Hearing Protection Recommendations

[SmithShady]

I'm interested in purchasing some newer hearing protection that will allow me to block out high decibel noises, but still allow me to carry on a conversation when not shooting. Reading the latest Sporting Clays Magazine, it has an article on hearing protection and lists a number of vendors who sell different kinds of protection. I've been looking through some of this information, but thought I'd check with some fellow shooters and get a first hand recommendation. I'm not a fan of ear muffs that you wear over top of your ears, so I'm thinking more along the lines of something electronic that fits in the ear. The best thing I've run across so far (aside from the price) is the E.A.R. Shothunt http://shothunt.com/en/. They are expensive, but you can't put a price on protecting your hearing, so they may end up being the best choice. Any experiences positive or negative with these, or any other similar brand recommendations?

Thanks,

Mike

[FoxintheHenHouse]

I realize muff type hearing protection is not as trim and I wasn't a fan of them either at first, until I shopped around thinking I wanted Walker's Game Ear. I found out that Caldwell not only saves your ears, but also your wallet....

http://www.amazon.com/Caldwell-E-Max-Pr ... 1de402fbe4

I've had the slimmer model for several years now with no complaints. Uses common AAA battery also.

FoxintheHenHouse

[mc15426378]

Mike, never heard of those. I had a set of custom molded plugs made at the Southern several years ago & really like them. Normal conversations are iffy but I just pull one out for that. Only thing I would do different is have a lanyard installed connecting the two to make them easier to keep up with. Think I remember the guy saying they offered digital as an upgrade. Maybe there will be a similar vendor at the Fall Southern.

Mike

[Mike of the Mountain]

I've been using the EAR, Inc clamshell digitals for at least 16 years. Best investment in shooting gear I ever made. Used them on the job too (construction) and they are great. Block out harmful noise while allowing you to hear conversations. They are also tuned to your hearing. An audiogram test will show them what they need to enhance. I have 70% loss in the upper mid through high range of frequency and I can hear those levels with the Ear, Inc.

[Mike of the Mountain]

Shady, there will be a vendor here doing molded ears plugs and digital ears. Just FYI.

[APS]

If you have custom molds made the technician can vary the depth of the plug which is what limits the sound pressure level(SPL) you ear canal will receive. To short and the plug is useless so this is a fine adjustment. I do not like the electronic types but I do have many sets of custom molds. Some are for IPSAC pistol and have longer depths. My shotgun plugs are a bit shorter. I am able to have a conversation with those in place. Do remember that your forehead receives sonic waves so a hat will have a impact on your perceived SPL as well, more so with pistols than a long gun.

I strongly recommend the custom molds. Some days I wear mine for 12 or more hours. My line of work is my ears and some of my events are over the top loud.

Al

[DarylC]

Mike,
I agree with Mike K. as I have had a set of the E.A.R. electronic plugs for 10 yrs. and absolutely love them. Yes they are expensive but I know you'll love them. I don't know if they offer the analog model anymore but go for the digital model as they can be "tuned " for your ears. They are great for hunting too.

[Researcher]

My shooting buddy who, is also the Zone 7 Level 3 Skeet instructor, swears by these --

http://espamerica.com/

[Stan Hillis]

Mike, never heard of those. I had a set of custom molded plugs made at the Southern several years ago & really like them. Normal conversations are iffy but I just pull one out for that. Only thing I would do different is have a lanyard installed connecting the two to make them easier to keep up with. Think I remember the guy saying they offered digital as an upgrade. Maybe there will be a similar vendor at the Fall Southern.

Mike

Mike, Yours may have been made by Granny, Mike Sherman's wife. Mike has a gunsmithing trailer at most of the major shoots in the SE, and Granny makes earplugs and sells other wares, such as shooting glasses. She is a sweetie. She has made me two sets of custom molded earplugs over the years. I've worn them for hours at the time in Argentina, and use them everytime I shoot clays. She offers the digital insert for them, but I've always been happy with the regular plugs, about $65 or so, not sure exactly. I had them in this afternoon while I took a lesson from Bill McGuire. I have been using them since August of '03 and wouldn't want anything else.

All my best, SRH

[Silvers]

I've tried everything from regular and electonic earmuffs to electonic earplugs, and have settled on the custom/molded plugs that are done up by vendors at larger shoots and events. The type that "corkscrews" into the ear. One of the plugs is marked L or R, otherwise I'll get the pair made in different colors to make it easy to differentiate which ear each fits. The ones I've had seem to lose elasticity (and tight fit) after a while thus I replace them every few years and step down the old pair for the lawn mower or chain saw. Cost is about 60 bucks from the better vendors.