Yep. Double up.Foam or silicon plugs, properly fitted deeply into the canals, combined with a 37 or 38 NRR pair of muffs, will do just about all you can reasonably expect.
Jibes with my memory that the best muffs limit out about 32. And a good majority limit out in the 26-29 range.Highest I've seen is 32.
Does anyone have a link [amazon or ebay] to a good quality ear muff that's at 37...38?
I agree 100% with this.For my 2¢ you have to be careful buying on Amazon (and on eBay, too) to make sure you are getting the actual product, and not a drop-shipped knock off.
The above is true but ONLY if both are used properly............the foam plugs must be FULLY inserted and the muffs must make full contact, i.e., no gaps from glasses for the maximum protection. Since shooters typically wear protective eyewear, there is a slight compromiseThe answer is always the same, high NRR plugs (usually foam provides the highest NRR) under muffs.
View attachment 1009112 + View attachment 1009113
Then the question becomes electronic muffs or standard.
Then the question becomes electronic muffs with or without comms for phone or radio.
Does anyone have a link [amazon or ebay] to a good quality ear muff that's at 37...38?
Thank you for your insight, 1942bull. On those Otis Ear Shields, do you find that they work better than the combo of good foam earplugs and ear muffs?
I'm like you with the 9mm. I won't shoot inside. And don't shoot much at the outdoor range because there are still a lot of wall surfaces the sound can bounce off. Unfortunately, I don't have a place to actually shoot outside without barriers, so I mostly stick with 22lr, which hasn't been a problem.
Which link?CapnMac, I looked at your link as well. They seem to be nice looking and compact. I didn't see anywhere that stated their NRR rating.
Hmmm I get it, I’m pretty protective of what I have left, too. But I’d be more worried about being able to hear sirens from emergency vehicles or a warning honk from an oncoming vehicle and reacting to those than the off chance of an airbag deployment further damaging hearing. But to each his own.Yeah,...I already deal with tinnitus. Not at all fun. I use earplugs when I am driving.....I know it may be stupid,.....but because if I end up in an accident, the airbags going off will be loud. I use earplugs at my sister's house because of the yapping dogs and loud birds. So I do whatever I can now to keep from hurting my hearing further.