Is this even possible (electronic ears)

[mnh327]

I'm looking into electronic ear protection, the ones that amplify normal sounds, but muffle loud noises.

Any recommendations?

And I'm wondering, is it possible for these to fail, and instead of noise reduction, actually amplify a shot instead, hurting your ears?

[DaveInOroValley]

I've seen noise canceling shooting muffs

http://www.peltorearmuffs.net/peltor-tactical-ear-muffs.php

[tpuig]

I have a set of Walker game ears. The quad version. They work great, you can hear soft sounds all around, and have pretty good directional capability.
I sometimes wear them when hunting, and you can hear a whisper. Yet they still protect your ears from the shots.

However, they are not good for wearing at the range, since they do enhance everything then cut off the loud noises. So you hear distant gunshots better, and then the close ones are blocked. Makes for a noisy day.

I don't think they have the power to make a noise loud enough to damage your ears, unlike an iPod or similar at full volume. And the headphones themselves would block a lot of the outside noise, even if the electronics failed.

I normally double up with a set of custom fit passive earplugs, then some cheap electronic muffs over them. (Sportsmans Guide $15 version) Works great.

[bootless]

Take a look at Walkers Game Ears. I've been meaning to try them one of these days but haven't bought any yet. I've heard good things though.

[bootless]

Looks like tpuig beat me to it.

[smarter]

This is what I wear and it's under $50.

http://www.amazon.com/Howard-Leight-R-01526-Electronic-Earmuff/dp/B001T7QJ9O/ref=pd_sim_sg_3

Amps sounds and blocks gunshot noise. Ipod input as well.

[paladin4415]

I have worn the MSA Sordin Supreme Pro electronic ears everyday for the past several years. They are the best I've ever found. I don't think there is any way that they could malfunction and amplify sound enough to hurt your ears.

Everybody I know buys them here:

http://www.srstactical.com/communications/supreme-range-headsets/msa-sordin-supreme-pro-iv/75302.html

[XDRoX]

I have these ones by Howard Leight.
They work great and are not that expensive. Howard's son is a shooting buddy of mine and gave me a pair. Really top quality stuff and they work awesome. You can even plug an iPod into them.

[Newshooter]

I wear "Pro Ears" at the range and they work really great. The only issue is the batteries are very expensive and if you forget to turn them off...it sucks!

[Brd_Hntr]

Peltor electronic behind the neck, so I can wear a hat. If you like to listen to music while shooting get the model with the input jack.

[uzigalil]

+1 Sordins

[Super Spy]

+1 on the Howard Leight's....only takes 2AAA batteries, decent battery life, and not too bulky so you can still get a decent cheek weld. If you like spending money there are certainly more expensive ones out there, but these do the job.

[VictorFranko]

Keep a pair on your nightstand with your HD gun.
In a dark, quiet house you could hear the BG moving/breathing, a definite advantage, and if you have to shoot, hearing protection.
Just don't get the pair with big red "ON" light

[subijitsu]

I dont think they really have the power to be able to create enough noise to do damage to your ears.

I have some of the cheap Caldwell ones and they work great but I would like a little more db reduction. I am thinking about filling the voids in the muffs around the electronics with expando foam to see if that helps.

When I buy new ones I will definitely get a stereo pair. You can hear a car or game much better than without but if you get the mono ones you wont know which direction its coming from.

[762.DEFENSE]

I know Surefire makes them, but they're pricey. A few of my friends who are on S.W.A.T. use them, and swear by them.