Hearing Protection, but still being able to hear.

[Snarlingiron]

Ok, I just finished a 3 day pistol course, and I have a problem. If I put on a really good set of muffs, I can't hear the instructor. Hearing the instructor is a pretty important thing in a pistol class. I ordered a set of the do it yourself custom plugs, and those seem to work fairly well, but I'm not sure I am getting the protection I should have. My hearing has degraded over the last couple of years anyway, so it makes the problem even more difficult. I bought a set of electronic muffs, and they actually work very well. I can hear quite well, and still get good protection. Problem is, the batteries (8 AAA cells) only last about 2 - 3 hours. Does anyone make a good set of electronic muffs that has decent battery life, is not the size of large hamburger buns and actually work?

Your recommendations would be appreciated.

 

[Double Naught Spy]

Lots of folks do, but especially Peltor, Silencio, etc. Muffs nowadays run on anything from 2 AAA batteries or 2 AA batteries, 1 9v battery, or even on some of the little camera batteries and usually last something like 10-40 hours depending on the electronics.

 

[Double Naught Spy]

Lots of folks do, but especially Peltor, Silencio, etc. Muffs nowadays run on anything from 2 AAA batteries or 2 AA batteries, 1 9v battery, or even on some of the little camera batteries and usually last something like 10-40 hours depending on the electronics.

 

[USMC Tanker]

I use those rubber orange ear plugs that come in those handy little green boxes...courtesy of Uncle Sam.

 

[another okie]

The batteries in my Peltor seem to last a long time. They use two N batteries on each side.

I wear foam plugs under them, because I prefer less noise than they permit through. The combination of the two seems about right, though if I see someone with a compensated, short barrelled weapon I normally grab the non-electronic muffs with the 30 db reduction.

 

[LeoC]

I've been very happy with the fit, protection, and battery life of the MSA Sordin Supreme Pros. So much so that I bought another pair for my wife. Well, actually for me because my wife would grab them every time and force me to use the conventional muffs

They use 2 AAA batteries, and battery life is VERY long, and they have an auto-off function. Battery compartment is waterproof too, and they have an AUX in for radio, mp3 player, etc. They are shaped so that you can still shoulder a long arm without knocking the muff off your ear. If decibel reduction is an issue, you can still wear foam earplugs underneath and turn the volume higher so you can still hear conversation.