Hearing Protection While Shooting...

[Guest Verbal Kint]

Now that I'm starting to build up my range bag, and have already taken care of eye protection (more so for the Rx adapters, as old age is starting to creep up on me) by ordering a Revision Sawfly set, what are you guys using for hearing protection?

I can pretty much get an endless supply of the inner-ear, flanged, plugs from the military... but was looking to pick up a set of the external muff-style hearing protection as well. Any of you own the electronic sets like Pro-Ears or other brands? Worth the money? Opinions on the electronic vs non-electronic muffs? Gear you use during shooting events?

Any information and opinions are greatly appreciated, as always. The insight and guidance you guys gave in the range bag thread helped point me in the right direction for that purchase, so I'm sure I'll get good advice here as well.

Thanks!

[Guest Satt]

I can't remember the brand, but when I was in the military, we used the kind that blocked out the loud pops, but we could still talk quietly to each other. I am sure they were expensive, but I would buy them. I wish I could be of more help.

[Guest Verbal Kint]

I can't remember the brand, but when I was in the military, we used the kind that blocked out the loud pops, but we could still talk quietly to each other. I am sure they were expensive, but I would buy them. I wish I could be of more help.

Yeah, that's the electronic versions that I was referring to... such as the Pro-Ears models. Blocks out the louder decibel gun shots, but allows you to hear conversations and lower decibel noises. Some even have total blocking, with a push to hear button. All kinds of cool toys out there now, it seems. Was eyeing some of their models, in the slim versions.

Hefty price tag on them, but would be worth it IMO. I'm not too shy about spending money when it comes to eyesight, hearing, etc... cuz once they're gone, they're gone.

I can already notice a slight reduction in my hearing, from before I joined the military, due to the stuff I work around. Nothing major, but often ask people to repeat themselves. So if I can protect my hearing and get something that allows me to differentiate between the gunshots and talking, I'm all for it.

Just curious as to which brands anyone might have experience with. Pro-Ears seems to be the top dog out there, from my research, but are there brands just as good that are cheaper? Durability of these electronic muffs? I've, personally, never used anything more than the standard plastic and foam muffs... nothing fancy like the electronic ones... but know how little you can hear, of what you are trying to hear, while blocking out the loud noises.

[TGO David]

I have a pair of Peltor Tactical 7 electronic muffs that I wear over foamies when I'm shooting indoors, or just wear by themselves out of doors. I like them a lot. Very good alternative to Pro Ears for the money.

[willis68]

Yeah, that's the electronic versions that I was referring to... such as the Pro-Ears models. Blocks out the louder decibel gun shots, but allows you to hear conversations and lower decibel noises. Some even have total blocking, with a push to hear button. All kinds of cool toys out there now, it seems. Was eyeing some of their models, in the slim versions.

Hefty price tag on them, but would be worth it IMO. I'm not too shy about spending money when it comes to eyesight, hearing, etc... cuz once they're gone, they're gone.

I can already notice a slight reduction in my hearing, from before I joined the military, due to the stuff I work around. Nothing major, but often ask people to repeat themselves. So if I can protect my hearing and get something that allows me to differentiate between the gunshots and talking, I'm all for it.

Just curious as to which brands anyone might have experience with. Pro-Ears seems to be the top dog out there, from my research, but are there brands just as good that are cheaper? Durability of these electronic muffs? I've, personally, never used anything more than the standard plastic and foam muffs... nothing fancy like the electronic ones... but know how little you can hear, of what you are trying to hear, while blocking out the loud noises.

I have hearing problems as well due to firearms, The Pro Ears are expensive, but let me tell you, they work incredibly well, I like them soo much that I have 2 pair, one for me and one for whoever goes shooting with me, when it comes to hearing, and eyesight, these are two things that people cannot afford to not have the best, I reccomend the PRO-MAG PLUS (DPM-1P), the slim line ones that you are looking offer the same protection, go for them you will not be dissapointed,

[TGO David]

True... skimping on anything related to your eyesight or hearing is a dumb way to save money.

[Guest Swamp Rat]

I have used the same pair of Peltor Tac6's(w/backband) for several years of competitive shooting/practice(IPSC) as well as being a firearms instructor/RSO and have logged several hundred hours with them on my head and the only complaint is at least once a month I forget to shut them off and need to replace the batteries.

[Guest ETS_Inc]

Or, you could get serious about protecting your hearing, and that of your loved ones and neighbors, and invest in a suppressor! Not only do they have hearing health benefits, they also make liberals wet their pants, which is an excellent side benefit.

[Marswolf]

I use the electronic muffs. Been using them so long I don't remember the brand. I'll have to dig them out.

But mine has an automatic turn-off after I think three hours in case I forget to hit the off button.

[Guest GetoffTheX]

+3 on the Peltors. I bought 2 pair on amazon for under $140 shipped. The ONLY sucky thing about them is the way you have to break them down to change the batteries and inserts. But thats no big deal when you get used to it.

[Smith]

Try these. http://pistolgear.com/products.php?id=31. They actually work and they won't break the bank. I can hear pretty well normal talking, but they seriously dampen the gun blast. Use them all the time indoors and they work as advertised.

[Guest db99wj]

WHAT? DID YOU SAY SOMETHING?

Try these. http://pistolgear.com/products.php?id=31. They actually work and they won't break the bank. I can hear pretty well normal talking, but they seriously dampen the gun blast. Use them all the time indoors and they work as advertised.

Those are interesting, I hate wearing muffs, especially indoors, and when it is hot. The muffs make me sweat.

[molonlabetn]

I usually just use plugs... muffs are uncomfortable and hot.

I ought to get a suppressor though, too.

[creeky]

I have some similar to those listed above by "nsnate02". From Academy Sports, plastic loop with the ear buds builton. About 4 bucks. The only down side is that when

you move your head you can hear the plastic rubbing your shirt echoing through the buds. A little distracting at first, but don't even hear it now.

They're light, and I can leave them hanging on my neck while talking or

messing with something.

[Guest johnsuttontn]

Pro ears are what I use. I also try to use foamies underneth. Never skim on safety. One of these days you may want tohear something important.lol.

[-boatman-]

I picked up a set of Caldwell e-max low profile electronic muffs today and tried them out. They seemed to work well and cut out the gun shots well. When I was facing the wind they did pick that up but it did not really bother me but I have never used the expensive ones so I cannot judge them against anything else.

[titan14]

Another dinosaur thread resurrection???????