.Mil Earplugs and Hearing

[FuzzyBunny]

What plugs to the mil now use?
Are they the kind with a hole in the middle.

I'm looking for Ear Plugs that let you hear whats going on around you but still blunt the loud noises.

BTW: when I shoot I always wear cheap but good plugs AND amplified muffs. Looking for better plugs with a good DB raiting. I forgot the DB rating on my plugs. But looking for something better I can buy in bulk.

Being cheap I do save my used foam plugs and tye them in a sock and wash them in the clothes washerand dry them. I know they are clean so I always have something to hand out to little children and Adults that shough know better!

Just want some with a good NRR but lets you hear folks. In a home defense situation I grab my muffs as that gives me a much inproved hearing status than the intruder.

Believe me Tinitus (sp?) is not a laughing matter!

 

[JTHunter]

FB - you're right, tinnitus is no fun. I don't know about what plugs the military use, if any, so I can't help you there.

Imagine hearing a mosquito's "whine" 24/7, unless something else drowns it out.

Imagine a 10-15% hearing loss in the mid-range frequencies where most human speech occurs.

The causes can range from damage to disease, sinus trouble, dental problems, esp. "tooth grinding" while sleeping. External noises, not necessarily loud, but constant (computer fans!) can also contribute to tinnitus.

 

[hso]

Inexpensive foam plugs provide the highest level of protection.

You can get the Surefires and the Sonic Valve or Hocks Noise Breakers, but they're not going to approach NRR 30 foamies for protection (or price).

Foam plugs under electronic muffs are the best combination (bang for your buck).

BTW, you can only wash foam plugs a couple of times so don't be too cheap or you won't have the protection needed.

 

[FuzzyBunny]

No I'm not TOO cheap. I bought 200 pair for for less than $20.
I just was the ones I find in pockets and range bag and such. Most often worn once they are washed and given away. Here latley I have been down to giving out new ones. I always carry new spares in my kit as I never know how many are going shooting at any given time.

I have no idea why adults take youngsters out shooting with no protection even though they wear plugs of muffs.

 

[JShirley]

The military issues a variety of plugs. More info here.

John

 

[herrwalther]

I have been issued or offered about a dozen different types of ear plugs over the years. The two most common are the generic rolling foam earplugs in a cardboard case made by hundreds of companies. The other is made by Peltor that has two insert able ends: yellow and black. For different types of sound threat.

 

[JShirley]

Unfortunately, as I mentioned, the "combat" setting is only a 7db reduction...and they're uncomfortable.

 

[herrwalther]

Did not see you wrote that article John.

and they're uncomfortable.

Main reason why I don't wear them anymore. They are commonly refereed to as Bee earplugs for their yellow and black color. I have never used the "combat" 7db NRR side of those plugs for one main reason: every time I use them they are at the range, so black side always went in first. Makes it easier to see them at night rang qualification with the yellow on the outside though. The best issued pair of earplugs were blue and 4 flanged. Lost them somewhere in Kuwait at a stopover I think.

All in all the issued ones are bad if you don't like foam. I use Surefire EP3 or 4 whenever allowed.

 

[JShirley]

SureFire tells me that their db reduction "with ambient noise" is actually as good as their old advertising claimed WITH the stopper in- IOW, unless they've changed their verbiage, their plugs are better than the instructions claimed. I may still have the information they sent me.

John

 

[OpticsPlanet]

I'm with HSO - I use foam plugs and muffs together, as I am no longer young, invincible and stupid.

And I don't go to Kiss or Ted Nugent concerts anymore, either.

Mark H.

 

[thralldad]

Foamies for me. I have tinnitus and hearing loss after too many years with Uncle Sugar. I accidentally leave them in my pockets so they are clean after my wife washes my blue jeans. Really honey , i forgot they were in there.