Tips for ear protection at the Range

[OddJack]

I use a Peltor muffs over ear plugs. Still not good enough to block the big calibers shooting on the next booth.

Have any tips?

[TAS]

Try doubling up with foam plugs, in addition to the muffs. Also, check the rating of your muffs and consider better muffs - they’re not all the same.

[uzigalil]

are your muffs electronic ?

[Fastattack]

If nothing works, and you've tried doubling up, then move positions to get away from the blast. I have custom earplugs as well as quality electronic muffs and there are times when I use both.

[jdewolf]

It's always a trade off. There are some huge ear muffs that have great NRR, however good luck shooting anything that requires a cheek weld to shoot. Most slim ear muffs [electronic or otherwise] offer pretty abysmal NRR. So you're left with the option of doubling up with foam and muffs or get some huge muffs. Shooting indoors is just unpleasant for the most part.

[splithoof]

I use a Peltor muffs over ear plugs. Still not good enough to block the big calibers shooting on the next booth.

Have any tips?

Distance. No matter what you do, mitigating blast from another shooter who is too close is very difficult. Unfortunately, most public and the majority of indoor (if that is the facility you are using) venues are not constructed with that problem in mind. With space as a premium, firing points are simply too close. On crowded outdoor ranges, many shooters are using large-caliber rifles with muzzle brakes that effectively reduce felt recoil, but there is no free lunch. All that blast must go somewhere, usually to the sides.
If possible, move as far away as you are able. Other than that, there isn't much.

[edgerly779]

good ear plugs and muffs anything means your to oblivious to know your hurting your hearing. Some damage comes from tympanic transmission thru tissue around ear canal. So ear plugs are not enough protection.

[ysr_racer]

Have any tips?

Go to an outdoor range?

[boopiejones]

In addition to doubling up, try keeping your mouth slightly open. I don’t know the science behind it, but there are passages between your mouth and ears, so keeping your mouth open slightly helps to equalize the pressure or something like that.

[flavor]

Surefire earplugs first and then electronic earpros of your choice.

[NoHeavyHitter]

Find a better place to shoot. Once you've done the "muffs over plugs" thing - you are at the point where you skull is transmitting the concussion to your inner ear.

Visiting the range during off-hours can help, but I finally just gave up and bought some property where I could have my own range. I wanted to buy land to build my retirement home on anyways - so made sure it was where I could also shoot.

[newbie1234]

BOOM , It sounds good, isn't it ? BOOM, BOOM ...

[IVC]

You need proper, fully custom ear plugs.

I had tried all sorts of plugs and they never worked well enough with my ear canal shape (or my skill in inserting foamy crappy swabs). Never sealed properly or stayed in place. Not even close. After having fully custom ear plugs fitted (binary compound, injected into your ear), it was a night and day difference. The plugs themselves would seal in such a way that you immediately knew they were properly inserted. It was good enough protection on its own. When you add muffs on top, it becomes proper protection for long term use...

[Timthetwin]

Get surefire ep ear plugs. They are much better to than foam plugs. Get the three flange version, and get the right size for best Db reduction. Also, double them with over the ear muffs. You might want to try gel cups for a better seal.

[Roughneck53]

Lot’s of good info! Thanks