Let's talk electronic hearing protection

[relatively-anonymous]

Is there a kind of earplug that offers the same sound passthrough that earmuffs offer?

I use electronic (Peltor RG-OTH-4) earmuffs and under them use Surefire EP4 plugs and they fit decently well and provide good protection when stacked together. The earmuffs stifle loud pops but let conversational audio through electronically, however the plugs are a little TOO good and make it difficult to even hear what the earmuffs play through.

I was hoping there was some electronic PLUGS that will give me the normal conversation-level sound level passthrough like the earmuffs but the pop protection like the earplugs. Basically I want to move the normal sound passthrough from the "earmuff" layer to the "earplug" layer.

Any thoughts?

[cvigue]

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00PABOJ0Q

But I just wear plugs with my e-muffs.

[67Cuda]

I have bought these, I have not tried them yet. They looked interesting and didn't cost much. Might not be exactly what your looking for.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A3I35HY/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[CouchOperator]

Im 100% comtac iii now. Awesome quality, long battery life, completely waterproof, gel earcups rock, etc. Never felt the need to double up, so maybe you should look at upgrading your muffs

[IVC]

Normally, when you double up you're in the very loud environment and need the extra protection as a sort of a "hack." Trying to patch it together to get the same effect as having single layer electronic muffs is a bit of a stretch in such a situation.

With that said, you can get ear plugs with built in electronics, but you can also get custom made ear plugs with a small hole that allows sound to travel through, while mechanically limiting the amount of energy that can be transferred.

A lot of guys shooting outdoors use custom plugs when shooting pistols (being outdoors, shooting pistol calibers and not having muzzle brakes makes this a good choice). They provide sufficient noise reduction for such application. I'm pretty sure they'd work well under your primary electronic muffs. I wouldn't stack up electronic-electronic, though.

[TransplantTexan]

This isn't doubling up but I bought these

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Walkers-Razor-X-Digital-Earbuds/2347398.uts?productVariantId=4790839&WT.tsrc=PPC&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=04557752&rid=20&gclid=Cj0KEQjw2-bHBRDEh6qk5b6yqKIBEiQAFUz29gd99HU44YAGqQaC76h9410q5d6o98aPRB-1qxmD0iUaAqvv8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

And then made custom plugs http://www.cabelas.com/product/hunti...gs/1530075.uts that replaced the foam on the Walkers to give me a tight fit but with electronic mics that cut out above the threshold.

I've used them outdoors and once indoors with pistols only and I'm happy with them. There are some you tube videos on how to get the custom plugs to mate with the Walker.

[Scratch705]

get the surefire ep3. they come with that removable plug to allow lower level sounds through.

i actually have the ep3 for motorcycle riding before i knew there was the ep4 since i don't need the plug feature.

that might solve the issue of voices not being heard. although do know that with the plugs removed, the NRR is down to 11

[relatively-anonymous]

This is all great, thanks. I've only done indoor ranges so far, so doubling up works for me. I may take my Surefire EP4s and give myself a tiny bit more air through them while sticking with the same equipment I have now. Those Peltor earplugs are pretty attractive, but fiercely expensive.

[tanks]

Here you go. How much do you wish to spend?

https://www.sportear.com/collections/hearing-protection-shooting

[L84CABO]

Here you go. How much do you wish to spend?

https://www.sportear.com/collections...ction-shooting

Yup...some ridiculously expensive options there. Wonder how they work? Don't forget that sound is also transmitted through the bone structure in your face/melon so there may actually be some additional benefits of muffs over plugs. But when you consider how expensive real hearing aids are, the price of electronic ear plugs seems...well...consistent at least.

One problem here with plugs is that there may be actual times where you do want to double up...like any time you're indoors. The best electronic plugs in the world can still be made better by throwing muffs on top of them. And that's critical in doors, IMO.

Let us know if you go for the expensive ones. Would love to hear how they perform.

[wpage]

+1 on the walker game ears.

[bug_eyedmonster]

get the surefire ep3. they come with that removable plug to allow lower level sounds through.

i actually have the ep3 for motorcycle riding before i knew there was the ep4 since i don't need the plug feature.

that might solve the issue of voices not being heard. although do know that with the plugs removed, the NRR is down to 11

I use these with my electronic muffs for all shooting, indoor and out except trap/skeet. With the shotgun stuff, since it's outdoors, I just use the plugs since its not very loud and the muffs just get in the way.

Jerry

[cvigue]

Im 100% comtac iii now. Awesome quality, long battery life, completely waterproof, gel earcups rock, etc. Never felt the need to double up, so maybe you should look at upgrading your muffs

I think the NRR on those is only about 26 db? That won't cut it for me indoors with a bunch of muzzle-braked ARs running beside me.

I had these: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B007BGSI5U

Which have a NRR of 30 db, and I still wanted more.

[etwinam]

I use the foam plugs combined with Howard leight sport. Never had an issue. I can hear regular conversation and I have no problems with muzzle brake ARs in a closed range.

[cvigue]

I use the foam plugs combined with Howard leight sport. Never had an issue. I can hear regular conversation and I have no problems with muzzle brake ARs in a closed range.

That's what works for me, but I'm thinking of going back to the Pros, since they have 4db more reduction and they're nicer to wear.