Does anyone else double up on hearing protection?

[BucDan]

I think plugs aren't enough because sound can still travel through the outside of you're ear and hit the ear drum. But I'm not an ear doctor, so I don't know. I use muffs and least now.

[DigitalDave]

Double me too

[scbauer]

Yep. Foam plugs + electronic muffs.

[Tank 57]

Double up most of the time. Some of my rifles, a good check weld can push on muffs. Plugs help.

Only time I would use only one type of ear pro would be .22 rifle shooting where there were no other guns being fired.

[CGT80]

I have hearing loss for reasons similar to those discussed above. I wear plugs and muffs, and have difficulty hearing range commands. I am not willing to compromise what little hearing I have left, nor increase my tinnitus; I am considering electronic hearing protection and would be very happy for some recommendations.

30-33 db plugs and 30+ db Pro Ears Gold Mag. They are around 300 bucks, but the sound quality is great and they don't just shut off when there is gunfire, like the cheap ones. The slim cut pro ears did not provide enough protection, and I used to use them alone or over custom plugs with filters.

I have tinnitus that started at age 17 from ear infections and got worse a few years ago from another infection, but noise from working in construction, concerts, races, music, etc. probably caused a good part of the damage and the infections triggered the increase. I have mild HF hearing loss and it sucks. Hypercausis, over sensitivity to sound, is bad as well. To comfortably shoot, I have to have at least the custom plugs under the mag muffs to take the edge off with smaller arms, and most of the time I use the foam plugs. AR 15 brakes are a killer, even at 10-15 feet away and doubled up.

When I was a teen, we used cheap muffs or foam plugs, but not doubled up and I used to go through full power reloads of 30-06 by the big coffee can full each time we went out (a few times per year at most). Now my shoulder and spine, as well as my ears, have an appreciation for some castboolits and lighter loads. My right ear is worse, but I am right handed and used many nail guns, saws, router table, tile saw, gas powered compressors and airless sprayers, big pressure washing machines, sanders, framing hammers, impact drivers, etc. when I was in construction (age 14-31). Even driving on the freeway in an old truck (ac didn't work) with the windows down is pretty loud and likely took it's toll over many years. Not so loud for a long period of time is the same as very loud for a short time, but the former is less obvious as a hazard.

I am only 35 years old..........double up.

My buddy wears hearing aids and has a set of cheaper ones behind the ear with custom plugs, just for the range. They would be great to have under the electronic muffs. I did see some electronic muffs that had an ear plug with the speaker in it, so you were doubled up but had the audio direct to your ear. They are not common and might be a bit of a pain to use vs. individual electronic plugs and muffs. Some of the guys at the range use non custom electronic plugs, but the reviews are not all that great.

[ImprezaSTI]

Yes, double up all the time now. Used to only at the indoor range but after some jackas shot an AR with a muzzle break right next to me my ear was ringing bad.

[cvycbob]

good read http://www.coopersafety.com/noisereduction.aspx

[Bainter1212]

Yes, double up all the time now. Used to only at the indoor range but after some jackas shot an AR with a muzzle break right next to me my ear was ringing bad.

Same here, those muzzle brakes are awful.
I use linear compensators on my guns.
I put forth the argument that if you are in REAL combat, you will most likely be with compatriots and none of you will be wearing hearing protection. Your muzzle brake will make an already damaging noise much much worse, but that's an argument for another thread........

[Harley]

Yes, I do.

[Mayor McRifle]

I double up at indoor ranges.

[417atty]

I double up at both indoor and outdoor ranges.

[creepyoldgamer]

I double up while using my electronic muffs. No issues with hearing commands.

This

[Maht_g]

WHAT?! I DONT NEED HEARING PROTECTION! No i don't double up, but usually use 1 one or the other... Not always though. Sometimes It's good to hear the full report so you learn not to flinch... I shoot at dogs from a tractor seat at least weekly, no protection.

[The_Highwayman]

As others have stated, I use plug and electronic ear muffs an indoor ranges. However, I only plugs when shooting trap or skeet.

[Jet Setter]

I do when under a roof structure. Echoing is terrible and amplifies the sound under a structure. When shooting clay, I just use good plugs.