FAQ: electronic hearing protection

[trailtundra]

This guy has useful information specific to a few of the popular models.

[EastCoaster]

After narrowing it down, I have chosen two electronic noise reducing devices to consider.

The decision was made primarily of effectiveness, both with a NRR of 30. Many more expensive units had a less effective NRR.

Howard Leight Electronic Impact Pro Hearing Protection Earmuff $62.59

Pro-Ears Pro 300 w/ Pro Mag Earmuffs $99.99

[Citizen_B]

After narrowing it down, I have chosen two electronic noise reducing devices to consider.

The decision was made primarily of effectiveness, both with a NRR of 30. Many more expensive units had a less effective NRR.

Howard Leight Electronic Impact Pro Hearing Protection Earmuff $62.59

Pro-Ears Pro 300 w/ Pro Mag Earmuffs $99.99

Having owned both, either of those would be good choices. I might lean slightly towards the Pro Ears at that price difference.

One thing about having electronic muffs on for a whole day is battery power. They last quite awhile (multiple days) but it's inconvenient if they die mid-day and need a battery swap. I like to use rechargeables and have them topped off before the day or every couple of days. The Howard Leights use AAA but the Ear Pros uses N type so that's another thing to consider.

[Walky Talky]

I use these . . http://www.leadmask.com/howard-leigh...FVGCfgody0AEVw

I enjoy the sound of walking on gravel with them on

[EastCoaster]

I use these . . http://www.leadmask.com/howard-leigh...FVGCfgody0AEVw

I enjoy the sound of walking on gravel with them on

I would have liked to have a low profile set such as these, but with a NRR of 22, it just wasn't effective enough for my purposes.

[EastCoaster]

Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation

A Shot of Prevention: CAOHC Webinar 2014 Handout

Peak dB SPL of Various Firearms (5 Studies), Supplemental Handout

[Eddbot]

I wear these with plugs in.

http://www.amazon.com/3M-Tactical-Electronic-Hearing-Protector/dp/B00NAG4WX2/ref=pd_sim_328_3?ie=UTF8&dpID=41v09swjxSL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR80%2C160_&refRID=1VV5PBWGDTX3TX55G53G

Does anyone have recommendations for eye protection that doesn't compromise muff seal?

Looking at these after pointerman's mention of them.

http://www.amazon.com/ESS-Eyewear-Crossbow-Suppressor-Black/dp/B004D60S86

[Citizen_B]

Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation

A Shot of Prevention: CAOHC Webinar 2014 Handout

Peak dB SPL of Various Firearms (5 Studies), Supplemental Handout

Informative links, thanks for sharing. I'm a little surprised at the pistol data though. It's a compilation from multiple sources and taken from different recording positions, so it's tough to make a direct comparison looking at that table.

One set that doesn't look right to me is it's claiming the G22 (40SW) is the same dB as a 45ACP, and even less than the G17 (9mm). This hasn't been my experience at all. With my uncalibrated ears using passive muffs, 40SW is slightly louder than 9mm, with 45ACP considerably softer than both.

This source has slightly different numbers:

http://www.freehearingtest.com/hia_gunfirenoise.shtml

I can't find his original paper (if one was written).

[EastCoaster]

8 years old, but has the science changed all that much?

The Hearing Review: Firearms and Hearing Protection

[Librarian]

8 years old, but has the science changed all that much?

The Hearing Review: Firearms and Hearing Protection

I think the tech available in hearing protection has changed some, so running similar experiments with 2015 models might give different results.

Good article.

[Cokebottle]

Home Depot has a Black Friday sale on electronic muffs with a 25 dB rating, radio and MP3 input for $27

25 and you're going to want to wear foamies or the "ribbed" plugs under them at an indoor range.

That's not totally a bad thing... turning up the volume allows you to have a normal conversation with the plugs in and muffs on.

Outdoors? You'll be okay with 25 unless you've got a good comp on the AR or the guy next to you is shooting a 500mag (had that happen at Redlands)

[pointerman]

I wear these with plugs in.

http://www.amazon.com/3M-Tactical-Electronic-Hearing-Protector/dp/B00NAG4WX2/ref=pd_sim_328_3?ie=UTF8&dpID=41v09swjxSL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR80%2C160_&refRID=1VV5PBWGDTX3TX55G53G

Does anyone have recommendations for eye protection that doesn't compromise muff seal?

Looking at these after pointerman's mention of them.

http://www.amazon.com/ESS-Eyewear-Cr.../dp/B004D60S86

The ESS I mentioned are really flat and work great. You can't wear them without muffs on because they slide off your head if you bend over or move your head too quickly. They are definitely designed for one purpose. Great eye protection (easy to change out to different colored lenses) for wearing with ear muffs.

[Librarian]

Just grabbed this one and made it a sticky with a new title.

[Mute]

If you like your custom molded ear plugs, I think the best solution is a pair of custom mold plugs that incorporate electronics. ESP America and E.A.R. Inc are a couple of options for this type of product. If you have any questions, let me know. I'm an E.A.R. Inc provider and I do custom molds for many of their customers who need to get fitted.

[Litespeeds]

I wanted to upgrade my Peltor standard ear protection to an electronic one so decided to buy the Pro Ears Predator Gold. I think I have a fat head because these are squeezing my brains out. They feel comfortable but too tight. Any way to adjust the tension or maybe take a hairdryer and heat the plastic to see if it will reshape a little? Don't want to damage these but if there is no fix, I will either have to return them or sell them in the Marketplace. Your help is much appreciated.