Ear protection,, what's up??

fieldgrade said:
Howard Leight Impact Pros (not Sports, which are very good, just not as good)
I no longer have to double up with muffs and plugs. Best NRR (noise reduction rating) you will find for the money, by far. I did a whole chart on this a few months back either here or at another forum. You can spend $200 and not get the same NRR as these.

$58 at Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Howard-Leigh...TF8&qid=1516402503&sr=8-2&keywords=impact+pro
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What the difference between the sport and pro's besides 20 bucks?
 
JimB said:
@TomGCherry have you any thoughts on how to successfully deal with protective glasses and earmuffs? There is almost certainly going to be a gap where the muffs go over the temples, but is there an approach that minimizes it?
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I use glasses with thin wires that go over the ear for that very reason. The flex-on brand for example is made with a thin flexible titanium that will allow most ear muffs to seal around them. I quit using those thick turtle shell glasses from the 70s.
 
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Is it common to get a buzzing sound on electronic ear pro when you hold a cell phone? I have tried the Peltor Sport Tac 300's (They are not bluetooth capable and are the only pair of electronic ear pro I have used) and they work well for noise suppression but was not expected the buzzing when holding a phone.
 
Exile_D said:
But what if you need prescription shooting glasses with flat ear pieces?! ;)
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I believe they do that, too. It’s a set of lenses added behind the primary lenses attached and removable to the nosepiece
 
Walkers has all their stuff 30% off with code FB30 on their website. I'm really interested in their in-ear electronic ear pro. I just can't shoot a rifle well with muffs.
 
fieldgrade said:
I believe they do that, too. It’s a set of lenses added behind the primary lenses attached and removable to the nosepiece
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Yes they do! I should have been more specific. I've been looking for ones that have those thin temples profile good for ear protection but don't require inserts. Which usually means two separate lenses vs the one curved lens unfortunately.
 
For those having trouble with the foam plugs, try rolling them for ten seconds between your hands to shrink their diameter. Then pull up on the top of your ear while you slip them in. It will take thirty second for the plugs to expand back and seal, but then you have great protection.

I use Hearos.
 
Geezer said:
I use cigarette filters I find laying on the ground.
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A retired NY LEO that I regularly run into at the range uses .45 ball rounds for plugs.

I try to remember to double up, but sometimes just end up with muffs. My tinnitus has gotten to the point where I avoid indoor ranges entirely.
 
I use Howard Leight and since the indoor range I go to does not have dedicated rifle lanes I've been using foam plugs under them.
 
I got the gel cups for my Howard Leight Sports, put them on but haven't had the chance to range 'em yet.
Right away they are way more comfortable, and instantly make you realize how cheap the stock cups are. They also seem to go around my ear better. I don't have Dumbo ears, but my ears seem to fit better inside the gel cups.

Geerubb said:
Walkers has all their stuff 30% off with code FB30 on their website. I'm really interested in their in-ear electronic ear pro. I just can't shoot a rifle well with muffs.
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Me too, so I did some research. The batteries they use, once you break them out of the sealed pack they come in, they start to discharge. This seems to be the biggest complaint. Guys would turn them off, try to use them a week later and the batts are dead. So even when off the batteries are still discharging. Walker says that's the nature of the battery.
That part sucks.
 
Friday said:
I got the gel cups for my Howard Leight Sports, put them on but haven't had the chance to range 'em yet.
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Where'd you buy those?
 
Friday said:
Amazon is the only place I've seen them.
https://www.amazon.com/Valholl-Gear...&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=Howard+Leight+Gel+cups
I bucked on them for some time because they seemed kinda pricey. But they are comfortable and install easily. Anxious to try them for a day, it's gotta be better.
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Thanks. I did a search and ran across these: https://www.ar15.com/forums/Equipme...ght-Impact-Sport-ear-muffs/25-1641233/?page=1

Seem to be a lot of pleased customers, and the price is definitely better...especially if you want two pair.
 
For my money, the $50 Howard Leight Impact Pro's with 30NRR get the job done without having to change the ear cushions. Much higher NRR than the Impact Sports, and for only about $15 more.
 
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BigWaylon said:
Thanks. I did a search and ran across these: https://www.ar15.com/forums/Equipme...ght-Impact-Sport-ear-muffs/25-1641233/?page=1

Seem to be a lot of pleased customers, and the price is definitely better...especially if you want two pair.
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Good deal.
I can't get on ar15.com. I'm registered and all that with password, and all that went through, but they keep telling me I need a valid email and it won't let me log in. I guess bellsouth.net is not valid. No way to contact them either.
 
I use the Howard Leight Impact Sports and the Walkers Razors. I don't shoot indoors , but outside the work good for the money. I use the ESS glasses with them.

I've had the chance to use the MSA units and they are great ,but $260 is not in my budget. We had our portable radios attached via the cable to the ones I used and I'm sure they are even more pricey.
 
TomGCherry said:
I be deaf....and it’s my fault. Sort of an exaggeration, but not too far off.

Now have super expensive hearing devices. Duke Medical fitted. Not your local used vehicle salesperson now working at Belltone.

Was also a Corporate Safety Director. So I have some expertise.

First up. Within reason, buy good quality, but always use it. Went to the NC Symphony last night. They were playing as backup for a Stones Tribute Group, who had their own band. First time in over 6 years of membership that I had seen the symphony in ear plugs.

Our standard disclaimer for Workman’s Compensation claims were Firearms, Motorcycles and Rock Concerts. It that was in your history, forget it. Should have included lawnmowers and chain saws and such. Always use protection.

ONE brief incident can do major damage. I trimmed off about 10 decibels one early morning on a deer stand. I would put in my ear plugs after I climbed into the stand. Bucky walked out and broke my routine. Gun was still on ground waiting with tether string to be pulled up, unloaded of course.

Pulled out my S&W 629 and emptied it. OUCH.

OK. Word to HEED.

I traveled to many facilities in my division and also as an auditor. The most comfortable ear plugs that I and my other peer Directors found was the Purple Rockets. Our employees would wear them without complaining. Go to Amazon. Many vendors there and on eBay. In our forging factories, we required both Muff and Plugs for the Forge Shop. Noise Reduction is additive. So, constant or really loud .... wear both.

No major difference in the NR numbers for the custom molded vs foam....IF the ear canal is blocked. Foam is harder to get in and properly fitted. That is why I liked the Purple Rockets. They are a ponted molded bladder and easily and comfortably seal. I keep a dozen or so new pairs for friends and family that might occasionally shoot.

Next up is MUFFS. As long as they fit and seal and are comfortable, any good brand, electronic or non electronic will work. But if you have long stringy oily hair or a bushy Afro cut or really thick hair or insist on pulling your cap down like Beetle Bailey, you will have issues. Muffs need to seal OVER the ear and excessive hair or a cap brim prevent that. Put on your cap and just perch it on your head. Put on and seat your muffs, THEN adjust your cap and don’t let the brim or band get partially under the muffs.

FINALLY.... read the reviews or be able to return the muffs. I bought a pair of the electronic on sale at Cabela’s. They had the best price, even compared to Amazon. I spend a few hours just experimenting and such at DCWC when it is closed to visitors. No one usually there but me. I can easily wear mine without issues and I plug in my iPod and listen to my tunes.

I have the microphone style and with my significant hearing loss, they are great.

If you got this far, GOOD.

I can also, from personal experience and research and spending a lot of time with Doctors of Audiology, tell you to get hearing devices NOW, not later. The longer your brain functions without being able to properly process sounds, the more frustrated it gets and shuts down. Think LAZY EYE Syndrome. You actually do IRREVERSIBLE damage to the brain’s ability to recognize SPEECH. I had a bad experience with my first set Circa 2001. Put it off until family was in full rebellion. Have had to do special work and bringing back some of my speech recognition (it is scored and tested).

Had I found the right fit and technology 10 years ago, I would “hear “, with assistance much better than I do today.

No BS in this. Facts and experience.

Happy Banging
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About listening to your iPod...are you saying there are ear muffs that allow you to listen to music while shooting? (Sorry if this is a dumb question, I'm new!)
I was thinking the other day at the range how nice it would be to listen to some heavy metal oldies while shooting!! How great would that be??? Lol.
 
When it isn’t too hot (because these make me sweat), I wear Bluetooth headphones for shooting. This allows me to listen to music or radio without having a wire in the way. If the phone rings, the music stops and I can answer the call by tapping a button on the right ear. I’m on the way to blow the driveway, wearing these.
 
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Jeppo said:
When it isn’t too hot (because these make me sweat), I wear Bluetooth headphones for shooting. This allows me to listen to music or radio without having a wire in the way. If the phone rings, the music stops and I can answer the call by tapping a button on the right ear. I’m on the way to blow the driveway, wearing these.
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You really are right on top of things, aren't you?
Bluetooth sounds expensive, will look them up. It sounds great though. Can't think of a better thing than shooting, than shooting with music!!! Yay!

PS found some not expensive options! Thanks!
 
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Millie said:
About listening to your iPod...are you saying there are ear muffs that allow you to listen to music while shooting? (Sorry if this is a dumb question, I'm new!)
I was thinking the other day at the range how nice it would be to listen to some heavy metal oldies while shooting!! How great would that be??? Lol.
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3M Worktunes (built in radio a d you can plug in), i dont know how i ever cut grass without them. The Howard Leights i beleive.......you can plug in also. Places that sell handheld radios and scanners will also sell a similar products.
 
I think I paid something like $20 or 25 for mine that were being closed out on Wally World.com
 
I have Howard Leight by Honeywell Impact Sport Sound Amplification Electronic Shooting Earmuff, Classic Green (R-01526) Amazon carry them about $50.00. They have worked great. Warm in the middle of summer, but that is about the worse thing I can say about them. I can hook my phone up to them if I want some music also
 
ECNC said:
I have Howard Leight by Honeywell Impact Sport Sound Amplification Electronic Shooting Earmuff, Classic Green (R-01526) Amazon carry them about $50.00. They have worked great. Warm in the middle of summer, but that is about the worse thing I can say about them. I can hook my phone up to them if I want some music also
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I must be the only person on the planet who doesn't have music on their phone! All I have is an mp3 player. But my tablet has lots of music on it and with a Bluetooth earmuff I assume I could listen from the tablet? (I'm not tech-y, so I have no idea if this is workable.)
 
Millie said:
I must be the only person on the planet who doesn't have music on their phone! All I have is an mp3 player. But my tablet has lots of music on it and with a Bluetooth earmuff I assume I could listen from the tablet? (I'm not tech-y, so I have no idea if this is workable.)
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Just download the free Pandora app and have all the music you want on your phone. It's free if you don't mind commercials.
 
SPST said:
Just download the free Pandora app and have all the music you want on your phone. It's free if you don't mind commercials.
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I'll look into it. My idea is to be able to just keep music going for as long as I want to shoot and not have to do any messing about to get it. Like with my tablet, I have different playlists and they just go song after song. That would be perfect for an hour of shooting!
Thanks.
 
The only music I want to hear when shooting is powder burning.

Plus, how will you know if you get a squib?
 
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fieldgrade said:
The only music I want to hear when shooting is powder burning.

Plus, how will you know if you get a squib?
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Well, if I knew what a squib was, then I'd be able to tell you...lol. Is it when the explosion only partially happens?
 
fieldgrade said:
The only music I want to hear when shooting is powder burning.

Plus, how will you know if you get a squib?
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This. No music while shooting. Kinds of reminds me of seeing people driving with headphones on. Hard to be aware and concentrate at the task at hand.
 
Millie said:
Well, if I knew what a squib was, then I'd be able to tell you...lol. Is it when the explosion only partially happens?
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Yup, and a bullet can lodge in the barrel because it hasn't been pushed all the way through. You don't want to pull the trigger again.
 
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CZfool68 said:
This. No music while shooting. Kinds of reminds me of seeing people driving with headphones on. Hard to be aware and concentrate at the task at hand.
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Thanks! I guess I could use my hypothetical ear protection with tunes for weed whacking or chain sawing, then! And leave the music off at the range...
 
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