What's the best hearing protection

[Josey]

Can anyone tell me what the best hearing protection is? Do the amplifiers that cut out at a certain decibel work? I'd prefer something slim, but I need something that works the best. Thanks. --Josey

 

[CLHC]

There's a lot of products out on the market for hearing protection. You may wish to check out Peltor, Wolf-Ears, Walker's Game Ear and the like with electronic protection. For simple plug ins, there's Moldex Fit To Be Tried.

Hope you find what you're looking for and Enjoy!

Safe Hearing! :wave:

 

[PlayboyJoeShmoe]

I find it quite annoying that when I go shooting I can wear foamies AND over the ear muffs.

Then when I go into a freaking LOUD sawmill I can only wear foamies because of the hard hat!

I have an industrial sized box of Maxlite foamies and always have a pair in the truck!

 

[Jumpmaster]

I had some custom ear-inc. ones made. They work great.

The Peltor ones are nice too, but I prefer the ear-inc. ones.

JM-99

 

[EngrPaul]

:huh2:

 

[cy]

I've got Peltor chainsaw helmet with built in ear muffs. Stihl and Husky also has chainsaw helmets.

one of the most effective ear protection is custom molded ear plugs.

I find it quite annoying that when I go shooting I can wear foamies AND over the ear muffs.

Then when I go into a freaking LOUD sawmill I can only wear foamies because of the hard hat!

 

[supes]

I use Peltor's for the shooting range. Work good just wish they could fit in your ear or were smaller.

Since I don't want to look like a dumbass with big earphones, I'm using Surefire Earpro EP3's for runs in the ambulance, when the sirens kick up. Just started to wear them. So far, they do lessen the sound but I can still hear close regular conversation.

 

[Trashman]

Can anyone tell me what the best hearing protection is? Do the amplifiers that cut out at a certain decibel work? I'd prefer something slim, but I need something that works the best. Thanks. --Josey

What do you need it for?

 

[CM]

throwaway foam plugs covered by Peltors. The sound suppression is additive so you can probably get in excess of 50dB of protection with this "double condom" method :devil:

 

[Jumpmaster]

:huh2:

In case that was directed at my post...
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=ear+inc

JM-99

 

[Josey]

Thanks for the replies. I damaged my hearing a little in Vietnam, so I can't take much loud sound without my ears ringing. My girlfriend invited me to a "thrash" band, which she says is incredibly loud. She's the attraction, not the band, but I kind of don't want to wear huge muffs. But I also have a chain saw and do woodworking, and have to use muffs for that. And sometimes I target shoot.

The custom plugs are not a brand, but have to be made by a professional?

CM: Are you saying stuff two foam plugs into my ears? [sorry, I re-read your post and get it now.]

 

[cy]

saw this first at a pistol shooting nationals in Tulsa. they were molding ear plugs on site. similar to this link

http://www.earinc.com/p1-nonelectronic-instamold.php

http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/cusfitproc.html

 

[Jumpmaster]

Yeah, at the ear-inc. website, you can see if there's a dealer near you. Mine were about $35, IIRC. They're great. All my buddies are jealous. They are very comfortable...sometimes, I sleep wearing them.

JM-99

 

[ryball]

I have these...

http://www.ishot-inc.com/store2/product_info.php?cPath=25&products_id=44

 

[Sigman]

The ear-inc folks are typically at most of the gunshows we have around my neck of the woods. That may be the case for you as well...again, finding a dealer near you will answer a lot of your questions.

I have the ear-inc plugs. I also have a set (need to find them) that were made (or sent out) by a hearing aid company in town.

The ear-inc plugs are a bit firmer and though they are custom molded to my own ears - are not as comfortable as the others I have (made from a softer silicone type material)...I'll dig them out and try to get a brand name.

OH, and the ones that I like most, have the valve inside that activates above a certain decibel level. I believe they cost 2-3x more than the ear-inc plugs though.

 

[wmirag]

If you REALLY don't want to hear a damned thing, use Mack's silicone earplugs. They completely cover the ear and only vibration of your head will come through to your ears. They are a pain to put on and take off. And they could be dangerous if you need to hear things at SOME level. But if you wanna be temporarily "deaf", these are for you.

W.

 

[vtran96]

throwaway foam plugs covered by Peltors. The sound suppression is additive so you can probably get in excess of 50dB of protection with this "double condom" method :devil:

+1, you asked for the best and I have to agree with CM. The electronic methods are nice since they amplify casual conversations but doubling up with muffs over plugs are about as good as your gonna get, short of not being in the area of the noise.

 

[Jorge Banner]

Do the amplifiers that cut out at a certain decibel work?

They work great. The place I need protection the most is on the shooting range. There, I use foamies and over them a "Silencio RangeSafe RSX-87". Been shooting shotguns indoors without a problem. Now, I know my "Silencio" is a little old, but very effective. Not small, though. I can only imagine the excellent stuff you'll be able to procure today. I would check the tactical units they are building for SWAT teams and the like. Probably quite small and at the same time, good quality.

 

[cdf]

MSA electronic muff are the best i have ever worn , superior to the tactical Peltors . Not cheap but well worth it .

Chris

 

[Uncle Bob]

I still have my Army issue rubber ear plugs from basic training at Fort Knox (1965) in their original plastic container. Still use them on the pistol range. A little soap and water and I think they'll last forever.