Quickly applying hearing protection?

Status
Not open for further replies.
Macchina

Macchina

Member
Joined
Nov 14, 2006
Messages
998
I'm starting to get serious about protecting my hearing. I haven't lost much at all from shop work and shooting, but my Dad is deaf and I don't want to end up like him. I'm thinking about using hearing protection for anything bigger than .22 rifles and low-brass shotguns (long barreled).

I have electronic ear muffs, but they don't work well when worn in the field. I can't detect directional sound well and they're hot in the summer. I would like an option I can apply in a couple seconds before I take a shot at a non-running animal (think squirrel hunting with a .357). Anyone have any ideas for something that is quicker than earplugs?
 
Has anyone used these: http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=001682320
168-2320.jpg
 
Put regular ear muffs on, then slide them straight up until they cover just the very top of your ears. They will stay in that position until you need them. You'll be able to hear everything, but when you need them it takes no time to slide them straight down to cover your ears. You can stalk like that, sit in a ground blind, do whatever you need to do…they will stay in position until you need them.

I've done this for years…it works like a champ.
 
I don't think convenience is a big enough factor, at least for me. My dad is almost deaf from years of machine work and shooting. I am not willing to risk it. Mine stay on 100% of the time when at the range. I use electronic versions and even double up with earplugs if the guy next to me is shooting a cannon.
 
I have to use three or four alarm clocks when I have to be someplace as I have many frequencies that I can not hear well from one ear and I am sure that it effects my hunting so I am wondering why the OP does not like the electronic amplifier type muffs as I am really leaning that way.
 
If possible I would use a suppressor.

If you can't do that my recommendation are the electronic ones as well. When out hunting I want to have to concentrate on as few things as possible once the game is getting into view.
A regular muff is just a half baked solution. If you have to be fast, if you can only move as little as possible so the game doesn't notice you, if the adrenaline gets you. There are too many situations where you won't put them on or at least not properly.

Yes the electronic muffs are annoyingly hot in the summer and it is sometimes difficult to hear what direction a sound comes from. Especially if it's windy. But if you have decent ones the sound quality and directional hearing really get better. I have a Peltor Sporttac. they are pricey but imho thats money well spent.

My Grandma is almost deaf, too. So I take that topic rather seriously. There is no regeneration after all. Once the damage is done, it's done.
 
Stand hunting is easy: I can put on my electronic muffs when I know what direction the sound is coming from.

Stalk hunting deer: I obviously can't expect to apply hearing protection before a running shot. I use relatively quiet rifles (.44 rifle) just for this reason.

I'm looking for a fast applying hearing protection to put on just before the shot mostly while small game hunting with handguns.
 
I agree, foam ear "plugs"....I have inherited poor hearing from my parents but blame senseless protection-LESS shooting when I was a young man for my current inability to hear conversation---which simply cannot be fully corrected despite technology. My advice? Wear plugs AND muffs---despite the inconvenience--you will thank yourself in years to come.


Karl
 
W.E.G. said:
Foamie ear plugs in your pocket.

Stick them in when it's time to shoot.

The tapered plugs go in easily using one hand.
You can lick them a bit for some motion lotion if it's still hard sticking them in.
Click to expand...
This is what I do too. I've noticed a decrease in my hearing with age and I have
decided to preserve all I can from here on out. I have a set of foam earplugs with
a cord I wear around my neck whenever I hunt now.
 
I'm thinking about using hearing protection for anything bigger than .22 rifles and low-brass shotguns (long barreled).
Click to expand...
You need to change that plan.

Low brass shotgun shells will damage your hearing over time just like anything else.

There are a lot of almost deaf old trap shooters around to prove it!

rc
 
I've been thinking you could put a couple of loops on the underside of the brim of your hunting hat. In the loops one could secure ones ear plugs (the kind that are coupled and connected with a string), ready for use. The right ear plug could be secured just inches from the right ear, and the left ear plug just inches from the left ear. Might try this out when hunting season comes.
 
The two fastest I can think of are the thin stiff plastic head band with foam or silicone plugs (looks almost like ear buds on headphones) that you could keep around your neck or head and slide into place for instant hearing protection, or the 'three stacked mushroom' looking silicone plugs with the cord (usualy blue cord yellow plugs) that also slide in quick for instant protection. No waiting for foam plugs to expand or fighting to get them in. Also I ALWAYS wear hearing protection, even with .22 unless its the primer only fired Aguilla super coulibri's. If you're serious about protectin your hearing I can't see 'excusing' .22 and low brass shotgun. Also look to other parts of your life, lawn mowers, chain saws etc.
 
When hunting I now use these

http://www.homedepot.com/p/3M-Tekk-Protection-Banded-Style-Hearing-Protector-90537-80025T/202560022

I can wear them around my neck if not needed. When sitting and anticipating a shot I place one end in my right ear and leave the other positioned just above my left ear. I can place the other end in my left ear fairly easily and quickly if I anticipate a shot. I'm talking deer or turkey hunting where I need to hear to hunt. If duck hunting, dove etc., I plug up as soon as I get set up to hunt.

Just to explain. 3 years ago because of a rare medical condition I lost 100% of the hearing in my right ear overnight. Went to bed with perfect hearing and woke up deaf. It was not caused from shooting or loud noise. Taking steroids restored about 10-15%. My left ear is normal. I can't hear enough out of my right ear to be helpful hunting so I go ahead and plug it. I never used to wear anything while hunting and I'm trying to preserve what I have left.

Only having hearing in one ear has made hunting much more challenging. I can no longer locate game by sound. Turkey hunting alone is next to impossible. I can hear them, but have no clue which direction. I've blown several shots in the last 3 years deer hunting for the same reason.
 
Quick apply protection...can't remember the company but a machinist at work wears some with a tiny ball valve in them. Open for no protection, closed for protection. Really quick. Really easy. 27nrr rating I believe.
 
Surefire makes a plug which sort of acts like electronic muffs, I have used them a lot deployed and at home. I like them. Pull the small pin out of the middle and you can still hear a lot with them in but don't get blasted when you fire. Or, push it in for more protection

Link to them, I think there are a few version of them though;
http://www.surefire.com/ep3-sonic-defenders.html

There are also combat ear plugs which allow you to use them for either pulse or steady noise;
http://www.amazon.com/3M-Peltor-Combat-Arms-Earplugs/dp/B000W2CPCC
I didn't find that they worked as well as the Surefire, were not good for pulse fir me, and were uncomfortable. However, others were good with them.

Lots of personal preference with these things.
 
Ohen Cepel said:
Surefire makes a plug which sort of acts like electronic muffs, I have used them a lot deployed and at home. I like them. Pull the small pin out of the middle and you can still hear a lot with them in but don't get blasted when you fire. Or, push it in for more protection

Link to them, I think there are a few version of them though;
http://www.surefire.com/ep3-sonic-defenders.html

There are also combat ear plugs which allow you to use them for either pulse or steady noise;
http://www.amazon.com/3M-Peltor-Combat-Arms-Earplugs/dp/B000W2CPCC
I didn't find that they worked as well as the Surefire, were not good for pulse fir me, and were uncomfortable. However, others were good with them.

Lots of personal preference with these things.
Click to expand...
Another vote for Surefire, they work very well and are quite comfortable.
 
Cept ifn yah already cant hear then yah have to pay the $150 each fer the Walkers with the noise compression circut.
 
If you think that you will remember to put on your hearing protection when that animal suddenly steps in front of you and looks right at you..........think again.
 
I have a pair of rubber ear plugs that I've attached a string to. They don't require the time to expand like the foam ones and they block out the noise just as well. I can very quickly slip them in and get a shot off if needed.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

mcb
  • Locked
Hearing protection when hunting?
2 3 4
Replies
79
Views
4K
Striker
Striker
G
  • Locked
Hunting and Hearing Protection
2
Replies
32
Views
2K
JohnKSa
JohnKSa
C
  • Locked
Hearing protection while hunting
2 3
Replies
66
Views
9K
langenc
L
J
  • Locked
In-Ear Hunting Hearing Protection
Replies
1
Views
517
Grumulkin
Grumulkin
Swifty Morgan
  • Locked
Peltors for Hunting?
Replies
10
Views
577
Skoghund
S
Back
Top