In ear/ear bud hearing protection reccomendations and an ear pro question

[Rodney65]

I would like some in-ear/ear bud electronic (sound amplifying) hearing protection to use instead of my muffs when not shooting a lot of rounds or in enclosed areas.

My only real criteria are that they be tethered together and have hooks over the ears as I find I often knock ear buds out of my ears. Battery life and durability is also important.


Also regarding hearing protection I understand muffs reduce vibrations that carry sound to your ear and that plugs alone aren't as good.

That said on a scale of 1 to 10, with zero being no hearing protection, one being cigarette butts or 9mm cases, and ten being foam plugs jammed right into your ear canals combined with gel cup muffs how good are ear bud type plugs alone?

 

[ut755ln]

I would like some in-ear/ear bud electronic (sound amplifying) hearing protection to use instead of my muffs when not shooting a lot of rounds or in enclosed areas.

My only real criteria are that they be tethered together and have hooks over the ears as I find I often knock ear buds out of my ears. Battery life and durability is also important.


Also regarding hearing protection I understand muffs reduce vibrations that carry sound to your ear and that plugs alone aren't as good.

That said on a scale of 1 to 10, with zero being no hearing protection, one being cigarette butts or 9mm cases, and ten being foam plugs jammed right into your ear canals combined with gel cup muffs how good are ear bud type plugs alone?

There are a bunch of threads on the forum about this but as someone who has tried them, I will take a stab at this. I absolutely know people who have managed to make various 2 to 4 hundred dollar options work (like Otto). I am not one of them and I have had horrible luck. For the in ear options to work they need to have a really good fit to your ear canal. The only thing that has worked for me is the custom molded ear pro and it is expensive and even then over long periods of time I found them lacking.

It is not what you are asking but I would recommend investing in something like Comtac Vs with gel cups.

 

[264win]

I’m going to slightly side track as well, apologies in advance.
This question is a bit like asking what boots to buy or car to purchase. There are a lot of variables and it depends a lot on the user and purpose.
I settled on the 3m tep 200s about 5 yrs ago and have been very happy with them. Choosing the correct ear ( canal ) tip is important. For me they are 95% as effective as good as foamies, or muffs if the muffs have a perfect seal. That is key imo. There are so many things that interfere with the muffs seal that they just aren’t practical for me.
Any kind of glasses, hat, hair and muffs are compromised.

 

[_Windrider_]

Go to a hearing aid center and have molds made

 

[Rodney65]

There are a bunch of threads on the forum about this but as someone who has tried them, I will take a stab at this. I absolutely know people who have managed to make various 2 to 4 hundred dollar options work (like Otto). I am not one of them and I have had horrible luck. For the in ear options to work they need to have a really good fit to your ear canal. The only thing that has worked for me is the custom molded ear pro and it is expensive and even then over long periods of time I found them lacking.

It is not what you are asking but I would recommend investing in something like Comtac Vs with gel cups.

I appreciate the reply. Sorry I did try to search for threads on the topic and didn't find much. I had seen some people at the range with them that seemed to like them.

These were going to be for hunting and shooting .22 where I don't need the highest level of hearing protection but if it's just going to an expensive exercise in frustration I might just pass and stick with muffs.

 

[tactic-als]

Doesn't have over the ear hooks...not sure if something is available for them, but also a Peltor TEP-200 user and very satisfied.

 

[jpp3g]

Putting in another vote for custom molded plugs, like Soundgear. They're pricey but they're great for outdoor pistols and moderate rifle. If I were to be taking a full day class with a braked rifle, I'd go OpsCore AMPs with the NFMI plugs. There's nothing better than that combination for protection while maintaining hearing, but they're also pricey and less comfortable than the Soundgears.

 

[_Windrider_]

There’s also decibulls which you boil, and then you put them in your ear in a mold to your ear inexpensive, but solution that does work

 

[RedTimber]

There’s also decibulls which you boil, and then you put them in your ear in a mold to your ear inexpensive, but solution that does work

Upvote for this way. Combine with triple flange tips from axil and use the percussion cap that decibulz sells.

 

[impactaddict]

Go to a hearing aid center and have molds made

If you have decent health insurance, you can usually get high end ear protection mostly covered. I think I paid for two office visits and about $200 for SoundGear.. They don't have the exact model I have, but they were similar in price. It might be time for an upgrade.

 

[Budrichard]

The people I know that do this for a living , all double up.
Those that don't are deaf or will be in the future.
All and I mean ALL the competitive shooters in my Club wear hearing aids.
Vibrations are conducted to the mastoid bone and into the inner ear. Artillery soldiers take lots of Motrin according to an Army doc that is an OTL that treated me.
I use foamies and passive Sordins.
My electronic Sordins are used for Auto races.
-Richard

 

[Rodney65]

The people I know that do this for a living , all double up.
Those that don't are deaf or will be in the future.
All and I mean ALL the competitive shooters in my Club wear hearing aids.
Vibrations are conducted to the mastoid bone and into the inner ear. Artillery soldiers take lots of Motrin according to an Army doc that is an OTL that treated me.
I use foamies and passive Sordins.
My electronic Sordins are used for Auto races.
-Richard

At the range, at matches, or plinking with centerfire I always double up. Hunting where I may only fire a shot or three and shooting .22/gopher hunting I usually just wear one or the other and wanted something less bulky.

 

[Darryle]

The people I know that do this for a living , all double up.
Those that don't are deaf or will be in the future.
All and I mean ALL the competitive shooters in my Club wear hearing aids.
Vibrations are conducted to the mastoid bone and into the inner ear. Artillery soldiers take lots of Motrin according to an Army doc that is an OTL that treated me.
I use foamies and passive Sordins.
My electronic Sordins are used for Auto races.
-Richard

 

[Bluedog82]

These isotunes are quite nice. No over-ear, but they come with a bunch of changeable tips for the best fit. Bluetooth capable too.

 

[Kayakfish1]

FWIW I have a pair of the cheaper axil ear bud/plugs I got on Black Friday a couple years ago for like $80…..I use them mowing and such and sometimes while I’m hunting.
If I’m gonna be doing a lot of shooting I double up but just for hunting or lightweight target shooting (especially when I’m shooting suppressed) the axils work perfectly fine.

 

[ut755ln]

Putting in another vote for custom molded plugs, like Soundgear. They're pricey but they're great for outdoor pistols and moderate rifle. If I were to be taking a full day class with a braked rifle, I'd go OpsCore AMPs with the NFMI plugs. There's nothing better than that combination for protection while maintaining hearing, but they're also pricey and less comfortable than the Soundgears.

I was not aware of the NFMI plugs, that system looks great.

 

[Smokin7s]

While we’re gathered here on the over ear electronics does anybody have a non biased recommendation on some that don’t sound like a hurricane in my ear everytime there’s a gentle breeze

 

[stevieb92]

I have the Walker Silencer Ear Bud 2.0 bluetooth and really like them. I added tiny, dead cat fuzzy things over the mic hole I found on Amazon that reduce the wind noise.

 

[Whistlepigs]

Anyone here got opinions on ESP stealth or apex? I have hearing damage in one ear and them being able to tune for that seems like a go to.

 

[jpp3g]

While we’re gathered here on the over ear electronics does anybody have a non biased recommendation on some that don’t sound like a hurricane in my ear everytime there’s a gentle breeze

I don't recall having issues with the howard leight sports, msa sordins, or ops core amps, but I usually shoot in pistol or rifle bays and there's not that much wind.

 

[Rodney65]

I don't recall having issues with the howard leight sports, msa sordins, or ops core amps, but I usually shoot in pistol or rifle bays and there's not that much wind.

I also really like the Howard Leight Sports, especially with gel cups. They are relatively inexpensive but I find the sound amplification very natural.

 

[Smokenaces]

I've used several styles over the years and finally broke down and bought some higher end, custom molded units. Something to consider if going this route, battery operated vs rechargeable, Bluetooth or not. For me, the battery was the only way to go. Yes rechargeable are more convenient but I prefer having the ability to change the battery in the field. I chose not to include Bluetooth option as it drains the battery and additional cost was not worth it. Also, as my hearing changes I can have the units reprogrammed.

https://tacticalhearing.com/collections/all

 

[DeathBeforeDismount]

Anyone here got opinions on ESP stealth or apex? I have hearing damage in one ear and them being able to tune for that seems like a go to.

I do. Have ran them for a few years. Best product on the market hands down.

ESP Apex - Premium Digital Hearing Protection For Shooting

The ESP Apex possesses the highest quality digital sound and speaker quality available. These high-quality ear plugs are designed by professionals. Order now!

www.espamerica.com

 

[Taylorbok]

I have the soundgear in ear and have been very happy with them.
FWIW I had to take the connecting strap off. I found it caused more problems than it solved, the only time they'd ever get dislodged was when that strap caught on something like even on my clothes.

Never had one come out or loose since I took the strap off

 

[tenringx]

Just got these in this week. I love the idea of buds but hate the foamie tips that never seal great. Found these molded tips that will accept whatever model of ear bud you have.

So a while back I got some Peltor buds off of here, and went to my Sam’s club and had some molds made for $80 bucks and sent them in. 2-3 weeks later they showed up. Just wearing at the house they feel great and comfortable but have yet to wear at a match.

Eartune Fidelity

Proudly made in the USA. ADV. Eartune Fidelity custom-fit silicone ear tips are expertly crafted using the state-of-the-art 3D printing technology to provide ultimate noise-isolation and maximum comfort for universal in-ear monitors.

www.adv-sound.com

 

[TahoeDust]

Just got these in this week. I love the idea of buds but hate the foamie tips that never seal great. Found these molded tips that will accept whatever model of ear bud you have.

So a while back I got some Peltor buds off of here, and went to my Sam’s club and had some molds made for $80 bucks and sent them in. 2-3 weeks later they showed up. Just wearing at the house they feel great and comfortable but have yet to wear at a match.

Eartune Fidelity

Proudly made in the USA. ADV. Eartune Fidelity custom-fit silicone ear tips are expertly crafted using the state-of-the-art 3D printing technology to provide ultimate noise-isolation and maximum comfort for universal in-ear monitors.

www.adv-sound.com

View attachment 8644771View attachment 8644772View attachment 8644773View attachment 8644774

Interesting. I didn't know this was a thing. Sam's club does ear molds?!?!

 

[tenringx]

Yup- Call the optical/hearing lab there to schedule.

Also ADV sent the molds back with my plugs so if I ever went with another brand or want another pair I don’t have to have them made again.

 

[lead ƒarmer]

Just got these in this week. I love the idea of buds but hate the foamie tips that never seal great. Found these molded tips that will accept whatever model of ear bud you have.

So a while back I got some Peltor buds off of here, and went to my Sam’s club and had some molds made for $80 bucks and sent them in. 2-3 weeks later they showed up. Just wearing at the house they feel great and comfortable but have yet to wear at a match.

Eartune Fidelity

Proudly made in the USA. ADV. Eartune Fidelity custom-fit silicone ear tips are expertly crafted using the state-of-the-art 3D printing technology to provide ultimate noise-isolation and maximum comfort for universal in-ear monitors.

www.adv-sound.com

View attachment 8644771View attachment 8644772View attachment 8644773View attachment 8644774

That's an interesting option I haven't seen yet. I assume you have to take them apart to charge?

 

[ShowMeMile2024]

I use the OTTO NoizeBarrier Micro high-definition, rechargeable electronic earplugs. The battery life is outstanding, and the charging case lasts incredibly long—I’ve been using them for nearly a year, and the case battery has only recently dropped to 40%. I’ve worn them for over eight hours in a day, and they’ve never died on me.

OTTO Engineering NoizeBarrier Micro V4-11029 NRR: 28 dB, Quantity: 1, Size: Micro, Color: Black, w/ Free S&H

Shop OTTO Engineering NoizeBarrier Micro | 4.2 Star Rating on 55 Reviews for OTTO Engineering NoizeBarrier Micro Best Rated + Free Shipping over $49.

shop.opticsplanet.com

 

[Maurygold]

I use the OTTO NoizeBarrier Micro high-definition, rechargeable electronic earplugs. The battery life is outstanding, and the charging case lasts incredibly long—I’ve been using them for nearly a year, and the case battery has only recently dropped to 40%. I’ve worn them for over eight hours in a day, and they’ve never died on me.

OTTO Engineering NoizeBarrier Micro V4-11029 NRR: 28 dB, Quantity: 1, Size: Micro, Color: Black, w/ Free S&H

Shop OTTO Engineering NoizeBarrier Micro | 4.2 Star Rating on 55 Reviews for OTTO Engineering NoizeBarrier Micro Best Rated + Free Shipping over $49.

shop.opticsplanet.com

Second the Otto. I’ve had a pair for 3-4 years now

 

[tenringx]

That's an interesting option I haven't seen yet. I assume you have to take them apart to charge?

Yep you do but they feel pretty durable and it’s not hard to take apart- they just slide in the molded part that fits the earbud.

 

[LuvDog]

I have some custom molded plugs that work well for pistol shooting or small caliber rifles without breaks. But when shooting on the line with other rifles with loud breaks it still hurts because of the concussion. I have to double up with muffs.

I just got a pair of the Otto's with foam tips and from testing in the house, I think they'll work well for pistol or if I'm shooting alone, but still think I'll need to double up shooting with others

 

[Baron23]

Anyone here got opinions on ESP stealth or apex? I have hearing damage in one ear and them being able to tune for that seems like a go to.

I have ESP Apex....and love them. Chose them over E.A.R. as I wanted the automatic wind noise reduction (which works really well) which EAR doesn't have (or didn't a few years ago when I bought these ESP). Also, ESP can be programed with the audiogram from your hearing aids. I get my hearing aids from COSTCO and they just gave me a print out of my audiogram, I sent it in, and they are now programmed with my equalization curve.

They are quite good for upland bird hunting also where I def want to hear my partner out there and they fit firmly in my ears so I'm not worried about dropping one in the field.

I'm quite happy with them...well, everything but the price but I'm the one that ruined my hearing so....yeah, consequences. lol

Cheers

 

[Crany06]

Check out Walker Silencer Ear Bud 2.0 bluetooth, they work fine.

 

[Engine 22]

Sound Gear user here. They are pretty good, but under a roof or in close quarters with braked rifles, over-ear is a necessity.

 

[ShowMeMile2024]

Sound Gear user here. They are pretty good, but under a roof or in close quarters with braked rifles, over-ear is a necessity.

100% agree, double up

 

[Ichi]

I too use the Sound Gear Phantoms. I had to have two sets made to get a good fit that would seal when adding cheek pressure on the rifle stock.

They are comfortable enough to wear all day. But you still need to double-up when around brakes.

My biggest complaint is the wind noise that these pick up and amplify.

There are times when I wish I had just bought the ESP Apex. But the Apex is 2.5 times the cost of the Phantoms.