2aHawaii

General Topics => General Discussion => Topic started by: Paul96734 on November 10, 2014, 09:03:23 PM

Title: What ear protection do you use?
Post by: Paul96734 on November 10, 2014, 09:03:23 PM
Looking for better ear protection. I currently use foam ear plugs, but they tend to fall out after awhile. I am considering some ear muffs, yet I do not want them to scratch the wood on my cheek res. any suggestions?
Title: Re: What ear protection do you use?
Post by: zippz on November 10, 2014, 09:23:32 PM
I don't like muff's getting in the way of the rifle stock.  Try custom molded silicone plugs - easy to use, affordable, and quiet.  There's a vendor at the gun show that does em.
Title: Re: What ear protection do you use?
Post by: Heavies on November 11, 2014, 12:21:34 AM
I like 3M push ins with the cord,  real quiet and the cord tied around the neck when not in use is convenient.  If you plugs are falling out you might not be putting them in correctly.
(http://i01.i.aliimg.com/wsphoto/v0/1021004409/3m-318-1005-push-ins-ear-plugs-with-cord.jpg_350x350.jpg)
Title: Re: What ear protection do you use?
Post by: suka on November 11, 2014, 12:22:10 AM
these are pretty good and lite

(http://www.doublealpha.biz/images/passive_ear_defenders_zem_hearing_protection_device.jpg)
Title: Re: What ear protection do you use?
Post by: Lifer on November 11, 2014, 03:21:37 AM
For in ear, try the Surefires.

My ear canal has a upward angle and almost all "in-ears" would pop out over time. The Surefires have a upward angle with the outer frame fitting into the ear lobe. They are very comfortable and work well for me.

Run about $12.00, so you're not out a lot if they don't work for you.

http://www.surefire.com/ep3-sonic-defenders.html (http://www.surefire.com/ep3-sonic-defenders.html)


Title: Re: What ear protection do you use?
Post by: edster48 on November 11, 2014, 05:08:08 AM
Thanks Lifer, I think I'll give these a try.
Title: Re: What ear protection do you use?
Post by: macsak on November 11, 2014, 07:04:08 AM
For in ear, try the Surefires.

My ear canal has a upward angle and almost all "in-ears" would pop out over time. The Surefires have a upward angle with the outer frame fitting into the ear lobe. They are very comfortable and work well for me.

Run about $12.00, so you're not out a lot if they don't work for you.

http://www.surefire.com/ep3-sonic-defenders.html (http://www.surefire.com/ep3-sonic-defenders.html)

note that surefires are supposed to have a "service life"
not sure if it is true or not, but i seem to remember it was 6 months or something like that
Title: Re: What ear protection do you use?
Post by: suka on November 11, 2014, 07:05:34 AM
yeap 6 month
Title: Re: What ear protection do you use?
Post by: TastesLikeMetal on November 11, 2014, 07:49:35 AM
For in ear, try the Surefires.

My ear canal has a upward angle and almost all "in-ears" would pop out over time. The Surefires have a upward angle with the outer frame fitting into the ear lobe. They are very comfortable and work well for me.

Run about $12.00, so you're not out a lot if they don't work for you.

http://www.surefire.com/ep3-sonic-defenders.html (http://www.surefire.com/ep3-sonic-defenders.html)

Does anyone local sell Surefire EP7 foam replacements?
Title: Re: What ear protection do you use?
Post by: s197 on November 11, 2014, 08:43:45 AM

Link: http://amzn.com/B000W2CPCC (http://amzn.com/B000W2CPCC)
Title: Re: What ear protection do you use?
Post by: sworbeyegib on November 14, 2014, 06:56:55 PM
I usually just use plugs if I'm shooting outdoors. Used to use disposable foam ones a lot, because I had a huge box of them that never seemed to run out. I'll agree, putting them in correctly is very important to how well they stay in, as well as how well they actually work. You really have to smoosh them down well and evenly before you put them in your ear. I always keep a few just about everywhere. Range bag, glove box etc...

I have a pair of the Surefire Defenders, I'm not sure where I bought them, but I think it might have been Security Equipment. However, I notice that they start to hurt after 3 or 4 hours of wearing them straight. I may just have slightly a wrong size, I know they come in small, medium and large. The thing is, I always have a tendency to misplace them. I'll put them in a pocket, and dump them somewhere random when I empty my pockets at home. Or I'll toss them in my range bag, or one of my cases, and forget which pocket it's in.

Most days I use the Mil Spec Monkey "cool guy" hat that I bought from Dave at Mojo. It comes with a pair of retractable, rubber baffled ear plugs. They work well enough for outdoor shooting, and it is very hard for me to misplace a hat. But as with all rubber baffled ear plugs, they take a bit of playing around with to get a proper "seal" in your ear. Some fiddling, some tapping, and a snapping your fingers right next to them to see if they are seated properly.

The only time I wear muff, is when I'm shooting indoors. At which point I'm usually doubled up with foam plugs and a basic pair of muffs.
Title: Re: What ear protection do you use?
Post by: asinapple8805 on November 15, 2014, 09:21:40 PM
I've been using the Howard Leight Impact Sport or the disposable foam plugs. If someone next to me is shooting anything more than .223, I'll use both.

I need to pick up another pair of the Impact Sports. Every now and then they go on sale.
Title: Re: What ear protection do you use?
Post by: stangzilla on November 16, 2014, 09:23:26 AM
I use both plugs and muffs
I like to use the 3M classic yellow plugs.  straight cylinder shape.  seems to fit my ears better.
no matter if the plugs are the expensive kine, if they don't fit well, come loose or fall out, then they aren't working that well.
can never be too careful with protection.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What ear protection do you use?
Post by: s197 on November 16, 2014, 11:31:36 AM
I find with the rubber plugs, putting some water on them before sticking in your ear helps a lot.
Title: Re: What ear protection do you use?
Post by: Rocky on November 16, 2014, 01:37:51 PM
I like 3TMP push ins with the cord,  real quiet and the cord tied around the neck when not in use is convenient.  If you(r) plugs are falling out you might not be putting them in correctly.

Title: Re: What ear protection do you use?
Post by: zippz on November 16, 2014, 01:46:42 PM
This is the technique we learn in the military for inserting plugs correctly, have to straighten the ear canal before inserting the plugs.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cV1tuq03t9Y (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cV1tuq03t9Y)

See if that helps witht he plugs falling out.
Title: Re: What ear protection do you use?
Post by: MuffinMan on November 18, 2014, 12:44:27 AM
Just wanted to pass along that I ordered a couple pairs of Sonic ears (to replace the ones I lost) from The Ear Plug Superstore.  The selection, price, service, and fast USPS priority mail shipping was great.  Better deal than Amazon and they have a large selection of stuff.  http://www.earplugstore.com/ (http://www.earplugstore.com/)

I am not affiliated with them, just felt like they provided a good service and price and wanted to pass along.

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What ear protection do you use?
Post by: Heavies on November 18, 2014, 08:38:48 AM
This is the technique we learn in the military for inserting plugs correctly, have to straighten the ear canal before inserting the plugs.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cV1tuq03t9Y (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cV1tuq03t9Y)

See if that helps witht he plugs falling out.
Yeah, you gotta get them deep in there, and hold them in place until they expand.  Once they expand they should not fall out, and attenuate the sound properly.
Title: Re: What ear protection do you use?
Post by: oldfart on November 18, 2014, 09:12:22 AM
This is the technique we learn in the military for inserting plugs correctly, have to straighten the ear canal before inserting the plugs.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cV1tuq03t9Y (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cV1tuq03t9Y)

See if that helps witht he plugs falling out.
...
I learned that from using ear thermometers on my sick kids.
Btw, I use howard leight electronic muffs. But I also need plugs
For field use and rifle shooting.
Title: Re: What ear protection do you use?
Post by: 2aHawaii on November 18, 2014, 10:56:11 AM
Just wanted to pass along that I ordered a couple pairs of Sonic ears (to replace the ones I lost) from The Ear Plug Superstore.  The selection, price, service, and fast USPS priority mail shipping was great.  Better deal than Amazon and they have a large selection of stuff.  http://www.earplugstore.com/ (http://www.earplugstore.com/)

I am not affiliated with them, just felt like they provided a good service and price and wanted to pass along.

 :thumbsup:

One cool thing about their store (even though I haven't bought from them) is that they have some sampler packs of plugs so that you can test them out and find your favorites.
Title: Re: What ear protection do you use?
Post by: MuffinMan on November 18, 2014, 02:44:19 PM
Just wanted to pass along that I ordered a couple pairs of Sonic ears (to replace the ones I lost) from The Ear Plug Superstore.  The selection, price, service, and fast USPS priority mail shipping was great.  Better deal than Amazon and they have a large selection of stuff.  http://www.earplugstore.com/ (http://www.earplugstore.com/)

I am not affiliated with them, just felt like they provided a good service and price and wanted to pass along.

 :thumbsup:

Forgot to add that I tried buying from our local shops first, but OGC where I bought my first pair was out of stock so I looked on-line and found them at the Ear Plug Superstore.  I try to support our local shops first :shaka:
Title: Re: What ear protection do you use?
Post by: surfmaster on November 18, 2014, 04:45:29 PM
I would suggest at least a headset hearing protection to cover the sensitive bones behind your ears that assist in hearing. Better yet, it would be good to wear both ear plugs and a headset. Here's a great article that explains why, http://exclusive.multibriefs.com/content/how-to-protect-you-hearing-while-shooting/recreation-leisure. (http://exclusive.multibriefs.com/content/how-to-protect-you-hearing-while-shooting/recreation-leisure.)
Title: Re: What ear protection do you use?
Post by: Drakiir84 on November 19, 2014, 11:41:56 AM
Howard Leight R-01526 Impact Sport Electronic Earmuff stacked with foam earplugs.  Gotta have that double protection!
Title: Re: What ear protection do you use?
Post by: s197 on November 19, 2014, 03:18:10 PM
I would suggest at least a headset hearing protection to cover the sensitive bones behind your ears that assist in hearing. Better yet, it would be good to wear both ear plugs and a headset. Here's a great article that explains why, http://exclusive.multibriefs.com/content/how-to-protect-you-hearing-while-shooting/recreation-leisure. (http://exclusive.multibriefs.com/content/how-to-protect-you-hearing-while-shooting/recreation-leisure.)
Thanks for that, very informative. One of the comments mentioned getting custom plugs from an audiologist, has anyone gone this route? I know there was a vendor at the show selling custom plugs but they were pretty expensive.
Title: Re: What ear protection do you use?
Post by: Drakiir84 on November 19, 2014, 04:21:06 PM
Thanks for that, very informative. One of the comments mentioned getting custom plugs from an audiologist, has anyone gone this route? I know there was a vendor at the show selling custom plugs but they were pretty expensive.

They really aren't worth it.  If money is of no consequence to you then you can go for it but at the end of the day those cheapo foam ear plugs will work just as well and you can buy 50 pairs for $9 on amazon.  Again double protection is always a good route to go, put the plugs in and throw a headset over it.
Title: Re: What ear protection do you use?
Post by: macsak on November 19, 2014, 05:05:55 PM
Thanks for that, very informative. One of the comments mentioned getting custom plugs from an audiologist, has anyone gone this route? I know there was a vendor at the show selling custom plugs but they were pretty expensive.

come to the GTG this friday or to an HDF range day...
Title: Re: What ear protection do you use?
Post by: s197 on November 19, 2014, 06:36:28 PM
come to the GTG this friday or to an HDF range day...

Wish I could but I have a dinner for work on Friday. I'll try to make a HDF day but Saturdays aren't the best for me, I'm usually at the range on Sundays.
Title: Re: What ear protection do you use?
Post by: macsak on November 19, 2014, 08:12:04 PM

Wish I could but I have a dinner for work on Friday. I'll try to make a HDF day but Saturdays aren't the best for me, I'm usually at the range on Sundays.

Pm sent
Title: Re: What ear protection do you use?
Post by: mnpfamily on November 19, 2014, 10:54:30 PM
Thanks for that, very informative. One of the comments mentioned getting custom plugs from an audiologist, has anyone gone this route? I know there was a vendor at the show selling custom plugs but they were pretty expensive.
My wife and I both use the custom molded plugs bought at the gun show.  For us anyway, the custom molded plugs are terrific.  No more messing with foamies, (yes the foamies are cheap and do work great if you use them correctly), and no need to double plug with foamies and over-ear protection.  We shoot mostly pistol, so I'm not sure what rifle shooters are looking for in ear pro, but in our experiences, the custom molded are hard to beat.  My wife shoots a comped Open Div gun which can be obnoxiously loud unless you're directly behind the gun.  Using the custom molded plugs, I'm able to stand next to her and spot while she shoots. 
The downsides though, they do make hearing normal conversation a little more difficult (we sometimes end up yelling at each other while at the range) and for me anyways, took a day or so to get used to in my ears.  If for any reason my ear canals change size/shape and I need another set made, I would not hesitate to go this route again. 
Will probably look to have ours kids sized and fitted for these at the next gun show.
Title: Re: What ear protection do you use?
Post by: mic808 on November 24, 2014, 09:13:34 AM
just wanted to add that we do carry surefire ep3 earplugs for $10.99 no tax at the Navy Uniform Shop