Best possible hearing protection?

[Dope]

Hmm I did a search on this and couldn't come up with exactly what I wanted.

Here's the deal: I already have fairly significant hearing loss (non-firearms related). I wear hearing aids. This means I can't wear ear plugs, so I'm stuck with the over-ear design.

Obviously, I want to protect what little hearing I have left. I bought the best pair I could find at my local gun shop (Peltor "President" I believe, 28db reduction?). Is there a king of the hill for hearing protection that's like 40db reduction? Cost isn't much of an object, I'd be willing to go up to at around $100 or so (the Peltors were only like $30).

Dope

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

If you want the maximum protection possible, when selecting ear muffs, look for the highest NRR (noise reduction rating) you can find. There are muffs with higher NRRs than the 28 figure you mentioned; up to 31 or maybe even 33, I believe. I have no experience with hearing aids. Perhaps they can be "turned down," 'tuned out" or whatever when you shoot? Then they could function as earplugs in conjunction with the muffs.

 

[STW]

The muffs I have are the best I've seen, at 33db reduction (maybe 32, it's been a few years). They don't have a brand but say Ruger on them. I had a choice from several gun names so they were obviously not Ruger brand.

 

[Dope]

If you want the maximum protection possible, when selecting ear muffs, look for the highest NRR (noise reduction rating) you can find. There are muffs with higher NRRs than the 28 figure you mentioned; up to 31 or maybe even 33, I believe. I have no experience with hearing aids. Perhaps they can be "turned down," 'tuned out" or whatever when you shoot? Then they could function as earplugs in conjunction with the muffs.

I thought about that too, but the problem there is that hearing aids have a small channel in them to allow the equalization of pressure inside and outside of the ear. Otherwise they are uncomfortable to wear. I imagine this must allow some sound through - although I think it would still block most of it.

I just figured it couldn't hurt to have the best noise reduction possible, it seems like really cheap insurance. Seems 32-33db is the highest so far, has anyone seen higher?

Dope

 

[esq_stu]

I double up with high db reduction muffs and plugs.

 

[Hook686]

+1

The hearing aid goes into its little box and I replace with a good plug, then put on the Peltor headset.

 

[foob]

So the hearing aid can't be removed? The cheap disposable foam plugs are as good as it gets, plus reasonable muffs. Considering people measure the NRR slightly differently, anything above 25 is good enough. Aim for 28 and above.

 

[Dope]

Considering how fragile and expensive my hearing aids are, they never come out (unless I'm sleeping).

Thanks for the help guys, seems mine are pretty good and I will keep my eyes out for the 30+ db NRR ones.

Dope

 

[CWL]

Get your ear protection from Industrial safety suppliers, not gun accessories dealers.

Look for gel-filled muffs rather than foam-lined models as they seal better around your ears.

Here's one with NRR30 for $23.00
http://allsafetysupplies.com/zencar...ducts_id=262&zenid=sbie74fsq9fm79ueljk0vjldq6

 

[foob]

Hey I have that model, I'm not sure if it's gel, I squeeze it and it feels really soft like air heh.

All muffs have the problem that your glasses will make the seal imperfect. I'm not sure if they have safety glass that rests on muffs or something.

 

[Iron Mike]

hearing protection

My hearing is somewhat shot, so to protect what I have left I use both plugs and muffs. The muffs are the woolf ear type which allows me to hear conversation but cuts out loud noises.Works fine for me.

Mike

 

[btg3]

If you put your hearing at risk, you put your LIFE AT RISK.

If you have a hearing aid, this link may be of interest:
http://www.e-a-r.com/pdf/hearingcons/FAQhearingaids.pdf

Also: When using dual protection, the earplug you select is the key. Once you have properly inserted the earplug, the selection of a particular earmuff is essentially unimportant. http://www.e-a-r.com/pdf/hearingcons/FAQdualHPD.pdf

With muffs only, many that are seen on shooters provide questionable protection. They do not meet the 25db minimum attenuation suggested above by Foob and may be further compromised by the protective eyewear worn by shooters.

Do your homework, then try on different products until you find what works for you and use it correctly. What works for some, won't work for others due to:
size/shape of head
style of eyewear (thin wire frames that fit close to temples are best)
choice of hat
hairstyle
size/shape of ear canal
comfort level may vary depending on type of plug and muff

Hearing loss is a PERMANENT DISABILITY. Hearing protection is part of GUN SAFETY.
Do you consider yourself a safe shooter?
Hearing protection must fit, or it won't work. A good seal is required.
Plugs should seal inside the ear and stay in place.
Muffs should seal around the ear.

Hearing loss due to noise exposure is a cumulative process. Even small amounts of exposure add up, and the loss is permanent.

A primary tenant of self-defense is to maintain awareness. If your hearing is impaired, your awareness is impaired -- especially when sleeping or when a threat can not be seen. If you put your hearing at risk, you put your LIFE AT RISK and those that depend on you.
---------
http://www.e-a-r.com/pdf/hearingcons/FAQshooting.pdf
http://www.e-a-r.com/hearingconservation/faq_main.cfm

 

[MakAttak]

Considering how fragile and expensive my hearing aids are, they never come out (unless I'm sleeping).

Thanks for the help guys, seems mine are pretty good and I will keep my eyes out for the 30+ db NRR ones.

Dope

Dope, if you are truly concerned about losing the rest of your hearing, take out the hearing aids.

First of all, if you don't want to damage your hearing, why are you keeping something in your ears that will increase the volume of the sound?

Secondly, although the hearing aids may be fragile and expensive, how much value do you place on the remainder of your hearing?

Please, remove the hearing aids, put in the plugs, put on the muffs.

 

[Conqueror]

^^^Agreed. It doesn't make much sense to spend a bunch on high-NRR earmuffs and then wear them with amplifiers in your ear canals. Keep a small hard case in your car, take them out when you get to the range and leave them in the glove box so they don't get lost or damage.

 

[BobCat]

MakAttak is exactly correct. Take out the hearing aids and wear foam plugs plus muffs.

I take my hearing aids out and put them either in my range bag or center console in my truck, depending on whether it is a match or just some informal time at the range. The orange foam plugs say 33 noise reduction rating; the Leight muffs say 30 I think. Double up and save what you have left; when it is gone it is gone for good.

Not going to whine about what a drag it is to be deaf, but think about how miserable you are now, with the loss you have, and consider how much more miserable you will be when you loose a little more.

Hearing aids are expensive, yes! Fragile? They are solid-state, the most fragile part is the plastic shell. Most of them come with a little foam-lined case you are supposed to put them in at night - just put them in the case and double up on your hearing protection. If people tease you about it, smile and ignore them.

Just my 2¢ - take it or leave it, your choice.

Regards,
Andrew