Hearing Protection – Not Enough (IMHO)

[Phil3]

I am NOT an expert on hearing loss, but since considering a 338 Lapua Mag rifle, I decided to become more informed on the topic. What I learned is worrisome. If someone sees an error, knows more, can add additional correct information, etc, PLEASE add a comment and I will edit as necessary.
Since suppressors are not allowed in CA, I did not mention those.

It is generally accepted that even a very brief momentary single exposure to sound pressure of 140+ decibels, can cause some hearing loss.

See this article. http://precisionrifleblog.com/2015/0...es-sound-test/

https://www.westone.com/store/downloads/defendear/DE_White_Paper.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8K1t_mRC7A

Phil

[edgerly779]

My ears huave rung since 1972. I wear earplugs and shooting muffs now after the cow is out of the barn. I was at angeles years ago and a cop came down behind benchs during cease fire with his kids to talk to shooter. (Far left side of rifle where big boys shoot 50's and 338 's. As he e=was talking the cease fire ended and a shooter was getting ready with a 50 with the kids 20 feet away. i called emergency cease fie-re so dummy could leave with kids. ould have been bad. No ear protection for any of them.

[russ69]

Custom plugs and muffs is the best you can do. I've been shooting for over 50 years and no loss from shooting.

[CALI-gula]

Have been doubling up for decades; foam plugs AND muffs, always have.

But I've always suspected this was plausible, especially for big oscillation inducing blasts out of muzzle-brakes on .50BMG, close to ARs, etc:

That is, at some point, even if the ears received ZERO noise, the bones in the skull can still rattle the sensitive parts of the ear.

So wear a motorcycle helmet with plugs and hearing protection? If I recall, Doug Koenig experimented with the effects of this years ago in reducing the impression it can have during competition; remember seeing it on "American Shooter" or "Shooting USA" etc.

.

[OCEquestrian]

What did you say? I couldn't hear you........

[Preston-CLB]

I am a pistol shooter (9mm) and haven't been around big bore pistols, or rifles in a long time. I wear plugs. A good set of muffs is next on my list so that I can double up.
-p

[beretta929mm]

hearing loss and moderate lead poisoning come with the hobby

[DBA]

I have been curious about the custom plugs. Anyone recommend anything specific to buy or to avoid?

[ssgrock3]

Jeezus, shoot it outside if you can, I bet it was load!


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[tsmithson]

What?

[redcliff]

Plugs and muffs for 40 years. Saves your hearing and can help you shoot better by reducing flinch.

[Thepug99]

[ChuckDizzle]

Custom plugs and muffs is the best you can do. I've been shooting for over 50 years and no loss from shooting.

I recieved significant loss and tinnitus from military service. Riding in a CH 47 without ear pro was probably the most damage.

I'm considered "anal" by most of my friends about hearing protection, but subsequent exams since my military days have revealed no additional loss in spite of over a decade of regular shooting.

I find in ear foam plugs, properly fitted, to be my favorite. No chance of gaps like on over the ear muffs. I even use them practicing with my band.

[Jeepergeo]

I have been curious about the custom plugs. Anyone recommend anything specific to buy or to avoid?

I had a custom set made at a Sports Shooting Fair for $50 and they do a good job. They seem to put less pressure on my ear canal, so I can wear them for hours. I do double up if indoors or someone has a brake on their nearby firearm.

[L84CABO]

There's really not much more you can do besides doubling up. To this end, I've tried numerous pairs of electronic muffs...the good ones too...pro ears, MSA Sordins, etc. And none of them "cut off" quick enough to my liking. Maybe I just have super sensitive ears or something.

Anyway, I double up at this point whether it's indoor our out. YMMV