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

[Go Packers!]

I use 30 earmuffs in addition to those custom molded ear plugs from the guys at the gun shows. I always double up.

[squeeze]

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.

I too double up when using a rifle or handgun, For shotgun I use those orange rubber inserts with the blue cord, A few years ago I bought some custom molded ones for shot gunning. Cost $250+. They just never worked out very well. Each shot sounded like a ringing bell. Protect your hearing at all cost. Being hard of hearing is very difficult. Generally, people are not sympathetic.

..................................................
I have two unused trap shooting books/manuals for sale. See my posting here:

https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?p=26822520#post26822520

[naz]

If only our CA overlords read this thread and realized they are harming our hearing by not letting us plebs have suppressors. Think of the children and the need to protect their hearing

[rlewpolar]

I use these and then put regular muffs on top. Doubling up is good on so many levels. One of the benefits is that if your muffs shift (i.e. head on a rifle stock), you still have good protection.

[Jimi Jah]

I've found the yellow 3M foam plugs work best. Those stay in and don't work their way out. Those tapered plugs tend to slide out especially if you put your cheeks on the stock.

Outdoors that's all I need to use. Unless someone is next to me with a brake.
I use all linear compensators except the AR-47. A friend was shooting mine in the desert last week and the air blasts would blow my hat off my head. I moved away.

[onelonehorseman]

I use custom plugs (made to fit an individuals ear canal) + muffs over the top. That system has always worked for me.

The one thing i've never tried are the electronic noise-cancelling type muffs because I never needed anything more. Apparently they have the advantage of allowing more hearing (for communicating with others) when loud noises are not present.

Best of luck with your hearing OP.

[Barang]

is your ear ringing bad?

i use radians & walker's. it also help that we shoot outdoor so the noise is not as loud as indoors.

[Rogue187]

Go to your local Hearing Aid specialist and have them custom mold your ear.
They should be able to get you some custom silicone ear plugs. They really block out sound. Then double up using electronic ear pro.

I use Peltor Comtacs plus the custom plugs.

Of course your mileage will vary..

[sammy]

is your ear ringing bad?

i use radians & walker's. it also help that we shoot outdoor so the noise is not as loud as indoors.

It is not the constant ringing you hear about. it is distorted sound. Imagine wind in your ear sounding like it is a hose pointed at your ear. Very uncomfortable and unusual.

Fortunately at night no ringing or any other extraneous noises.

[sammy]

I really appreciate everyones suggestions. I ordered a set of Decibullz today. Going to blow the dust off my electronic ears and put a new set of batteries in them before going back to the range.

[Kyle1886]

If your problem is diagnosed as "acoustic trauma" you are not going to get back normal hearing you enjoyed prior.

IF, that is the diagnosis, the cilia, little hairs in the ear are damaged. Some recovery over time is possible but never to 'normal'.

It happened to me, not firearm related, but the result is the same.

I was totally deaf, both ears for a couple of weeks. Thankfully I can hear treble and bass tones but midrange not so much.

Also see more than one audio specialist.

PM me if you have questions, I've been dealing with this for over ten years.

The best to you sir.

Respectfully
Kyle

[stevec223]

[HKAllTheThings]

[IVC]

DOUBLE UP, LIKE EVERYONE ELSE SAID. SOME OF IT WILL COME BACK, BUT HEARING LOSS IS GENERALLY CUMULATIVE, SO EVEN IF YOU HAVE SOME LOSS RIGHT NOW, YOU CAN PREVENT MORE LOSS IN THE FUTURE.

AND IN CASE SOMEOENE ASKS WHY I'M YELLING... he can't hear well.

[Barang]

It is not the constant ringing you hear about. it is distorted sound. Imagine wind in your ear sounding like it is a hose pointed at your ear. Very uncomfortable and unusual.

Fortunately at night no ringing or any other extraneous noises.

my ear has constant loud ringing and my high frequency range is gone. hopefully you regain full if not some of your hearing back.