Recommend me some appropriate hearing protection, if you would please

[Dapper Dave]

I have worn traditional muff style hearing protection for decades, currently very happy with my Walker 500 XCEL. But...I really doubt my hat will fit over them. 

I saw many different styles and types of ear plugs when I was out observing the other day. And, before I get started, I do have this, (https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1022464361?pid=265853, Walker's Rope Bluetooth Hearing Enhancer Electronic Enhancement & Protection (NRR 29dB),  sitting in my shopping cart when payday hits - thoughts on this and what works well for you, if you please? Thank you very much.

Edited August 20 by Dapper Dave

[Sedalia Dave]

Hands Down. Invest in a set of custom moulded ear plugs. Best NRR available and the most comfortable plugs you will ever wear.

[I. M. Crossdraw, SASS# 8321]

I use regular foam ear plugs NRR rating of 30.  Used to have custom molded ear plugs but after a while they harden, and it doesn't seal the ear canal well.  Nothing wrong with molded plugs but they lose their elasticity after a while.  Mine only lasted 4 years, I can always replace foam ear plugs when they get soiled.  Note: Please don't lick ear plug prior to inserting into the ear, YUCK!☹️

[Jack Spade]

I have been using Decibullz from Amazon for about four years and am very happy with them.  You mold them yourself at home, easy to do and if you don't get them right the first time you can re-heat them and try again. Cost $25. 

[Silver Creek Jack]

Custom molded ear plugs have worked really well for me for the last 8 years,  just remember when you take them out of your ears put them back in the case right then! So easy to misplace!  Had a second set made last year at south west regionals, money well spent!!

[Cypress Sun]

As others have stated, the custom molded ear plugs have worked the best for me. They do have to be replaced every couple of years due to various factors such as the plugs hardening and the fact that your ear canals change shape over the years.

 

I always got mine from vendors at large state/regional type matches made by Tommy of Bullets by Scarlett. Ask around at your local matches to find a custom earplug vendor in your area. 

[Still hand Bill]

For maximum protection, foam plugs are the best. You can get over 30 db of protection if inserted correctly and your ears fit them.  Ear shapes can vary a lot and some simply don’t work for foam plugs.   Custom plugs offer mid to high 20’s for protection, but fit more ear shapes.  Note there are different types of custom plugs.  There are lab made which are molded from an impression made of your ears.  These have the advantage of being able to made of different materials for longer life and better performance.  There are also custom made that are simply impressions that are trimmed and then used as plugs.  Down side of these is the materials are more limited as it has to be able to be used as the impression.  
 

the final custom type is self molded.  From testing lab made where the canals were short, I would expect these don’t provide much protection.   I know I could not mold a plug that would provide any level of protection and I would not wear these.   
 

Just for background I worked at what was the largest lab in the US in the new products group.  We got to make plugs and test them daily.   Even did user fit NRR testing of our plugs which is far more difficult testing than the typical experimenter fit testing (highly suspect imho).   One of my fellow engineers worked with niosh to help write a better standard which unfortunately never got implemented.  Btw they used to call nrr not really relevant. 

[Go West]

Cheap foam plugs are very effective, but we use the custom molded plugs from onsite vendors at the larger matches. I pull one plug to hear the stage instructions and reinsert after. I like the idea of active plugs that quickly protect ears from loud sounds and allow normal conversation, but probably won't adopt.

When at a public range, I use plugs and muffs due to those darn rifle shooters. I would support ranges that could/would offer suppressor rentals. 

[Nostrum Damus SASS #110702]

All good suggestions /\/\/\ if you don't need or want to hear normal conversation with your earpro in place.  But if you do ....

 

Bullion Rose uses Axil GS Extreme 2.0 electronic plugs and is very happy with them.  And they are on sale RIGHT NOW for $129.99, a really great price: https://goaxil.com/products/gx-extreme?srsltid=AfmBOoofBjMjQCgIoPYEzLFDTtn6u815xT5ujO1XE_lhi3WF9UJJWCIG

 

I use industrial strength OTTO Engineering NoizeBarrier Micro electronic plugs with Sensaphonics custom sleeves -- this is what the majority of professional musicians wear, globally, to protect their ears from both short- and long-term exposure to high volume sound.   Not inexpensive by any means, but 'buy once, cry once' is my motto.  My hearing is worth it.

[Edward R S Canby, SASS#59971]

Foam earplugs and other passive hearing devices protect hearing well but have downsides.  I wear amplified protection so I can hear a squib better when running the timer.  When spotting I often hear hits that others do not.  This makes me a better spotter.

 

I wear military grade, under the hat muffs from 3M.  After wearing out two pairs of commercial grade muffs I bought a pair that would last for years.

[Idaho Gunslinger]

31 minutes ago, Edward R S Canby, SASS#59971 said:

Foam earplugs and other passive hearing devices protect hearing well but have downsides.  I wear amplified protection so I can hear a squib better when running the timer.  When spotting I often hear hits that others do not.  This makes me a better spotter.

 

I wear military grade, under the hat muffs from 3M.  After wearing out two pairs of commercial grade muffs I bought a pair that would last for years.

Are your 3M ones electronic? I've been looking for some behind the head electronic ear muffs for a while and haven't found any good options except for the Caldwell ones but I have their over the head ones and never liked the sound dampening on them. 

[El Chapo]

I found the flanged earplugs they gave us in the Army to be the best noise reduction.  I really ought to try to get a few pairs and put them in my shooting cart because they're the best.

[Rattlesnake Slim]

To answer your original question about the Walker's, I had an earlier version of these and there were two problems. First, they don't (or didn't) make replacement foam tips. So when the original tips get hard due to age, ear wax, etc, they get uncomfortable with no way to fix. Second, in any wind, you need to just turn them off and use them as plugs. The wind noise is bad even on the lowest setting. I went back to molded plugs.

[Edward R S Canby, SASS#59971]

38 minutes ago, Idaho Gunslinger said:

Are your 3M ones electronic? I've been looking for some behind the head electronic ear muffs for a while and haven't found any good options except for the Caldwell ones but I have their over the head ones and never liked the sound dampening on them. 

Yes, they are electronic with long battery life.  Here are some pictures:

 

 

I too had the Caldwell model and hated the electronics.  The pictured muffs are superior (and costly).

Edited August 20 by Edward R S Canby, SASS#59971
More text

[Idaho Gunslinger]

9 minutes ago, Edward R S Canby, SASS#59971 said:

Yes, they are electronic with long battery life.  Here are some pictures:

 

Thanks! I guess I thought the comtacs were only for Radio communication. Still pretty spendy though!

[Sedalia Dave]

4 hours ago, El Chapo said:

I found the flanged earplugs they gave us in the Army to be the best noise reduction.  I really ought to try to get a few pairs and put them in my shooting cart because they're the best.

 

I hope you are not referring to 3M ones that ruined the hearing of thousands of military personnel because they were improperly designed.

[Garrison Joe, SASS #60708]

I would suggest you start first with foam ear plugs with 33 DB noise reduction.   I have used them for 40 years of lots of shooting and still have decent hearing.  And, I can quite easily hear squibs with them when RO'ing, and stage instructions being read.

 

If those don't work for you, you can step up to other, more expensive technology.

 

As stated above, peoples' ear shapes and ability to tolerate something in the ear vary a lot, so go with what works for you.  For example, custom molded plugs will not stay in my right ear because it is ice-cream-cone tapered and the plug pops out when I talk.

 

good luck, GJ

[Rip Snorter]

Welp, my hearing has gotten so bad that I have significantly reduced my shooting.  When I need to shoot, either some unpleasant varmint, or a quick sight in of a rifle i haven't used in a while, it is plugs (I like Mack's) under a good set of muffs.  I have Leightning and Peltor.  I haven't shot at an indoor range in a decade.  I'm old enough that muffs were not used when I was a boy, I can't recall using them until the early '60's.  You don't want to be in this place so more is better!

[Wild Eagle]

I also used the electronic earmuffs for many years.  When I started shooting SASS they didn't work because I couldn't wear a hat.  I switched to the bright green Pelitor ear plugs, $6.00 for three pair at Walmart.  They worked well for CAS and were very comfortable for me.  About two months ago I switched to the Decibulz custom molded percussive filter ear plugs for shooting.  About $75 on Amazon.  They work very well for CAS/SASS and allow me to hear conversations and stage instructions easily.  They do not require batteries.  I'm not sure how they would work around a lot of high-power rifle or "open" pistol, but with the lighter loads we use they work well.  If you get them, look around on the internet for blogs and instructions on how to mold them.  It's easy, but the instructions were written to conserve paper, not to convey directions.  I think I found a lot of info in the Amazon reviews.

[Montie Montana]

I used to use the Walkers but got tired of the foam tips getting all grimey and not getting a real good seal.

 

I invested in the Westone custom molded DefendEar® DigitalX (DEDX) electronic ear plugs.  I contacted the Product Manager, Jeff Ipson (jeffi@westone.com), and got a significant discount off of the retail price.  They are pricey, but man, do they work well.  The mold looks like the firm silicone plugs we have all had made while at a match...but theirs are a little harder and have a hole set up to take the electronics.  I got the model 3 that has the "game mode" allowing me to easily hear people talking but protect my ears when the guns go off.  The volume control is very good and I have it set on the low end.  If I want it quieter because I am in a building, I can just turn off the electronics and it does a great job of blocking out the noise.  They are really comfortable and pretty much don't feel like anything is in my ear.

 

What is really nice is the electronics is separate from the ear mold.  Over time, if your ear changes size, you can just have a new mold made and don't have to bother with replacing the electronics.  They use a standard hearing aid battery.  They will ask you to visit an audiologist to get ear molds made and you send them to Westone...they make your molds from those sample molds.  To learn more, go here: https://westone.com/defendear-digital-features.

 

If you want to reach out to them, tell Jeff that Scott Sweet, fellow cowboy shooter sent you... he has no idea who Montie Montana is :)...maybe you can get a discount too.

 

 

 

Edited August 20 by Montie Montana

[Dapper Dave]

I already have some hearing loss, sitting in a 3"50 caliber gun mount with no ear pro back in the day. I would love to avoid any more loss! I will get some of the cheap plugs, and since the cost isn't really prohibitive right now, I may still try the rope electronic ones. I'd love the custom electronic ear plugs, But I'd be paranoid about them falling out and getting stomped, or just full of dirt. Those behind the neck ones are nice - only ones I found like that are Caldwells, and they, honestly, look really cheap, with far less noise reduction. Peltors are expensive, but the one set I had years ago worked very well. Left them behind at a Dept range day...someone got a nice set of ear protection for free! Dagnabbit....

[Sedalia Dave]

One thing to keep in mind with ear muffs is that wearing safety glasses reduces their ability to muffle sound. This is because the temples compromise the seal between the muff and your head.  Muffs with really soft cushions are less impacted than those with harder cushions. 

 

Typically the muffs with the best cushions are going to cost more. That said even the best cushions wear out over time and should be replaced on a regular basis to ensure the best possible seal. 

[Badlands Bob #61228]

I go to Home Depot and buy the family size bag of foam ear plugs.  Construction worker ear plugs are a lot cheaper than 'tactical shooting' ear plugs.  Been using them for 20 years and they work great.  A big  bag will last me for several years and nothing seems to give better protection than the cheap foam ear plugs.  And they don't need batteries, they don't harden, i get a clean sterile pair whenever i want, I can give a pair to a friend who forgot their fancy ear plugs,  and they don't cost a fortune.  Keep it simple.

[Captain Bill Burt]

Yep.  I buy foam plugs in quantity.

[Still hand Bill]

13 hours ago, Montie Montana said:

I used to use the Walkers but got tired of the foam tips getting all grimey and not getting a real good seal.

 

I invested in the Westone custom molded DefendEar® DigitalX (DEDX) electronic ear plugs.  I contacted the Product Manager, Jeff Ipson (jeffi@westone.com), and got a significant discount off of the retail price.  They are pricey, but man, do they work well.  The mold looks like the firm silicone plugs we have all had made while at a match...but theirs are a little harder and have a hole set up to take the electronics.  I got the model 3 that has the "game mode" allowing me to easily hear people talking but protect my ears when the guns go off.  The volume control is very good and I have it set on the low end.  If I want it quieter because I am in a building, I can just turn off the electronics and it does a great job of blocking out the noise.  They are really comfortable and pretty much don't feel like anything is in my ear.

glad you enjoy them.  I was one of the people who brought those in and developed the product.  As I remember from testing they are 26-27 db of protection, so not enough for lots of really loud rifles (double protection is better).  I use mine for sass and hunting.  Range time is double protection, sleep plugs and electronic muffs.  
 

most of the “I can hear yet block impulse noise” that are not electronic work on the small hole principal.  Ie you can’t stuff a fast moving fluid through a small hole.  3m developed one and it works ok for a shot or two.  Not enough protection for the number of shots in sass.  I would not use any of these products for sass if you value your hearing.   I have read the white papers on development and the test data.  They don’t offer enough protection to get noise levels low enough for the 100’s of shots a shooter is exposed to during a competition.  If you want intelligible speak and protection, solid plugs and electronic muffs are the only way to do this.  

[El Chapo]

23 hours ago, Sedalia Dave said:

 

I hope you are not referring to 3M ones that ruined the hearing of thousands of military personnel because they were improperly designed.

 

No, I was not issued those.  I used regular plastic ones that slid in the ear.  They fit so tight they'd hurt if you wore them for too long and they'd drag all the wax out of your ears when removed.  The bad ones are the OD/yellow ones in this picture vs. the orange ones are like I used on active duty.

 

I was actually going to order another pair of those because I really liked the performance, but they claim that they have a lower NRR than the cheap foam earplugs, which is a surprise.  I remembered the military ones as quite quiet.

[Cpt Dan Blodgett, SASS #75655]

I use Laser Lite Foam earplugs with the cord have done so for years get box on amazon, on range shooting rifles like 06 to 338 win make use the foam plugs and earmuffs.  Occasionally use walker earmuffs to hear conversations also have a pair of walker earbuds that work well also about half the price of others on market seem to work just fine keeping booms suppressed and letting voice come thru

 

[Cholla]

I do not recommend the Axil GS Extreme earbuds if you have small ear canals. I struggle to insert them despite my best efforts. I was sighting in my hunting rifle when one popped out as I shot. It rang my bell. So, it’s $100 wasted because I’m past the 30 day warranty. 

[Still hand Bill]

9 hours ago, Cholla said:

I do not recommend the Axil GS Extreme earbuds if you have small ear canals. I struggle to insert them despite my best efforts. I was sighting in my hunting rifle when one popped out as I shot. It rang my bell. So, it’s $100 wasted because I’m past the 30 day warranty. 

Try a true fit kit from Westone or tips from comply.  They make 6 different sizes of tips.  Three diameters and two lengths of each diameter.  They are color coded by size.  The green or blue are the smaller ones.   

Edited August 25 by Still hand Bill

[Griff]

Here's what I've worn.  I have 3 sets.  The left half of this set is from 1987, the right is a replacement made @  EOT 2021.  The other two sets have been acquired over that span.  I keep one set in my gun cart, one in my shooting tool box, and one set in my big truck for when I visit other clubs, etc.  I have to take one plug out to hear stage instructions,  Still work well, even better with pair of muffs when others are shooting their loud'nboomers!  Then it's just the shockwave to disrupt the peace & quiet.

 

Part of the molding process is to not move your jaw as that can change the shape of the ear canal.

 

Visit their website and they can help you by either finding someone locally, or working directly with you.  One shouldn't skimp on their hearing protection.  

[Abilene, SASS # 27489]

Different Strokes for different folks, apparently.  What I have used for a long time is the Peltor plugs in a multipack from Walmart, as mentioned by Nostrum Damus, although mine are yellow.  I know people's ear canals vary, but in mine they work very well, depending on how far in I push them.  When in all the way, I can not hear stage instructions very well, so I pull one out a little to hear people talk.  The foam plugs are the best, but I can't hear stage instructions well with them in so have to pull one out.  I can only squish and re-use those once or maybe twice before they stop fitting well, so I don't like those.

 

I do have a pair of Axils that I got at Walmart for $59 (my walmart is one of only a couple that stocks RCBS reloading stuff and some other shooting items), seems the same as what Wild Eagle linked above, except mine only came with two sets of tips, and I can't get a good seal so need larger tips.  I know I can get some, but haven't gotten around to it and mostly use these for listening to music and stuff on my phone with the bluetooth.  

 

When I go to a regular shooting range, which is rarely, I wear an old set of Peltor active muffs over the in-ear plugs.  My hearing is still extremely good despite playing and listening to loud rock music for many years, so these methods have worked for me.

[Buckshot Bear]

On 8/20/2024 at 2:19 PM, I. M. Crossdraw, SASS# 8321 said:

.  Note: Please don't lick ear plug prior to inserting into the ear, YUCK!☹️

 

It's a really common thing to witness. 

[Still hand Bill]

8 hours ago, Griff said:

Part of the molding process is to not move your jaw as that can change the shape of the ear canal

To go into more detail, take an open jaw impression as your ear canal normally gets larger as you open your mouth.  To do this the impression taker should insert a bite block to hold your mouth open for the duration of the impression.  

[Dapper Dave]

I have a Walker rope set on the way along with some cheapo regular plugs to try out, thank you!

[Rip Snorter]

Gents, DO NOT Damage your hearing for fun.  When hearing gets really bad, life day to day and the corrective options are miserable.