In-Ear Hunting Hearing Protection

[Jason Kirwin]

Dear THR Members:

I learned too late that my hearing in my left ear is severely damaged. You know the rest of the story in that regard. The only shooting I do now without hearing protection is hunting. I am not too worried about big game as I don't shoot many times, its the pheasant hunting. I shoot hundreds of shells per season (baby magnums no less) and I need to do something to protect what I have left.

Here is my question:

Has anyone tried out the in-ear electronic hearing aids that are available and are willing to provide me with recommendations for or against?

I believe there are three kinds: EAR, ESP, and SportEar. All are expensive, but I am going to spend the money on something. My other alternative is to see the doc and get a hearing aid which apparently has the same sound deadening abilities as the above models.

I am not interested in the muffs so please no recommendations for them.

Thanks
Jason Kirwin
Minnesota

 

[Grumulkin]

I use the E.A.R., Inc. electronic hearing protectors that were moulded to my ear. Even at around $1,500 when I bought them, I think they're well worth the money; after all, my hearing needs to last awhile. They make shooting a braked 460 S&W Magnum handgun comfortable. In a way they also act as hearing aids but with some sound distortion. There is a more expensive model that is meant to act as a hearing aid as well which would be worth it if I needed a hearing aid.

I've also used electronic ear muffs. They also make shooting comfortable but the set point where the noise is reduced is set too high; I know because after using them my ears ring. This doesn't happen with my E.A.R., Inc. hearing protectors. I have no experience with ESP or SportEar models so don't know how they're set.