avoiding hearing damage

[hso]

Since muffs and plugs cover a broader frequency range than either alone, remember that muffs over plugs provides the greatest hearing protection you can get without a suppressor. Understand that electronic muff don't cancel the noise, they simply cut out the mic/speaker of the muffs as they detect the high intensity impact noise. (Noise canceling muffs like Bose function differently and don't protect from impulse noise).

 

[JTQ]

Thank you for those videos.

Another option I've used for years is the audiologist made custom ear plugs.

http://hearing.wustl.edu/Hearing-Ed...ention-and-Ear-Protection/Custom-Fit-Earplugs

 

[ATLDave]

Thanks for posting this. It's a very important topic for shooters. Being an avid shooter is very strongly linked with particular patterns of hearing loss, and, once lost, it doesn't come back.

Too many people approach hearing protection by going with the least amount that lets them avoid perceiving sounds as uncomfortably loud - basically, add earpro until loud noises stop hurting. They try to figure out how little earpro they need. IMO, a better approach is to figure out how much earpro you can stand/accommodate .

 

[sgt127]

I’ve always worn top tier hearing protection. Most of my life I used David Clark earmuffs.

35 years of sirens, thunder flashes, blaring radios, occasional unexpected gun shots, looking for burglars in a warehouse with the alarm screaming and the drivers side window open to traffic, train horns etc pretty much negated all my efforts.

It is rather peaceful though.

 

[JTHunter]

When I go to a range, I double up with foamies and good muffs. Out hunting is another matter as I need to hear those "tree rats" and quail.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

Good post.

I get upset when I see some of the muffs being sold as "hearing protection" now. They may be alright if one has good plugs under them but I doubt all do that.

 

[Meeks36]

I've got a touch of tinitus in my left ear from popping squirrel's with a 410. It's not fun. So I always wear plugs and muffs when going to range. Plugs in left ear when squirrel hunting. Even if I'm using a 22. Just wish I could find plugs that are good enough for indoor ranges. It's hard to shoot rifles accurately w muffs.

 

[JTQ]

Doug Koenig using a helmet for long range.



I believe I've seen him comment it was for concussion more so than hearing protection, but still probably a good idea if you're shooting a lot.

 

[earlthegoat2]

I use the highest rated foamie ear plugs I can find. Usually about 30.

Is that good enough? I use them for shooting, mowing the lawn, etc. I once used the plugs and some muffs and didn’t notice a difference. That was with a .444 Marlin.

 

[ATLDave]

When I go to a range, I double up with foamies and good muffs. Out hunting is another matter as I need to hear those "tree rats" and quail.

Get some electronic muffs. Turn up the volume. Even with plugs under them, they can actually increase sound detection... right up until you start shooting and the electronics kill the amplification.

A few times I have put on my electronic muffs and turned up the sensitivity to help locate a mysterious sound source in the house.

 

[JTQ]

A few times I have put on my electronic muffs and turned up the sensitivity to help locate a mysterious sound source in the house.

Did it turn out to be a heart beating under the floor boards, or maybe a raven tapping at your window?

 

[ATLDave]

Nevermore.

 

[FredWyn]

Rifle shooting? Ear plus and muffs, end of story.

 

[JTHunter]

Get some electronic muffs. Turn up the volume. Even with plugs under them, they can actually increase sound detection... right up until you start shooting and the electronics kill the amplification.
A few times I have put on my electronic muffs and turned up the sensitivity to help locate a mysterious sound source in the house.

Too much $$ dinero $$. I took SS at 62 (a 25% reduction) and Medicare takes a chunk out of that. I have checked out both muffs and some of those "inserts" that look more like hearing aid. I considered the Walker's Game Ear many years ago but I'm too cheap to get them. I also don't get to hunt as much as I used to 15 years ago.

 

[spar10]

This is a great topic, especially for the younger shooters in the group. I've been shooting enough years to have learned I should have taken this a whole lot more serious when I was younger than I did. Once the ears start ringing, that never goes away.

Good quality hearing protection is a must.

 

[mdThanatos]

I have used the Peltor silicon plugs from walmart. Come in a three pack for around $6. Almost all of my shooting is done outdoors and they work well for pistol, rifle, and shotgun. They stay in my ear better than the foam plugs do, those always manage to work their way out.