Hearing protection

[Boostinmarc4]

I have failed multiple times to find good in ear hearing protection. I don't need electronic plugs but am not opposed to them either. That said I am looking for something that is comfortable, lowers sound levels considerably, and does not have any connection from ear to ear. Someone has to have a good option out there that I've been overlooking/not seen.

Thanks

 

[Maelstrom]

Find a local audiologist and have custom molded plus made.

 

[Carlos Danger]

What?

 

[loveha]

EP10 Sonic Defenders Ultra Max | Full-Block Foam-Tipped Earplugs | SureFire

EP10 Sonic Defenders® Ultra Max earplugs answer the call, providing the highest level of hearing protection made by SureFire — an extraordinary Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 30 dB.

www.surefire.com

NRR 30. I cut the cord off mine.
I know there are NRR 31 and 32 out there, but I like how these fit and stay in place.

 

[NB4Z]

When I use the Impact Pros and foam plugs I have no issues hearing normal voice conversations. The ability to turn up the gain on the muffs makes it easy and the audio input stays in a reasonable range also. I use mine for the FRS radio audio when on my outdoor range for comms while instructing. Just be sure as I said before, make SURE you are putting the foam plugs in correctly. About 80% of folks I instruct don't do it right until shown. There is a wrong way and that's the most common way people do it.

You can go to this link to see how with different types of foam plugs. I prefer the Howard Leight Max or the Max Lite depending on ear canal size. I keep tubs of each around.

 

[021411]

EP10 Sonic Defenders Ultra Max | Full-Block Foam-Tipped Earplugs | SureFire

EP10 Sonic Defenders® Ultra Max earplugs answer the call, providing the highest level of hearing protection made by SureFire — an extraordinary Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 30 dB.

www.surefire.com

NRR 30. I cut the cord off mine.
I know there are NRR 31 and 32 out there, but I like how these fit and stay in place.

I have the EP7 and the EP10's. I wear the 7's more often because it allows ambient noise in. Both are super comfy and I can wear them all day. I have no issues with either indoors or out.

 

[MOwens79]

Go to an audiologist ( someone who sells hearing aids). They can make you custom molded ear plugs that are comfortable enough to wear all day. My dad is practically deaf without hearing aids and in talking with his hearing doctor is how I recieved mine. They are the same thing you see rockstars wear when they are on stage performing. Mine cost $60 and I have had them for 5 years. I have a new set being made as your ear structure changes over time but my old set still function perfectly I just like have a backup. I don't like shooting with muffs because they can get in the way when you're shooting in awkward positions although one should probably use both muffs and earplugs. I use both when benchrest shooting to help prevent flinch when shooting next to someone as my bench guns have 2 oz or less triggers. Out in the field muffs tend to get in the way for me and never quite seal perfectly for every shot.

 

[avalanche]

3M Peltor Tep-100 or 200's are awesome. If on a small budget, try the AXIL Essentials, Walker Razor XV's. I have all three and I rate the TEP's the best over all, however not super comfortable. I'm planning on getting an audiologist to make custom molds to suit!

 

[earthquake]

Etymotic GSP or the Elite (rechargable) is what I like and have worn going on 4 years now.
Multiple interchangable tips, multiple volume settings and blast protection. No cord but for a removable lanyard. NRR is 25+ iirc, depending on what tip you insert.

 

[Novak77]

I have the EP7 and the EP10's. I wear the 7's more often because it allows ambient noise in. Both are super comfy and I can wear them all day. I have no issues with either indoors or out.

^^^ this ^^^

Whenever I hunt I roll with the 7's.

 

[Boostinmarc4]

I really like the idea of going to an audiologist as fit would be perfect. So I will schedule an appointment for that ASAP and in the meantime order a set of surefire ep7 or 10's. Thanks to all.

 

[021411]

Another thing I see all the time is the misapplication of in-ear foam plugs. Remember folks, the foam has to be rolled small and fit INSIDE the ear canal and allowed to expand.

 

[D_TROS]

Hear protection...the less you use it the less you need it!!


That being said, the ESP hearing protection are the best. Pricey but worth it. If I had to go back in time and start over shooting, this would be my first purchase. They are so comfy and normal sounding, I forget they are in all the time.

For uber budget guy, I always have a pair of the Surefire plugs. They are great also.

GL
DT

 

[earthtrekker1775]

I really like the 3M ear plugs that I was issued in the Corps, I don't even use them anymore and I still can't hear my kids or my wife, or most conversation for that matter. Worth every penny I paid for them.

 

[antithesis]

Decibullz Percussion custom plugs. I have had the regulars for a while and been happy with them. Just got the Percussions a week ago. Definitely the way to go for non-electronic in the ear protection.

 

[acudaowner]

may just be me but these are the best investment / purchase i have made in a few years. the walker xcel 100's for around 80.00 . I can hear a pleasant conversation without yelling while others shoot and still hear the 600 yard ding when its hit or the difference between the ding of the plate or the metal holding it they are an ear muff style but no where as bulky as my older 3m ear muffs not as cheap as the foam plugs but work all the same. I have had no problems with the muff while using a cheek rest .

 

[Pinecone]

Highest noise reduction is the lowly foam plug.

Howard Leight Max is rated at 33dB NRR.

Custom plugs work the day you fit them, but then, as your hydration level changes, the fit changes, and thus the NRR.

The foam plugs adjust to changes in your ear canal.

Doubling up, plugs and muffs, gives you the best protection, but only 5 dB more than the highest of the two. So a 33 NRR plug, with any muff is 38 dB NRR. A 30 NNR plug and a 30 NRR muff is still only 35.

Outdoors, I use electronic muffs or plugs. The electronic muffs are much better if you have to communicate.

Indoor ranges, I double up with plugs and muffs.

 

[Huskydriver]

Take your pick...