Custom Made Hearing Protection

[Rockrivr1]

I was perusing though the Malboro gun show a few weeks back when I came across a vendor I've seen a few times making custom fit hearing protection. I was interested and since I hadn't bought anything as of that time (Small Wonder) I figured what the hell. I filled out the form, gave the guy my cash and sat in the chair as he mixed up some gunk.

Let me just say that having the gunk put into your ears threw a syringe is a very wierd experience. But I was very surpised when I went to the range on how well they work at keeping the noise out. I bought them to give it a try and am completely satisfied with the outcome. The custom plugs keep out more noise then when I would use the yellow cylinder sponge plugs with my ear muffs. When using the custom plugs and the ear muffs I couldn't hear a damn thing. Which is going to be GREAT when I get that Serbu BFG-50 in a few weeks.

Another great thing was that I could get a much better cheek weld on my rifle without having to worry about my ear muff getting in the way. I'm sure plenty of folks use these aready. But for anyone who doesn't yet, these things are great. I wish I'd gotten a pair sooner

 

[shermacman]

My son has had over a dozen ear operations starting the week he was born. Now full grown and healthly, thankfully, he has a set of custom molded ear plugs. After what we invested in his ear drums he wears them for noise protection. When we go shooting he uses them under regular ear muff protectors. They are comfortable and powerfully effective, they don't intrude on normal voice conversation either. But it never occurred to me to get a pair for myself until I read Rockrivr1's post. Makes sense to me!

 

[LoneStranger]

Been told that after you have them fitted you never have hairy, wax filled ears either.

 

[harpethriver]

My ear doctor did the same thing for me. I also wear them under Peltor 10s when I go to the range. They are extremely comfortable. I strongly recommend them to anyone who wants maximum protection.

 

[bogie]

I had a pair made at the Supershoot a few years ago.

Then I lost a bunch of weight. So they no longer fit.

That, and the person who made 'me told me that she was _sure_ that my ear canals met in the center - VERY long little plugs, and when I used 'em, I couldn't hear much of anything except for distant thuds...

 

[shermacman]

Bogie, that is really weird...the ear doctor said my ear canals went straight through my head, too! Something about being able to see daylight, almost as if there was nothing else in there

 

[NewShooter78]

Great hearing protection. Us musicians have been on to them for years. I think they are now actually affordable now. When I first heard about them years ago they were like $150 a pair. That, and you pretty much had to go to a ear doc to get them made.

 

[goalie]

The ones you wear as a musician (I have been drumming in bands for 20+ years now) actually have replaceable inserts that allow you to cut out a certain amount of noise while still hearing. The inserts cut out a certain amount of dB across the whole spectrum, so you can hear the highs and lows perfectly, just softly, unlike foam plugs or muffs that just leave the low end so you can hear the bass but no vocals or high guitar. They still are about 150 a pair, but they are worth it. I would guess that ones made just to block noise would be much cheaper, as they would not have to have the special insert or a channel for sound in them, they would just be custom molded plugs.

 

[V-fib]

Sheesh $150 for ear plugs? I’ve used Sonic II ear plugs from North Safety products for years. They allow you to hear normal sounds but block loud sounds like gunfire, power equipment etc. and they only cost about $10. I carry mine all the time. Just today after finishing some work outside I had an urge to do a little shooting at “the range†popped in the Sonic II’s blasted a few cans with the old .357mag then headed in for dinner. I even wear them when I hunt.

 

[mtnbkr]

and they only cost about $10

The custom fitted ones using the same valve as your Sonic II's cost upwards of $150. The generic fit ones are inexpensive. Same valve tech, but different "plugs".

Chris

 

[Rockrivr1]

The cost for the custom plugs was in my estimation, pretty cheap. It cost $45 and that included the shipping to my house after the guy did whatever he does once they are hard enough to take out of your ear. They came in a nice carrying case and were attached together with a long string so you can't lose them. Overall I think they were a pretty good value for what I got.

 

[RTFM]

My best friend (huh? you have friends RTFM... ) had some made for him while at Camp Perry this year during the national matches.
He loves his.
I'm starting to become interested in them my self.

RTFM

 

[Wakal]

I had a pair of the "inject into your ears" earplugs made...as everyone else said, they work great!

After I wore out the first pair, I sent the tattered remaints off to Ear Inc and had them make me a new set. Once they do that, you (or at least your ears) are on file with them...and you can order new sets in all sorts of colours at your convenience.

http://www.earinc.com/

My wife's set didn't turn out as well...when they put the goop in your ears, you have to sit still and not talk for ten minutes...






Alex