hearing protection. HEARING PROTECTION, I said!

[gregp74]

I have an awful time with my ear protection.

A nurse told me a few years back I have small ear canals. That makes most of the squishy foam plugs a pain to get in and keep there.

I got some Howard Leight(?) muffs a couple years ago that are great for shooting the handguns, but when I'm using my rifles (especially on a bench rest) they seem to hit the stock.

If anyone has had these struggles before I'd love to hear some advice. I don't mind spending a few bucks for something if it's going to do the job and be comfy.

 

[Laphroaig]

I was going to recommend some Peltor shotgunner muffs, but I see they are now discontinued:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/404431/peltor-shotgunner-folding-earmuffs-nrr-21db-black

I think that others make a similar product, where the bottom of the muff is recessed to minimize interference with the stock.

 

[MillennialGunslinger]

For what it's worth, you might find some value in the introduction section of this link (not necessarily the DIY). I show the thicknesses of different pads, and in general I consider the Peltor earmuffs as one of the best reasonably priced compact earmuffs. Since they are foldable they can't be too big/wide. I've never had them bother me against a rifle stock.

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

I like Radians custom plugs.

I pair them with Howard Lieght's muffs indoors but they are enough for 223 rifles from a 16" barrel outdoors.

 

[rabid wombat]

I use Pro Ears - candidly the best I found, but expensive. Many recommend "doubling up", plugs with muffs. If foam does not work, you will have to play with various "reusable" plugs to find some that work. Otherwise, custom. Additonally, the best muff will be a challenge with a rifle, as your spot weld may prevent some muffs from sealing.

If nothing, spend a LOT and get a suppressor....use it with plugs, muffs, and etc....



http://proears.com/

 

[gregp74]

I like Radians custom plugs.

I pair them with Howard Lieght's muffs indoors but they are enough for 223 rifles from a 16" barrel outdoors.

I ordered up a set of the Decibulls(sp?) custom ones that should be here tomorrow going to give those a try. Will also try the Radians if those ones don't work out.

 

[gregp74]

I use Pro Ears - candidly the best I found, but expensive. Many recommend "doubling up", plugs with muffs. If foam does not work, you will have to play with various "reusable" plugs to find some that work. Otherwise, custom. Additonally, the best muff will be a challenge with a rifle, as your spot weld may prevent some muffs from sealing.

If nothing, spend a LOT and get a suppressor....use it with plugs, muffs, and etc....



http://proears.com/

My life would be so much easier if the state of Illinois would allow us to have suppressors. Keeping my fingers crossed for them to come off the NFA.

 

[rabid wombat]

I ordered up a set of the Decibulls(sp?) custom ones that should be here tomorrow going to give those a try. Will also try the Radians if those ones don't work out.

Make sure that you install them properly. The foam one need to be rolled into a tight roll and inserted into the ear while the ear is pulled to the rear (yeah...really). Make sure you put the new plugs in according to the manufacturer's instructions....

 

[MillennialGunslinger]

I ordered up a set of the Decibulls(sp?) custom ones that should be here tomorrow going to give those a try.

After trying them this week, I put the Decibullz in the mail yesterday to return them. I hated the things. The plastic is rock hard (as opposed to pliable rubber or foam), so if you intend to have any pressure on your ear (earmuffs, helmet...) neither will it seal nor will it be comfortable. In my case it was directly painful. One recommendation though, have someone else form them in your ear. The tip to use a mirror is impractical given the time limit. Especially if you want them reasonably symmetrical.

The foam one need to be rolled into a tight roll and inserted into the ear while the ear is pulled to the rear (yeah...really).

Like any decent earplug. That's the trick to the perfect seal. I may not always do it, but I regret it when I don't.

 

[Cokeman]

I like these

http://www.surefire.com/ep7-sonic-defenders-ultra.html

 

[hms365]

You should be able to use a plug designed for smaller ear canals. They are sometimes described as low expansion foam. I think the Howard Leight Laser Lytes are smaller, and I know the 3M yellow foam comes in a small size. I only know of the smaller ones through work, so you may have to find a smaller one through a manufacturer (3M, Howard Leight, etc) and then figure out a dealer for them.

Also proper inserting technique is even more important with small ear canals. During fit testing, we were finding approximately 20% of people were not getting a good fit on the first try.

 

[gregp74]

You should be able to use a plug designed for smaller ear canals. They are sometimes described as low expansion foam. I think the Howard Leight Laser Lytes are smaller, and I know the 3M yellow foam comes in a small size. I only know of the smaller ones through work, so you may have to find a smaller one through a manufacturer (3M, Howard Leight, etc) and then figure out a dealer for them.

Also proper inserting technique is even more important with small ear canals. During fit testing, we were finding approximately 20% of people were not getting a good fit on the first try.

THanks!

 

[hso]

You can order foam plugs for small ear canals if you don't want to have custom plugs moulded for you. https://www.fullsource.com/howard-l...8b9ATjYpectbS4uQ6l5ARAbaEtjz1FzRoCCh8QAvD_BwE

http://www.howardleight.com/earplugs/max-small

 

[jhansman]

I like these

http://www.surefire.com/ep7-sonic-defenders-ultra.html

View attachment 759003

These doubled with electronic muffs work for me. I find I can still shoot my .223 rifle with the muffs on, no problem. Some are more "low profile" than others, so you will have to shop around. Just remember that hearing damage is permanent, so spend whatever you must to protect your drums.

 

[jmorris]

An older thread but the most effective plugs I have my ENT molded in my ears.

They are the ones below the EAR assortment box and on the left.

That assortment box was given to me and I think every manufacturer should sell one. We all know every ear is different from any other and it lets you try out many styles side by side. If it were not given to me I would have never found my favorite disposable plugs. The push-ins didn't "look" like an effective plug or like they would be comfortable but after I tried them, I bought a case of them and am never far away from a pair.

 

[MillennialGunslinger]

http://www.earplugstore.com/unfoamtrialp.html