conduction from butt stocks through bones to the nerves
Gentlemen,
Regarding the fact that we experience hearing damage "due to conduction from butt stocks through bones to the nerves", I would like to add a bit more information... The stiffer the stock the more it works like a tuning fork and damages to the cilia in your inner ear...
The absolute WORST stocks for this problem are McMillan Fiberglass Units WITH the addition of Kevlar as a stiffener while maintaining light weight. I found this by using several of the McMillan/Remington Custom Shop KS Stocks. The KS standing for Kevlar Synthetic.
Wooden stocks deaden the transmission of vibrations. As does heavier fill from McMillan. Laminated wood is likely your best choice but not ideal for all weapons. The simplest and best solution is an Eagle stock pack. It insulates your jaw bone and protects your hearing.
Like an idiot I would note that often I would have a tinnitus spike while dry firing my rifle on the bench. It didn't click fully until my irritating tinnitus became life changing tinnitus. I've been through TRT, many sets of attenuators, and I am experiencing tinnitus now that is louder than ever before... The only option is find another ENT, mine retired for a career in Country Music of all things, and get going on the Jasterbroff TRT regimen once again.
I was advised by my first tinnitus clinic, the one that is under new management, to sue both McMillan and Remington. I had carried my 40XB-KS into the office, and yes I got some weird looks from fellow patients, and the audiologist did fairly detailed testing on the stock. I refused to sue as it is not my cup of tea, however, I was PISSED to learn Kelly McMillan was fully aware of the problem. Furthermore he will include a piece of .25" foam for anyone who asks for it...
At any rate be careful with super stiff kevlar infused synthetic stocks as they can really damage your hearing and worse lead to chronic tinnitus. I've had it bad for the last 13 years and it prevents sleep, concentration, etc. without drug therapy. It was bad enough that I would go 2-3 days without falling asleep and then get a few hours out of sheer exhaustion. Only through pharmacology do I ever get a decent nights sleep...
I run Surefire Ear Plugs with Sordin Supreme electronic muffs. Peltor 6s are junk as are Pro Ears...imho
My .338 Cans, of which I have two, are AAC Ti TiTan QDs. The best 20 ounces you've ever added to a lapmag. imho...
My favorite can is a Gemtech .17 HMR unit on an Anschutz 1717. Really makes that chambering a sweet heart...
Regards, Matt Garrett