I have a question re hearing protection.

[rsrocket1]

I tried using my swimmer's ear plugs last weekend on the trap line in conjunction with ear muffs and the sound was 100% blocked. I've been swimming with these for decades.

You only feel the pressure waves of the shotguns next to you! Not great for hearing anything, but it was effective. $3.99 for 2 pair @ Big 5.

 

[YZ]

An excellent choice, if you don't push the ear wax on the way in, or cause pain in the eardrum on the way out.

 

[btg3]

^^^^
1. Wash your ears.
2. Don't yank the plugs when removing.

 

[YZ]

Ear wax often sits deep in the ear canal. Showering or bathing does not remove it. Only suction/irrigation or a hooked surgical pick can do it. For that reason, inserting any solid object, including a Q tip, deep in the canal may push some wax back toward the eardrum and clog the canal or cause intense discomfort. This may not seem obvious, but is true.

 

[btg3]

I think that's why there are so many types of ear plugs.
Foam roll up
Push in plug
Custom fit

I use a push-in because the roll ups won't stay in my ear. Similarly, your ear wax issue is not universal or it would eliminate the market for some types of plugs. I suppose some folks have ear canals that are not particular and for others it can take a bit of trial-and- error to find an appropriate plug.

 

[YZ]

OK btg. Look at the photo posted by rcrocket1. Why do you think those Mack's earplugs are not advertised for hearing protection?

 

[btg3]

I don't know. Here's one they advertise as dual purpose noise/water.



To your question, perhaps the material holds up better to chlorine exposure from pools??? Or is a marketing thing because they can sell them for less without certifying to a NRR rating??? Just guessing. Can you enlighten me?


Below is what I've used for several years.

Also, good info at their website.
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/...5Tgs_3HBWTR518T_N2RL3FHWVK_GPD0K8BC31gv)&rt=d

3M™ E-A-R™ Push-Ins™ Corded Earplugs

 

[YZ]

When it comes to marketing, anything is possible. Ibuprofen is sold under 4-5 commercial names competing with each other. At the first sight, the Aqua Blocks appear shorter and heavier than the Ear Seals. To be sure, I'd have to take them out of the box. My guess is, these are products with a potential for liability. One is designed to be watertight, to keep ears dry. The other is protection against injury. It is manufactured more carefully, so as to rule out a self inflicted damage when used as directed. It looks to be softer but longer, and a cord is attached for fool-proofing. In the end, if your (or his/her) ear canals are chrome lined, use what you like. In life we improvise all the time, use things off-label and are often proud of being ingenious and resourceful. Personal protection is one place where most people tend to be conservative. This is really a small case in point, not like Kevlar vs homemade bulletproof vest. Good shooting.

 

[highlander 5]

Awesome marketing there.
1. Get cheap hearing aid ----> http://www.dhgate.com/wholesale/hearing-aids/c018011003.html
2. Call it something sporty and cool
3. Tack on $130-$200 to the price
4. PROFIT!!!

Wouldn't a regular hearing aid not allow over a certain decibel of sound in by design also?

I had to get hearing aids a couple of years ago and they are designed to amplify sound not suppress it. Case in point I can go to a standard movie with my aids in but an IMAX theater is way too much for me. I asked about shooting with my hearing aids and was told don't do it. Besides are you willing to destroy a set of hearing aids that go for several thousand dollars? Mine were $6k and though my medical insurance paid for them I would want to replace them out of my pocket because of stupidity.

 

[hso]

I just cannot believe...

It isn't a question of belief, but a simple fact. Plugs and muffs protect differently. Their absorption efficiency curves are best on opposite ends of the spectrum so you get better protection at different frequencies. Muffs provide some protection from bone conduction that plugs can't. So, the facts are that plugs with muffs not only provide a higher effective NRR they also provide a better range of protection.

WRT the Aquablocks, those are not tested for an NRR, the materials are different, the company provides a disclaimer -

No. These earplugs were specifically designed to provide superior water protection. That is not to say that they cannot be used for noise protection, but the product does not currently carry a Noise Reduction Rating, nor does it make any claims that it is designed to be used for hearing protection.

 

[YZ]

There we go. A disclaimer. Thank you for the quote. Of all male body orifices only the mouth is meant to take in foreign bodies. Ok let's leave it at that. Point is, sticking anything in the ear or other holes is not a trivial matter, as we override Nature's own warranty.