Hearing protection

[opos]

I'm an older guy with already damaged hearing from years of unprotected shooting as a young guy and years of riding jets in business....I currently use Winchester muffs (sort of a bargain style) and if really noisy (shooting big bore or at P2K where I might be next to a 308 while on the pistol range...I need some better protection...I've heard of the Pro Ear Gold but it's way pricy....just wondering what others are using that might fall between cotton in the ears and a $300 set of muffs? If the $300 set is about all the options I have...I'll pony up the money...just looking for thoughts.
thanks
opos

[XYZ]

Doubling up with earmuffs - Peltor H10A (30NRR) and earplugs - E-A-R 312-1252 (33NRR). About $30 for both. However, the Peltors are really big.

[Jeff213]

I paid about $110 a few years ago for my Peltor electronic ear protection. I am very satisfied with it, although when shooting the big guns such as my .30-06 I still use the small ear plugs inside. The peltors are made in Sweden (not china!) and block out a lot of sound, yet allow you to hear quiet sounds and conversation very clearly due to the electronics.

[mlgs00]

I used a set of Peltor Tactical Sport electronic ear muffs for years. They worked great for shooting pistols and rifles. they cost around $100.00. now that I volunteer at the range and spend 8 hours there at a time, I decided to upgrade tp the Pro Ears Gold. The 33 decibel noise reduction means I no longer go home with ringing ears from prolonged exposure to loud noises. The Peltors only provide about 21 decibels of noise reduction. The $280 was well spent. I still use the Peltors when shooting my rifles because they have tapered ear cups that don't interfere with getting a good cheek weld. I have very good hearing and I want to still have in another 20 or 30 years. How much is that worth to you?

[Turbinator]

Doubling up with earmuffs - Peltor H10A (30NRR) and earplugs - E-A-R 312-1252 (33NRR). About $30 for both. However, the Peltors are really big.

Doubling up is the key, and it doesn't cost that much to do this either.

Turby

[BSlacker]

If you don't need to hear normal speech then something like these plus plugs when extra protection is needed.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/1871222091/pro-ears-ultra-33-earmuffs-nrr-33-db

High quality so you know they give you the NRR as rated.

I have the same deal as you with early shooting with no protection and rock bands and big equipment so my ears are shot. I use Pro Ears Gold. They are ok but don't protect like double, non electronic muffs and plugs.

[opos]

If you don't need to hear normal speech then something like these plus plugs when extra protection is needed.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/1871222091/pro-ears-ultra-33-earmuffs-nrr-33-db

High quality so you know they give you the NRR as rated.

I have the same deal as you with early shooting with no protection and rock bands and big equipment so my ears are shot. I use Pro Ears Gold. They are ok but don't protect like double, non electronic muffs and plugs.

Do you use the molded plastic plugs or the foam plugs under the muffs? I've tried the molded plugs and can't keep them in place...even under the muffs...my ears "sweat" and the plugs just ease out....thanks.

[wjc]

I double up as well...especially when shooting larger calibers.

I use the foam plugs as I have weirdly shaped ear canals and can get them to
fit better. I then use a set of Perltor muffs over that.

[cpiaaq]

One more for foam plugs and doubling up. I use the Leight L3, passive with 33nrr similar to the one linked above.

[voiceofreason]

If you're not talking to anyone, foam plugs + any high NRR muffs that give a good seal.

I like Surefire EarPros + $25 (when on sale) Caldwell Low Profile Electronic Muffs for when I want to hear what's going on around me.

The EarPros work okay by themselves, but I don't really even like pistols with only them.

The Caldwells by themselves work well, better than the EarPros in my opinion, but I like the 2 of them together best.

I hear pretty well when there isn't gunfire and there is never any pain or discomfort after shooting.

I've had ringing issues with even just muffs alone when shooting indoors or around .308 or larger rifles.

[opos]

Just want to say thanks to everyone that chimed in...I'm going with muffs and insert plugs...Think I found a good set of Pro Ear muffs that won't break me...what hearing is left is worth saving...Again, thanks for all the comments
opos

[damndave]

I double up when shooting indoors. Usually with Surefire EarPro EP5 and some Howard Leight muffs. Works very well.

Outdoor shooting I just use the Surefire EP5 and they seem perfectly fine.

[TheThousands]

Double up! Howard Leight muffs and some foam plugs work great.