I've messed up my hearing and am wondering the best way to protect myself.

[sammy]

Hello Folks,

I have been working up loads for the last 6 months for my AR's. A 16" and 18" both with Spikes Tactical brakes. Super loud. Annoys everyone around me. Livermore has a 3 sided box configuration that is about 6'x6' which is worst case scenario for sound on the shooter. It has never been a problem. Normally used my favorite 3m 33db ear plug with no muffs. Used these alone for 10 years with no problem.

Last Friday I get into a different car that has no plugs. I fished around under the seat and found 2 mis matched plugs for who knows when. I am not squeamish and put them right in, noticing nothing out of the ordinary.

In all I stayed 3 sessions firing 100 shots total. I checked out, got into the truck and pulled the plugs out. My left ear felt like I still had an ear plug stuck in it or was filled with water. The wind noise of running down the freeway is very distorted. Like a blown speaker in a cheap car.

I was convinced something had lodged itself in the ear and made an urgent care appointment. It was completely clear and referred me to a specialist. Unfortunately the doctor said it is most likely going to be permanent. Prescribed a high dose of steroids but was not optimistic.


Now I am not sure of what steps to take other than doubling up. Is there a lower profile ear muff that automatically turns off? I stopped using my old set as I found the batteries dead every time I went to use them.

I will take any recommendations.

Thanks Folks

Sammy

[L84CABO]

doubling up.

^^^ This is the way.

You don't get second chances with your hearing...and especially now if you've got some damage. Shop around for some flatter, low profile muffs if you need to. Sordins makes some, Peltor makes some, Howard Leight Sports are pretty low profile, etc.

But if you do have damage, doubling up should be mandatory. If you can't find a way to make it work for whatever gun you're trying to shoot, I wouldn't shoot that gun. Losing your hearing is no joke.

[deckhandmike]

I’m a fan of brakes but in your case I’d be running a linear comp like a levang. It’s not nearly as effective for recoil but it does a decent job throwing the sound forward. And yes double up for sure.

[naz]

I use those 33db foamies and over ear is Sordin pro X

Hope your ears get better and 100% double up around rifles and big boy revolvers from now on…

[wooger]

Try cleaning your ears with an elephant washer.

[sammy]

Try cleaning your ears with an elephant washer.

That was the first thing I did after getting home. No joy. Ear is clear confirmed by doctor.

[NoHeavyHitter]

I double up foam plugs & muffs too. If my situation were as serious as yours, I might finally pony up the cash to get the custom silicone ones made.

[keepitlow]

Can you imagine if you shot it in the house or inside a car? But why brakes on an AR?

You talking 5.56 OR 7.62?

My ears are pretty good, but have some issues with eyes from lasers.

[Tango_Down]

What?

Always double up.

[sfvshooter]

When I first started shooting, I bought a pair of cheapo Howard Leight earmuffs. Learned very quickly hearing isn't something you should mess with and ponied up for MSA Supreme Pro X. I pair them up with Nonoise.

Some might say it's overkill, but I'd rather be cautious since you can't get it back once it's gone.

[sammy]

Can you imagine if you shot it in the house or inside a car? But why brakes on an AR?

You talking 5.56 OR 7.62?

My ears are pretty good, but have some issues with eyes from lasers.

556. To keep them compliant why not have the benefit of having less recoil? Well now I am re-thinking that.

[SharedShots]

Yes, double up but also consider making your own custom silicone plugs as the first layer. You can buy them at Sportsmans or other big box gun stores. They take minutes to make up and provide a custom fit and have a high rating. The brand I've used is called Decibullz. They really work.

If you don't want to go that route another really good solution as plugs under the muffs are the waxy ear plugs used by some swimmers. They work really well.

Then, get rid of the brakes and stay away from others using them. This is not being courteous, someone else's freedom or any of that, if you don't stop what you're doing you'll end up asking "WHAT?" the rest of your life, even when no one is saying anything.

I'd stop shooting just for a while, let things settle down so you can ascertain how much damage to your hearing you have sustained.

Hearing damage is cumulative. Damage has been done and a little damage gets heaped onto the pile with every damaging exposure. It's not this time or the next time, it's all the times added up.

[not-fishing]

There's a reason I shoot without "brakes" even up to 300 Wby.

I'll take the pounding when shooting 30 cal to save my ears. I can always add a bit of cushion to my shoulder.

[JS11B]

Double up, unless outdoors, not always needed.

[Bete Noire]