Electronic ear muffs

Status
Not open for further replies.

DuncanSA

Member
Joined
Mar 17, 2007
Messages
254
My problem is that age and years of assorted loud noises have reduced my hearing to the point where I have to wear an aid. This is fine for around the house etc. but is useless at the range where the last thing I need is general sound amplification.

So at the range I leave the hearing aid at home and wear ear muffs or plugs -these are fine for gunshots but leave me deaf to range commands or conversation. To converse with anyone I normally lift the protection on one ear, which is a guarantee that someone will cut loose with a 44 mag or 357 on the adjoining range! This does me little good.

What I need is something that will amplify normal conversation and range commands but will cut out or substantially reduce gunshot noise. I am considering electronic ear muffs and am looking specifically at the Peltor Tactical. Comment and advice will be welcome.
 
Tons of threads on this here and in Accessories and the advice swings from "cheap Harbor Freight/Cheaper Than Dirt/etc. muffs are great" to "you get what you pay for/how much is your remaining hearing worth".

As a health and safety manager I would only recommend the Peltors or Howard Leights. they make industrial safety equipment and are a reliable name. If I were buying new electronic muffs I'd probably purchase the HLs just because the batteries are easier to replace.
 
I use Pyramex PM4010 electronic muffs. They're industrial grade quality for under $100.00 bucks.
 
Tons of threads on this here and in Accessories and the advice swings from "cheap Harbor Freight/Cheaper Than Dirt/etc. muffs are great" to "you get what you pay for/how much is your remaining hearing worth".

As a health and safety manager I would only recommend the Peltors or Howard Leights. they make industrial safety equipment and are a reliable name. If I were buying new electronic muffs I'd probably purchase the HLs just because the batteries are easier to replace.

You wouldn't consider the Walker Quads or the Pro Ears Gold?

Why is that?
 
The Peltor 6 is on sale for $45 at Cabela's right now. I like mine an awful lot for exactly the kind of use that the OP is describing.
Noise reduction rating of 20 dB. Pathetic.

I use Pyramex PM4010 electronic muffs. They're industrial grade quality for under $100.00 bucks.
30 dB of attenuation - better.

Given the choice of the two, OP, I'd spend the extra scratch and go with #2, if you value saving your remaining hearing.
 
Those are good as well. Keep in mind the point is that I prefer to see shooting muffs made by industrial hearing protector manufacturers. Elevex, Peltor, Howard Leight, even Pyramex and others are good. Just stick with industrial hearing protector manufacturers and you have better assurance of a quality product.
 
The Peltor 6 is on sale for $45 at Cabela's right now. I like mine an awful lot for exactly the kind of use that the OP is describing.


I have a pair I've had for less than a year. Used 'em maybe half a dozen times with the electronics turned on. Right side started to buzz and cut in and out first day of deer season. Called Peltor and they basically said "too bad". They know they have a problem with the circuitry but they won't stand behind them. So much for customer service.
 
One thing I have mentioned in the past. Look at the noise reduction ratings on most of the lower cost, electric ears. Most run in the 20-24 decibel reduction rating. This includes the Peltors and the Howard Leights mentioned. Standard, non electric ears usually run around 27-29 decibels in noise reduction.

This truly comes down to you get what you pay for. I went with the Pro Ears because they are rated at 33 decibels of noise reduction, which is the highest out there. Granted they do cost more, but as someone pointed out already, what is your hearing worth?
 
I would only recommend the Peltors or Howard Leights

I agree with HSO. I wear bilateral hearing aids and own both makes. The Peltors have slightly better sound quality, but I paid twice as much for them. I volunteer as a RSO and wouldn't be without these. I can hear everything that goes on around me. I also double up with plugs if the big artillery is out. Do yourself a big favor, leave the hearing aid in the car, and get either one these.
 
I double up with Surefire plugs and a MSA/Sordin Supreme Pro-X muff. I'm very happy with the combination.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top