Good (but low price) hearing protection?

[user01394]

I need to buy some hearing protection, I would like something that is slim (not all huge) that provides good protection. Not sure what I mean by low price but hopefully under $50.

Also is it wise to wear some foam plugs in the ear with the over the ear protection. Or if you get good enough over the ear is this not necessary?

[Librarian]

Lots of choices; I happen to use a fatter one, so don't have any info on slim ones.

But the muffs-only or muffs-and-plugs issue turns on two things; what are you shooting (and what are others around you shooting) and are you indoors or outdoors. Indoors, shooting an S&W 500? Wear both, I think!

Another consideration is whether you wear glasses, or whether your eye protection has to go under the ear-cups - if so, the extra ear plugs are a good idea.

[Jicko]

Electronic -> Howard Leight Impact Sport ($60)


Passive -> Surefire Earpro EP3/EP4 ($14)

http://www.surefire.com/pdfs/ep3-ep4_tech_copy.pdf

http://www.surefire.com/EP3-Sonic-Defenders

Oh.... if the $14 surefire is still too expensive... then.... FOAM PLUGs... ($.50)

[SeanCasey]

I wear Leightning L3 muffs in addition to plugs. I paid $21.99 for the muffs. They are not slim though.

[IGOTDIRT4U]

You can get NRR 30 Peltor headsets at Home Depot for 22.00, perfect for indoor ranges (in fact, most ranges around here use the same ones for renters.) They are cheap, but work great for indoor ranges.

[b.faust]

I say spend a little more, you only have one set of ears. And it'll cost more in the long run to get those fixed, than skimping on ear protection.

If it's really a budget issue, then what everyone else said, double up with disposable ear pugs as well.

[zman]

Electronic -> Howard Leight Impact Sport ($60)

This is a good one for the price. Slim/Electronic/Foldable. But always have some cheap foam plugs (in addition) for the times you're next to a "cannon".

I believe it has an MP3 jack input too.

[eccvets]

wear both, the more protection the better. also who cares if you have wide/fat muffs? are you trying to be tatical?

[user01394]

So if I am gonna spend some more money (I don't wanna skimp on protection) what should I get?

[Casual Observer]

So if I am gonna spend some more money (I don't wanna skimp on protection) what should I get?

Surefire Fox Ear. MSRP about $980.

[Kram12085]

The problem I had with good passive protection is I couldn't hear what's going on. And if I wore protection that let me hear around me, then I'd go home with ringing in my ears.

Spend the $80 or so on a good set of Peltors electronic earmuffs. It is cheap compared to tinnitus...

[ojisan]

I saw an steel plate shooter turn up one day for practice many years ago.
He shoved a .38 Super round in each ear as ear plugs.
Cheap and convenient, I guess.

[eccvets]

I saw an steel plate shooter turn up one day for practice many years ago.
He shoved a .38 Super round in each ear as ear plugs.
Cheap and convenient, I guess.

bwahahahahhahaha

[jrsportssupply]

The Peltor Ultimate 10 has a NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) of 30 db - the best I'm aware of. The Howard Leight Impact has an NRR of 22, which is just ok. Since the Impact muffs have a good amplifier, they work well when doubling up with foam earplugs. That's the safest way I know of to both protect your ears & hear what's going on around you.

[maxicon]

+1. Many electronic muffs have a low NRR, and really need plugs if you shoot much and care about your hearing. Likewise, slim muffs have lower NRRs.

Remember that electronic muffs don't get any better than their base NRR whether the power's on or off. The electronics only amplify soft sounds, they don't help cut loud sounds.

I also use and recommend the Peltor Ultimate 10/H10A (also sold as AOSafety Professional 90561), which are available at Orchard Supply in the sf bay area. They have excellent protection, seal well around shooting glasses, and are very comfortable, but aren't slim at all.

Among the best rated electronic muffs are the Peltor Tactical Pro/Pro Tac II, which have a decent 26 NRR. They're expensive, though.

If you buy slim muffs or inexpensive electronic muffs with low NRRs, you should wear plugs under them and turn the volume up on the electronic ones.