Hearing Aids and Ear Protection

[Rum River #36276]

I know a bunch of us here use hearing aids.

 

I'm just now returning to CAS (after around 20 years) and the main reason for that is I picked up my latest set of aids in the last couple weeks and they are great!

 

Now trying to decide if I want to remove my hearing aids while on the line to use my custom molded ear plugs - or leave my hearing aids in place and just wear ear muffs over them while letting my hat hang on the stampede strings.

 

My biggest concern is not hearing range commands or any other important conversation while at the loading table, shooting a stage or at the unloading table.

[Rip Snorter]

1 minute ago, Rum River #36276 said:

I know a bunch of us here use hearing aids.

 

I'm just now returning to CAS (after around 20 years) and the main reason for that is I picked up my latest set of aids in the last couple weeks and they are great!

 

Now trying to decide if I want to remove my hearing aids while on the line to use my custom molded ear plugs - or leave my hearing aids in place and just wear ear muffs over them while letting my hat hang on the stampede strings.

 

My biggest concern is not hearing range commands or any other important conversation while at the loading table, shooting a stage or at the unloading table.

Not a hard choice - I no longer compete, and when I shoot it is plugs under quality muffs.  I cannot afford further hearing loss.  You may be in a different place.

[Mister Badly]

Not sure muffs are sass legal

 

[PaleWolf Brunelle, #2495L]

16 minutes ago, Mister Badly said:

Not sure muffs are sass legal

 

There are NO RESTRICTIONS regarding the type of hearing protection used.

Quote

EYE & EAR PROTECTION

Hearing protection is highly recommended and eye protection is mandatory in and around the shooting areas. While small, period glasses may look great, full protection/high impact glasses are strongly recommended. Such protection is recommended for everyone when in the range area, however eye protection is mandatory for spectators when within direct line of sight of steel targets.

SHB p.2

 

 

Edited February 8 by PaleWolf Brunelle, #2495L
add reference

[PaleWolf Brunelle, #2495L]

51 minutes ago, Rum River #36276 said:

...

Now trying to decide if I want to remove my hearing aids while on the line to use my custom molded ear plugs - or leave my hearing aids in place and just wear ear muffs over them while letting my hat hang on the stampede strings.

...

 

That would be perfectly acceptable except in those categories that require "Hats must be worn" (CC & BW) which means ON THE HEAD.

[Rip Snorter]

Don't care for them, but there are muffs with a band that goes around the back of the neck, and hats will work.  Had a friend in SASS who used them.

[Mister Badly]

Good to know. Thanks PWB.

[Edward R S Canby, SASS#59971]

I wear muffs over my hearing aids.  Sometimes I get feedback and have to reduce the amplification to prevent it.  My previous hearing aids would sometimes short out on a hot summer day as perspiration built up.  Removing the muffs for a minute allowed the aids to start working.

 

Wearing amplified hearing protection helps me detect squibs when I run the timer.  It also helps me hear hits when I spot.  I wear military-grade muffs under my hat.  I remove them for photos.

[Jim Brown]

I can not use ear muffs when shooting a rifle or shotgun. Also earmuffs over hearing aids causes various noises as I move around. 

I purchased some walker electronic earbuds used them for a while and have as a backup set.

At the NRA Convention in Dallas I saw AXIL electronic protections and bought a pair these work fairly well and are almost always on sale.

https://goaxil.com/products/xcor-digital

I got the Bluetooth and do not like that feature at the range- If I buy another pair when I eventually lose or break these I will not buy Bluetooth again.

 

[Rum River #36276]

I appreciate all of these replies - just the kind of feedback I was hoping for.

Gotta admit, sweating under the muffs and percolating these hideously expensive electronics is something I'm concerned about.

[Snakebite Dust SASS 75484]

This was very helpful to me as I just got my first set of HAs in December and was not sure what I was going to do for shooting. I took Jim Browns advice and ordered the Axil without the bluetooth.

Thanks

[Rip Snorter]

Toward the end of shooting, I had them hold the timer next to my better ear and slap me on the shoulder.  Never had a squib in a match since I am particularly careful with match loads.  Just remember, you can't get the hearing back!  I also tried the Walkers Game ear.  

Edited February 8 by Rip Snorter
Typo / Clarity

[Still hand Bill]

Best solution is to get custom electronic in ear hearing protection that is tuned to your loss.  Then if you want more protection, throw electric muffs on top.  

[Idaho Gunslinger]

I think I ruined a set of hearing aids by wearing them under ear muffs on those hot summer days. It seemed to be cumulative over a year, so hard to say for sure it was the sweat. I have the hearing aids that loop on top of the ears and noises started getting muffled. I speculated that sweat got into the microphone holes on top. I no longer wear them under earmuffs. 

 

I wear the small in the ear electronic ones and with the volume cranked I seem to hear as well as with my hearing aids in. I have some muffs that go behind the head but they still collide with my cowboy hat and hold it up off my head. 

[Rum River #36276]

If I had to decide this minute, I'm 70/30 taking them out and using my custom molded plugs.

[Griff]

I take 'em out and use my custom molded plugs.  

[Diamond Curly SASS#57086]

23 minutes ago, Griff said:

I take 'em out and use my custom molded plugs.  

 

[Diamond Curly SASS#57086]

I would not ear muffs over the aids. I have the axil protection and the work best of the three I tried. I do put in my hearing aids for the stage instructions and never run the timer because if the issue with squibs. I just have the timer tap me if a sg target doesn't fall. I shoot full load black powder rounds and seeing up by or down is an issue. I have shot this way for 20 years or more and every match I shoot at is aware of me not able to hear commands after the stage has started. Just my view. DC

 

 

Edited February 9 by PaleWolf Brunelle, #2495L
correct spelling error

[Lazy Eeyour]

You might try these   https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1018342050?pid=289103  there is a more expensive set with bluetooth also.

 

[Hoss]

I tried the Axil electronic. They worked ok. Was nice to hear conversations. But they just did not fit in my ear well. Several different tips, nothing seemed to work without making my ears hurt. I bought some custom molded plugs. Much better. I do take one out while listening to scenario being read. 

[High Spade Mikey Wilson]

I take mine out and use regular ear plugs. I just make sure I stand next to the RM when the stage instructions are read. I wouldn't recommend ear muffs over the hearing aids. I shorted a set of over the ear hearing aids out once just by heavy sweating on a hot humid summer day at Boy Scout Camp. If you wear muffs either the humidity or heat will probably affect your hearing aids.

[Rip Snorter]

I was wearing hearing aids under muffs for clearing with a chainsaw - lost one.  An expensive lesson.

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

Ear muffs will give you sweating ears in warm weather.

[Rum River #36276]

I've decided not to wear ear muffs over my hearing aids. I'm going to check into the Axil product - it'll either be those or my custom molded plugs.

[Rum River #36276]

Just now, Rum River #36276 said:

I've decided not to wear ear muffs over my hearing aids. I'm going to check into the Axil product - it'll either be those or my custom molded plugs.

Also, I just happen to have a follow-up appointment Thursday to see how my new aids are working out. I'll pick my doctors brain while I'm there.

[Chief Rick]

I wear Otto NoizeBarrier in-ear electronic hearing protection. 

 

No Bluetooth. 

 

Changeable eat buds/tips.

[Rum River #36276]

I'm going to start shopping for in-ear electronics. They won't only be for CAS, multiple times every year we have people over to use our backyard range. Between this thread and another similar thread I have a number of brands to look at. I'll mention them to my hearing doctor at tomorrow's appointment.

 

Walker

Axil

Peltor

ISO Tune

Safariland

Otto

 

Let the dollar spending begin!!

[Cold Lake Kid, SASS # 51474]

I wear hearing aids both ears,

Thanks to close up gunshots as an RO; a nitwit that fired a snubby .38Spl. beside my head and an idiot reservist that thought it would be funny to set off an artillery simulator when I was standing beside it.

I leave mine in when to provide a good example and show courtesy to the Posse Marshal etc. when they are giving the Safety Brief and Stage Instructions.

After that I put them in a pocket carry case and insert plugs to retain what hearing I have left.

70+ years of gunshots , machine gun, cannon and noisy engines play hob with ones hearing. 

And the damage is all cumulative. 

Use protection.

[Gunner, SASS #1940]

You probably do NOT want to shoot with your hearing aids in place.

Get AXIL electronic ear plugs. Hearing protection and the ability to control the volume on a conversation.

 

I ALWAYS take my hearing aids off, and then the AXILs go in....

 

Quite honestly, you probably should check with your audiologist or ENT.

[Rum River #36276]

On 2/20/2025 at 12:43 PM, Gunner, SASS #1940 said:

You probably do NOT want to shoot with your hearing aids in place.

Get AXIL electronic ear plugs. Hearing protection and the ability to control the volume on a conversation.

 

I ALWAYS take my hearing aids off, and then the AXILs go in....

 

Quite honestly, you probably should check with your audiologist or ENT.

I've thought it over and I agree - I'm not going to shoot with my hearing aids in.

Had a visit with my audiologist since I started this thread, she agrees with my approach.

I haven't yet seen an ear/nose/throat doc, but it's on my list for other reasons as well.

 

Currently researching all the different electronic ear plugs and comparing the cost to my budget.

 

For obvious reasons clear to everyone in CAS, my ear protection budget (while still plenty to save my hearing) will never come close to my gun budget.

[watab kid]

14 hours ago, Rum River #36276 said:

I've thought it over and I agree - I'm not going to shoot with my hearing aids in.

Had a visit with my audiologist since I started this thread, she agrees with my approach.

I haven't yet seen an ear/nose/throat doc, but it's on my list for other reasons as well.

 

Currently researching all the different electronic ear plugs and comparing the cost to my budget.

 

For obvious reasons clear to everyone in CAS, my ear protection budget (while still plenty to save my hearing) will never come close to my gun budget.

i cant imagine shooting with hearing aids in place = ear plubs work if properly fit , but loosing your hearing is something we all see to an extent i cant imagine wanting it to be worse than it naturauraly happens