Ear Protection

Need some recommendations on ear protection. Shoot only at an 100 yd.indoor range. (Savage MK II). Have molded ear plugs that are not adequate when others are shooting .50,.308 and other high caliber rifles. Want to purchase muffs, but with all the brands and types, it is confusing. Range has loaner muffs, but do not like to put on muffs worn by others. Am concerned about ear damage and have left on some occasions when the noise becomes too great. Would like to hear what some of you are using to help muffle the noise.:confused: Appreciate.

I use Howard Leight Impact, with Sure Fire ear plugs. Electronic muffs allow you to hear & adjust volume for each ear. Plugs are for back up protection, against big boomers, & if my muffs aren't on my head & a round goes off.

Custom molded with filter. You will never go back.

short round: Okay, doubling up on protection. Sounds like a safe plan. Had researched the Howard Leight product, but was not certain which model. Will study up on the "Impact" and Google "Sure Fire ear plugs". I was at the 7 lane indoor range on Tuesday. .50 caliber in Lane 1; .308 caliber in lane 7. I was in lane 3. Pulled out after 20 rounds. The bursts were just to great. Great information and really appreciated. Not going back to the "Room of thunder" until I get proper ear protection.

Burdy: Not sure what you are referring to as "custom molded with filter". Are these ear plugs molded by an ENT Doctor. Can you share a little more on your ear protection. My wife wants me to go to an ear specialist, and I am okay with that, but want to be sure that is what you are referring to. Don't want to spend some serious money and then have to re-spend. Appreciate your post. All good information and helping me get a better understanding in my search.

How old are your molded plugs?

I ask because they need to be replaced after a few years due to the material breaking down (shrinking) and not fitting your ear as snugly as when new.

As a test, try using a pair of foam earplugs, inserted properly, next time you go to the range.

If you feel you still require double protection and like the idea of the electronic muffs, do your homework before you purchase. Not all electronic muffs are created equal and some may not (will not) reduce the noise level until after the noise has peaked. Not as big a concern when worn as double protection, but a big concern if you decide to wear them alone. Also, no need to spend money on something that doesn't do what you want it do.

A way to determine the total NRR of double hearing protection:

		The NRR this will produce is calculated by adding 5dB to the NRR of whichever protector (the earplug or the earmuff) has the higher NRR. Keep in mind that this is after the necessary reduction factor of 7dB (if using the A - weighted scale) has been calculated. For example, if you were using an earplug with an NRR of 32dB with an earmuff with 27dB NRR, your noise reduction calculations would be: 32dB[A] (earplug) - 7db (OSHA Safety Factor) = 25dB 25dB + 5dB (for using earmuff and earplug together) = 30dB Total corrected NRR = 30dB

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Originally Posted by Rick_W

How old are your molded plugs?

I ask because they need to be replaced after a few years due to the material breaking down (shrinking) and not fitting your ear as snugly as when new.

As a test, try using a pair of foam earplugs, inserted properly, next time you go to the range.

If you feel you still require double protection and like the idea of the electronic muffs, do your homework before you purchase. Not all electronic muffs are created equal and some may not (will not) reduce the noise level until after the noise has peaked. Not as big a concern when worn as double protection, but a big concern if you decide to wear them alone. Also, no need to spend money on something that doesn't do what you want it do.

A way to determine the total NRR of double hearing protection:

		The NRR this will produce is calculated by adding 5dB to the NRR of whichever protector (the earplug or the earmuff) has the higher NRR. Keep in mind that this is after the necessary reduction factor of 7dB (if using the A - weighted scale) has been calculated. For example, if you were using an earplug with an NRR of 32dB with an earmuff with 27dB NRR, your noise reduction calculations would be: 32dB[A] (earplug) - 7db (OSHA Safety Factor) = 25dB 25dB + 5dB (for using earmuff and earplug together) = 30dB Total corrected NRR = 30dB

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Learn something new everyday, thank you for the great example.
Had no idea about Corrected NRR or the OSHA safety factor.

I always wear double protection when at the range anyways, its just not worth any hearing damage from my guns or others when I'm target shooting.

Rick W: Excellent information. Your examples and calculations made for a much better understanding. Going to stop by the local Bass Pro Shop this afternoon and see what they have. I now have a grasp of the Noise Reduction ratio (NRR), minus the OSHA Safety Factor. Use with or without earplugs, I can come up with a corrected NRR.

Age of molded ear plugs are about two years. They were molded by an employee of my LGS. They had a promotion going on by E.A.R., a company for customized hearing, but not sure now if the employee was properly trained. Bit on the promotion and not satisfied with the results.

Leaning more to the passive muffs. Do not need to hear conversation, directions, etc. I am a recreational shooter at an indoor range. Just wanting to protect my ears from loud bursts from other lanes.

Great information and much appreciated.

PET-ROCK: I echo your thoughts and sentiments. Going to follow your lead and double up at the range. Have read to much about ear damage from gun fire. Once damaged, there is no repair. Thank you for your post.

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Originally Posted by Scionti95

Burdy: Not sure what you are referring to as "custom molded with filter". Are these ear plugs molded by an ENT Doctor. Can you share a little more on your ear protection. My wife wants me to go to an ear specialist, and I am okay with that, but want to be sure that is what you are referring to. Don't want to spend some serious money and then have to re-spend. Appreciate your post. All good information and helping me get a better understanding in my search.

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There is a gentleman named Wade Stober that operates EAR-East LLC (https://www.facebook.com/EAR-East-LLC-119979448023393) a subisidiary of EAR (http://earinc.com). He does custom molded plugs. Injects the material into your ear to form a perfect match and has a filter that allows you to hear normal conversation at the same time. One of the filter options actually increases the DB reduction as the sound increases. He makes the plugs for the people that test fire the .50 Cal Barrett rifles INDOORS. They work. I have had mine for a couple of years now and no way would I put a "muff" back over my head. Prices range from the basic of about $80 or so up to probably $200 with the best filter. I guarantee you it is worth the money. If I am not wearing them, I am shooting suppressed. There is no other option for me.

If you elect not to go the custom fitted route,:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/155...rr-30-db-black
I've used these for years. They are comfortable, yet thick. Couple these with a good pair of foam earplugs, properly inserted as noted by a previous poster, and you should be good to go.

Burdy: Thank you for the update on the custom molded ear plugs. Going to keep it on file. Appears that he works out of North Carolina and I am on the west coast of Florida. My responsibilities at this time do not allow any travel. Perhaps some time in the future. Good information and I appreciate the time you took to update.

barrel-nut: Have decided not to go the custom fitted route at this time. Pulled up the Midway site and will take a look at your recommendation. Getting close to decision. Definitely going with the passive type; now I just have to decide which set. Appreciate.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by short round

I use Howard Leight Impact, with Sure Fire ear plugs. Electronic muffs allow you to hear & adjust volume for each ear. Plugs are for back up protection, against big boomers, & if my muffs aren't on my head & a round goes off.

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Exactly the same set-up here. Howard Leight Impact have a smallish ear cup but the electronics work good and they don't get in the way when mounting most rifles. Have a little issue with a Rem 870 when shooting trap but it's not too bad. Still a reasonable and effective solution IMHO.

folmonty: Thank you for the post. Sounds like You and short round are on the same page. Glad to know that you all having good results with your choices. Have had so much good information from other members that added to my thread, I started to get on overload. With the type of shooting that I do, I felt the passive muffs were best for me. After looking at a number of passive muffs, I went on-line and ordered a set of Peltor (X-series) X5A. Will continue to wear my molded plugs as double protection. Shooting indoors can get real loud, particularly when guys show up with the big calibers. Looking forward to getting them by Tues. next week and trying them out. Want to again thank you and each of the other members for all their wisdom, thoughts and recommendations. Savage Shooters is a great site.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Scionti95

Burdy: Thank you for the update on the custom molded ear plugs. Going to keep it on file. Appears that he works out of North Carolina and I am on the west coast of Florida. My responsibilities at this time do not allow any travel. Perhaps some time in the future. Good information and I appreciate the time you took to update.

barrel-nut: Have decided not to go the custom fitted route at this time. Pulled up the Midway site and will take a look at your recommendation. Getting close to decision. Definitely going with the passive type; now I just have to decide which set. Appreciate.

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I'm sure there are EAR affiliates in your area that can get you a custom set if that's what you wanted. Good luck on your search.

You need to work on doubling up and reduce the max decibels possible.

in ear foam/whatever first with the highest decibel rating.

next over ear one with the same.

I use 3m products overall and I REFUSE to shoot indoors :-(

Burdy: I agree that looking in my area is a good approach. The pair that I have were to be custom fitted, but do not think the employee of the LGS had adequate training. When I can identify a more localized EAR affiliates, I am going to share my concern with my present set and perhaps work something out. Appreciate your guidance.

Stockrex: Thank you for your post. Doubling up is what I plan to do . As you indicate, reducing the max decibels is a high priority. Wish I could shoot outdoors. Nearest outdoor range is approximately 35 miles from my home. I know that is not unreasonable to save one's ear's, and may be the smartest/wisest avenue to follow. Thanks also for the 3m endorsement.

I'd be happy if my club range was only 35 miles from home! No any place to shoot in middle Georgia that has a range longer than 100 yards so I drive 55 miles to the club range where I can test hand loads at 100, 200 and 300 yards. If I want to shoot out to 1k, I drive to a friends place in southwest Georgia, 115 miles. Not really complaining, at least I have places I can shoot long range!

I too recommend doubling up, the sure fire plugs are nice, you can also find them at Orchard Supply. http://www.surefire.com/ep10-sonic-d...tra-max-1.html
I have custom plugs and a set of radian do it yourself plugs as well. The radians are more comfortable and the custom have been modified a couple times too. The leight impact electronic muffs over the top is what I use. The electronic muffs allow you to hear range commands and conversations while still protecting your ears.