I don't think anyone will disagree that hearing protection is needed when shooting. Muffs work well for pistol but, for many, interfere with gun mount when using a shotgun. For those people, ear plugs are used. The question is: are there muffs that work better than others for shotgun? And, which ear plugs seem to fit and work the best? Disposable foam plugs? Or are some of the ones with a valve inside to allow you to hear normal speech better? So far I have not found anything that I would heartily recommend.
Hearing protection
- Thread starter Oldnamvet
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If this is something that bugs you and you really care about, I would suggest going to your audiologist and getting it done right.
My local audiologist was able to get me "musician's" earplugs that are custom molded for my ears for a little over $100.
I am an audio engineer and sound integrator and needed something to protect my ears while still being able to hear clearly throughout the whole frequency range, so these were an easy choice for me. I don't know if I would buy them personally for shooting, but they are worth it overall in my opinion. Even a contemporary church service or small concerts are often way too loud for comfort.
The best thing about these is you can get different levels of attenuation. I use -15db for general concert mixing or when things are just too loud, because they are remarkably flat in response. For shooting or a ridiculously loud show, etc. you can pop in the -25db filters and still be comfortable without losing all the high end like foams or muffs.
My local audiologist was able to get me "musician's" earplugs that are custom molded for my ears for a little over $100.
I am an audio engineer and sound integrator and needed something to protect my ears while still being able to hear clearly throughout the whole frequency range, so these were an easy choice for me. I don't know if I would buy them personally for shooting, but they are worth it overall in my opinion. Even a contemporary church service or small concerts are often way too loud for comfort.
The best thing about these is you can get different levels of attenuation. I use -15db for general concert mixing or when things are just too loud, because they are remarkably flat in response. For shooting or a ridiculously loud show, etc. you can pop in the -25db filters and still be comfortable without losing all the high end like foams or muffs.
Dave McCracken
Moderator In Memoriam
I use custom made plugs. Most big shoots have someone selling these. One sits while the vendor pours goop in an ear and they we wait until it hardens. Repeat for the other side. Price is about $40, and one gets about 29 Db attentuation.
The little disposable plugs are almost as good, since they seal the ear channel. Someplace around 25 Db.
I would like even more attenuation. My hearing is quite bad, and I note the Geezer Squad can be heard clearly a good way off.
The little disposable plugs are almost as good, since they seal the ear channel. Someplace around 25 Db.
I would like even more attenuation. My hearing is quite bad, and I note the Geezer Squad can be heard clearly a good way off.
chas08
Member
!!! Huh !!!
Darthbauer
Member
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- 677
People dont think that they are good enough but that comes from people that dont use them but surefires EP3's work great for everything ive ever shot. Handguns to .50BMG's
I've personally never had any problems using ear muffs when shooting a shotgun but the disposable plugs are easier to carry and use. Often I wear both plugs and muffs.
I like the Howard Leight max ear plugs the best, not only because they're very good disposables but they are one of the types I can get for free at work. They have a 33 db NRR if inserted properly and are the most comfortable for my ears.
I like the Howard Leight max ear plugs the best, not only because they're very good disposables but they are one of the types I can get for free at work. They have a 33 db NRR if inserted properly and are the most comfortable for my ears.
mswestfall
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- Mar 9, 2006
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- 437
I have one common complaint about ear muffs and cheap shooting glasses. I don’t like either in the hot North Carolina Summer. Ear muffs get hot and cheap shooting glasses tend to fog up.
I have an expensive set of shooting glasses and a cheap set of ear plugs. It’s a personal preference.
I have an expensive set of shooting glasses and a cheap set of ear plugs. It’s a personal preference.
I wear foam ear plugs AND ear muffs when shooting or close to someone else who is shooting.
Yes, some ear muffs are better than others for shotgun shooting. I like the slim ones by AOSafety called "Shotgunner". When used with foam plugs they work very well.
Yes, some ear muffs are better than others for shotgun shooting. I like the slim ones by AOSafety called "Shotgunner". When used with foam plugs they work very well.
Packman
Member
I really like the re-usable plugs from AO Safety. They have a plastic cord connecting them, and they're bright yellow. they work rather well. For indoor shooting, I use those and generic muffs over top.
Also, I don't know how many people know about this, but if you pull the top of your ear up while inserting the plugs, you can get a much better seal. (use a q-tip...)
Also, I don't know how many people know about this, but if you pull the top of your ear up while inserting the plugs, you can get a much better seal. (use a q-tip...)
dagger dog
Member
you can try the Peltor 6's they are offered in behind the head type and the cups are cut thinner at the bottoms to clear the stock the only draw back the NRR is 19!
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