Hearing protection question.

[aprayinbear]

I need some advice....

Generally I use standard muff type ear protection when shooting. Sometimes when shooting my .22 I use the small foam inserts. Occasionally, like when shooting full load .357 or .44 mag I use both. But here's my problem.

I like shooting my vintage milsurp rifles 3 position/ offhand and when I try to get a good cheek weld, my ear muff type protectors get in the way (really annoying)..... and the foam inserts are not powerful enough.

What do you guys do?:banghead:

 

[Speedo66]

Work around the muffs, you really need both.

 

[aprayinbear]

Come on guys....

One respose...

I know there must be a better response then get used to it. I did see a company called combat arms that makes some big claims about their ear plugs. Anyone have any success with them?

:banghead:

 

[Outlaw Man]

I use Ear Inc. custom fitted plugs, and generally don't use muffs on top when I'm shooting outdoors. That said, I don't have any rifles that are just punishingly loud.

There are a few low-profile muffs out there that will give you some extra protection if you're shooting something extremely loud.

 

[monotonous_iterancy]

I use 33 NPR disposable plugs, and I use muffs on top of those. I get the impression that the NPR of the muffs aren't as important, as they only add a few decibels onto your total hearing protection.

Still, wear both plugs and muffs. The muffs protect the bones around your ear, and the nerves. I use Howard Leight Impact pro.

Make sure you insert the plugs in as far as they'll go. It really does make a huge difference.

Here's a video explanation..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPNPZJingZA

 

[hatwerinrednek]

dont recall the brand but my muffs are low profile and have a cut out on the lower half of the ear piece . and i wear plugs as well

 

[OpticsPlanet]

The Peltor 6S is a pretty low profile muff. I use that and the Surefire EP3 plugs sometimes. I have not shot a rifle where I was not able to use the Peltor 6S muffs.

Chase B.

 

[FuzzyBunny]

Had to go to an ear specialist years ago. We had also seen each other at the range but never met.

He said I know you are a shooter like me. I know you wear muffs but do you wear plugs too? I told him yes. He said good, the plugs will reduce the noise in the canal and the muffs will reduce/buffer bone conduction noise also. Then he wrote me a script for an ear infection and charged me almost $200.

Thats more than my plumber charges and he makes $75 an hour!

BTW I do wear both. Lost hearing is gradual and will never come back once lost or reduced. I got my foam ones in a 500 pack plastic jar and 2 come in a sealed pack. I always carry extra in my kit and in my glovebox and hand them out just to be a nice guy. Especially to men who take the kiddos to the range with no ear protection.

 

[YZ]

Thats more than my plumber charges and he makes $75 an hour!

Because there is more to your ears than to your toilet bud.

Reusable Xmas tree-shaped plugs seal the best. They IMHO may be sufficient for briefly firing a 9mm handgun at arms length. Rifle? No. Too close to home, especially in a rifle caliber. Double up.

 

[hso]

What do you guys do?

Muffs and plugs are all that any well informed shooter does.

If you're a rifle shooter use foam NRR 33 plugs properly inserted with electronic muffs (Howard Leight Impact Sport) over them. If you don't shoot rifles you can use bulkier muffs.

You can't get the same protection without doubling up.

 

[Drail]

As mentioned above the Peltor 6 "Shotgunner" muffs are contoured to clear a stock. Use with properly inerted plugs and you should be protected.