports, which are very good, just not as good)
I no longer have to double up with muffs and plugs. Best NRR (noise reduction rating) you will find for the money, by far. I did a whole chart on this a few months back either here or at another forum. You can spend $200 and not get the same NRR as these.

$58 at Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Howard-Leigh...TF8&qid=1516402503&sr=8-2&keywords=impact+pro
Click to expand...
I just looked at some at FGG
 
Majicmike said:
I just looked at some at FGG
Click to expand...
And they were probably $75. They are $79.99 at Academy. I got turned onto these by the former head of the NC chapter of the NRA ( or some such) at a pistol match.
 
Last edited:
I use good old fashioned HEAROS. Cheap as hell and NPR 33.

I've used Howard Leight Sports Fieldgrade mentioned above as well as electronic sets from Caldwell. The Caldwells were bulky and one of the speakers died suddenly, and the HL Sports are streamlined but only NPR 22.
 
I like to double up, plugs and muffs. I got some of the moldable silicon plugs you mold into your ears at home for a custom fit and then wear electronic muffs over top. I found if I turn the volume all the way up on the electronic muffs I can hear pretty decently even with the plugs in but still get the extra protection from having both. I can get by with one or the other shooting normal guns but shooting 9 major with a compensated gun is extremely loud, doubling up is pretty much mandatory with that one.

My electronic muffs are the Howard Leight slim ones, work well.
 
Last edited:
Foam plugs or Peltor muffs

Lately its mostly been plugs, but if pistol shooting I prefer muffs
 
Majicmike said:
i always use plugs with ear muffs. I thinking about some of those electronic noise canceling kind. What's yalls thoughts and what do you use?
Click to expand...

Just like many things, there surely are different kinds of electronic ear muffs. Mine have the Caldwell logo. I think that I paid about $30 for them about 5 years ago. While I'm sure not an expert on electronic ear muffs, mine are NOT electronic noise CANCELING. In fact, they are AMPLIFYING ear muffs.

Let me explain. If they are turned OFF, or the batteries are dead, they perform VERY well as good ear muffs with a decent Noise Reduction Rating.
However, when they are turned ON, I can adjust the amplification level so that I can carry on a quiet conversation with other people, without having to SHOUT.

If a gun fires, or clap my hands, or rack a slide, the amplification blanks out for a short time, then turns back on. The effect is that I miss hearing the shot, but I only miss a minor part of what my shooting partner was saying. They worked very well for me.

One of the curious things is that many times, I won't hear the BANG of someone firing their gun, but I will hear the whistle of the bullet on its way to the target.

I have been happy with them, and recommend them.

Throwing this out there for folks to consider.

Duane
 
I run a pair of old Peltor 6s outdoors but on the rare occasion I venture to an indoor range it is definitely Peltors and plugs ... tinnitus is a bitch.
 
I wore foam plugs most of my life. Tried muffs, both regular and slim line and then borrowed an expensive pair. Hated them all. They work great and I liked being able to hear normal conversations but dang I just cannot get used to them.

I have pretty big shouders and going into a pistol stance I can feel them moving. Forget shooting a rifle with them. I have an odd cheek weld I guess but whatever. I was constantly banging them.

Tried moderately priced formed ear plugs and couldn’t really get used to them. But before I really had time to try one of my dogs ate one.

So I went back to the cheap foam plugs. They always worked and still do.
 
Been using Impact sports for a couple years for shooting, mowing. Use foam spark plugs doing other stuff, like vacuuming(laugh if you want). My impact sports have seen better days. When I decide to replace them I may try the pros
 
Chdamn said:
Forget shooting a rifle with them. I have an odd cheek weld I guess but whatever. I was constantly banging them.
Click to expand...
I use the HL Sports and they work well, but...
Rifles. Arg! The HL Sports are about as slimish as they get headphone-style, but they still interfere with a good long gun cheekweld. I can't really fault the product, they all do this.
I have no issues using them with handguns, they work swell beav. The only complaint is after a-bit the cushy part that goes against your ear starts to get uncomfortable. You can get gel-type replacements (amazon) and I'm told it's 100x better. However, the gels cost about as much as the headphones. I think I'm gonna try them.

I've just come to accept for the moment that I need 2 different kinds of hearing protection; one for handguns and one for long guns. I use foamies most often for the rifles, but I don't like them really, and no matter how hard you pack that stuff in your ear sound gets through.
One day I will have me a set of those custom-made-for-your-ear eee-lectronic noise canceling ear buds. They're 400+ freaking dollars though. At this point in time I think they're the only product that can do it all; handguns, long guns, effective, comfortable.

Note I do all my shooting outdoors. Never indoors. If you shoot indoors might as well pack your ears full of bondo.
 
fieldgrade said:
Howard Leight Impact Pros (not Sports, which are very good, just not as good)
I no longer have to double up with muffs and plugs. Best NRR (noise reduction rating) you will find for the money, by far. I did a whole chart on this a few months back either here or at another forum. You can spend $200 and not get the same NRR as these.
Click to expand...
I have these, they're great for pistol, a rifle stock moves them during cheekweld.
There's a thinner version that supposedly works better for a rifle fit.
NCFubar said:
... tinnitus is a bitch.
Click to expand...
Eric Clapton is going deaf ... tinnitus is a bitch.
 
Pink_Vapor said:
There's a thinner version that supposedly works better for a rifle fit.
Click to expand...
That's the sport model I mentioned. They are slim compared to the others in the class, but they still move against a rifle stock, breaking the seal and opening a gap for sound to enter.
 
I have the MSA Sordins with gel ear pads, but indoors I use plugs plus Ear Pro muffs rated at 33.
 
Friday said:
That's the sport model I mentioned. They are slim compared to the others in the class, but they still move against a rifle stock, breaking the seal and opening a gap for sound to enter.
Click to expand...
Ouch.. I'm hooked on rifles with cans, sad part is I don't shoot my Sako much anymore.
 
Friday said:
That's the sport model I mentioned. They are slim compared to the others in the class, but they still move against a rifle stock, breaking the seal and opening a gap for sound to enter.
Click to expand...
And the NRR rating on the Sports is a good deal lower than the Pros, but the Pros are indeed so fat they are only good for pistol shooting, or maybe shooting clays.
 
Yeah they work ok outdoors, but like some of the guys do you'd probably wanna double-up with something under them indoors.
 
Geezer said:
I use cigarette filters I find laying on the ground.
Click to expand...

I bought my dad the same pair of impact sports that i use. It’s never too late to start protecting your ears. This fool puts cotton balls in his ears and won’t wear the earpro I bought him
 
Geezer said:
I use cigarette filters I find laying on the ground.
Click to expand...
Burt Gummer said:
I bought my dad the same pair of impact sports that i use. It’s never too late to start protecting your ears. This fool puts cotton balls in his ears and won’t wear the earpro I bought him
Click to expand...

years back there was a Gunny with so many hash marks they were about ready to be continued on his right sleeve would take .45acp ball rounds and use them.
 
JimB said:
I have the MSA Sordins with gel ear pads, but indoors I use plugs plus Ear Pro muffs rated at 33.
Click to expand...
I have a pair of older MSA Sordin Supreme Pro IV and they are awesome. Used and abused for almost 8 years now and they are still going strong. The battery life is great too.
 
Exile_D said:
I have a pair of older MSA Sordin Supreme Pro IV and they are awesome. Used and abused for almost 8 years now and they are still going strong. The battery life is great too.
Click to expand...
The only problem with mine is that the stickers came off, they are great outdoors, but sound levels are so much higher indoors that I go with the larger muffs.
 
I have one of the electronic ear muffs version. I think it's HL sports. You're welcome to borrow them to test them out for yourself.
 
JimB said:
The only problem with mine is that the stickers came off, they are great outdoors, but sound levels are so much higher indoors that I go with the larger muffs.
Click to expand...
What are you using indoors?
Fortunately, I haven't had an issue with mine indoors yet. Although I did double up with some foam in-ears when a friend was shooting his AR that had a "loud" compensator on it.
 
Friday said:
Yeah they work ok outdoors, but like some of the guys do you'd probably wanna double-up with something under them indoors.
Click to expand...
Even with the HL Pros, I have to double up indoors.
 
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
 
Last edited:
@TomGCherry have you any thoughts on how to successfully deal with protective glasses and earmuffs? There is almost certainly going to be a gap where the muffs go over the temples, but is there an approach that minimizes it?

Off to find some purple rockets.

Edit:

Rockets are made by Moldex? Looks like these which are rated at NRR27
https://www.amazon.com/Moldex-Rocke...id=1516476314&sr=8-1&keywords=rocket+earplugs

Moldex also makes these rated at NRR33
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VTID4K...8m&pd_rd_r=90356CEG2MAJNBF9MBPE&pd_rd_w=ucT8B
 
Last edited:
Do not forget sound can also travel thru bone conduction ... especially lower frequency repetitive sound over time. While the report of a firearm will ring your ears quick at 140+ decibels exposures over a certain time will do big damage also ... OHSA’s 8 hours at >85dB thing. A doctor tried to explain it to me as shooting chips away your hearing in pieces like a chisel but constant environmental noise erodes your hearing like water does a river rock. We shooters need to watch sounds from other stuff as well like lawn & garden equipment, musical environments (car stereos at high volume, concerts, etc), other hobbies (motorsports w/ engine tuning hurt mine) and so on. Keeping a pair of those Purple Rockets is only the start ... using them for other stuff like to mow grass and such is also good.
 
Friday said:
...

Note I do all my shooting outdoors. Never indoors. If you shoot indoors might as well pack your ears full of bondo.
Click to expand...

I agree 100%. There are many reasons that I don't like indoor ranges, but being WAY too LOUD is probably at the top of the list.
 
Best hearing protection is a silencer. But, if you're shooting with others, some of them are probably uncivilized and don't own them. :D

I keep Radians (DIY custom fit plugs) in at the range. I'll add HL Sport muffs over top if anybody else is shooting.
 
JimB said:
@TomGCherry have you any thoughts on how to successfully deal with protective glasses and earmuffs? There is almost certainly going to be a gap where the muffs go over the temples, but is there an approach that minimizes it?

Off to find some purple rockets.

Edit:

Rockets are made by Moldex? Looks like these which are rated at NRR27
https://www.amazon.com/Moldex-Rocke...id=1516476314&sr=8-1&keywords=rocket+earplugs

Moldex also makes these rated at NRR33
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VTID4K...8m&pd_rd_r=90356CEG2MAJNBF9MBPE&pd_rd_w=ucT8B
Click to expand...

I recently purchased some new corrective shooting glasses from my Opthamologist. I specifically looked for thin temple pieces. Found some and have used them several times and they are great. My Walkers fit really tight....I don't think that you will lose that much. A hat, however, has a much larger area.

The Leight ones at NR30+ should not be impacted that poorly, unless you are feeding a full day of 44 Mag or heavier "Iron". I was at an outdoor range today for my DW's CHP shooting section and noticed how far down the caps (mandatory per the instructor) took up a lot of the area above the ear.

IF you were banging the big Mama's, I would consider the molded Purple Rockets (without the tether). I have seen a lot of folks fumble with the crushable foam. Use the Purple Rockets as a supplement for 44 Mag or higher.

Others probably have more experience and might differ....
 
Last edited:
Greatly prefer outdoors but I will shoot pistol indoors doubled up with orange foam and the Impact Sports, but not for a very long time- less than an hour. I find that being in a lane right next to a wall is the worst. I wouldn't shoot indoors at all if I lived a bit closer to any of the outdoor ranges.

And speaking of continual noise exposure, My wifes hearing has deteriorated and I swear its those damn hair dryers that women spend far too much time with each day.
 
I prefer the custom ear-pro that's molded to your ear and have been using that for nearly a decade. They're expensive and I find that I need to get a new seat every couple years, but I get them done while I'm up at the Nationals in Ohio for around $40 a set.

My other ear-pro that I like are the Radians Silincers (26NRR) as they fit well over my prescription lenses

I have a set of the HL Sport models, but I tend to wear those outdoors when I need to hear people, like in the pits on the rifle range.
 
I use Walker Razors, light, quite, slim and can double as earphones for my iPod.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom