Muffs VS Plugs

[1911JMB]

I too use both each and every time I shoot.

 

[DC-Loudsound]

both

I use both as well .... I can take my muffs off when I step back from the firing line and still have protection.

Also holding back several plug vs. muff jokes !

 

[Outlaw Man]

I've always preferred muffs, but I started exploring the benefits of doubling up when I got my .44 magnum. Plugs always seemed uncomfortable, but I finally broke down and bought a good pair. I think they were about $4 - Silencio. They're made of a different plastic construction than some of the other non-disposable ones I've tried. I can wear them for several hours without discomfort, and they seem to seal my ears off better, anyway.

Combine that with a GOOD set of passive muffs - I upgraded from the cheap Wally World specials - and I think I've got a really good barrier from the noise....all for about $25.

I don't think I can justify the extra money for no further benefit than being able to hear better between shots, but I definitely wish I had spent a little more from the beginning.

 

[Guy B. Meredith]

Both. Not a pretty thing, but I usually use both.

Plugs don't always seem to work well and do pop out. Muffs cause my prescription eye protection to sit incorrectly and are sweaty.

The only big bore rifle I shoot is the M1 Garand and I've found that it is relatively quiet so I can use plugs if they are well inserted and there are no other large bore shooters near by.

 

[harvester of sorrow]

I worked on ranges for several years and got into the habit of wearing both custom-molded plugs and muffs....wouldn't shoot without both now.

 

[cpaspr]

I use both together.

Now.

Growing up, we never used anything.

Had an audiologist ask me several years ago if I had any idea why I had a hearing loss in the 400 megahertz range in only the left ear. Yep - gunshots.

And lest anyone say "but gunshots aren't in that frequency range.", that's true. However, as it was explained to me the ear canal is basically corkscrew shaped making 2 1/2 full turns. The receptors for 400 megahertz are at the first corner. So all noise of whatever frequency hits that corner first. So it's the first to go when you are exposed to loud noises.

By the way, any idea what frequency the female voice is? Yep, you guessed it! So for those of us whose wives/SOs who say we're not listening or we've tuned them out . . . not necessarily. Sometimes we really can't hear them.

 

[cheygriz]

BOTH

 

[cdrt]

I always use both when shooting Bullseye matches and when I practice at the range, even if it's just me out there. Ditto when I shoot Highpower Rifle. For dove hunting, I have a set of electronic muffs I wear without the plugs.

Navy Vet.

 

[heypete]

I just use a silencer on my 10/22, and it works out fine. Cutting the noise at the source is best.

Other times, I wear big clunky Peltor muffs. Plugs and my ears don't get along, so I wear the highest rated muffs I can, and it works.

Of course, I used to be a tank crewman in the army, and even with earmuffs, those suckers are loud. And that's just idling, with the gun firing, they're even louder. After that and firing a few magazines rapidly using the "BURST" setting on my M4, while a bunch of others were doing the same thing, I've lost the "edge" of my hearing, but I can still hear pretty well. I'd like to protect the 80% or so of what's left.

 

[skeeter1]

I recently switched to electronic muffs, and I like those best. Passive muffs and foam ear plugs work fine as well. I've tried "sonic ear valves"

http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/sonicvalveii.html

but for me they were very uncomfortable. You'll have to try them all and decide for yourself.

 

[Soybomb]

Use both.

Thats what I do, hearing loss is no fun.

 

[ravencon]

I too use both plugs and muffs.

You can find the plugs that suit you best by buying a sample pack.
http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/index.html

 

[10-Ring]

I use both but lately have gone primarily to plugs.

 

[bensdad]

Really good plugs, used properly, have always worked good enough for me. I get them in there so far that all I can hear is a little clicking noise when I swallow.

 

[hrgrisso]

Someone with Glasses

I switched to plugs after I had to get glasses because the muffs messed with my glasses which in turn messed with my sights/sight picture. We all have different needs.

 

[R.W.Dale]

I work in an environment where noise levels regularly exceed that of gunfire. I've used foam plugs exclusively at work since my employment began 10yrs ago as well at the range. We are required to undergo a hearing test yearly and thus far I've suffered no hearing loss whatsoever. That stupid video we watch before being tested states that the foam plugs offer the best attenuation to sound of any other form of protection

So make mine foam plugs please.



I find them very comfortable, Heck I've even slept in them when our oldest was young and didn't want to sleep at night

 

[Stevie-Ray]

I've used a pair of Silenzio Magnums for the last 25 or so years. I've also at times, used plugs, especially outdoors. I found that using either was insufficient to knock down the brutal pressure pop from a .44 magnum indoors. It was then I needed to use both plugs and muffs. During a shooting session with a Magnaported .45-70 T/C Contender, both weren't even enough. Guess I must need a towel wrapped around my head over the plugs and muffs or something if I ever shoot that thing again. I use plugs and muffs in combination every time I shoot, now.

 

[ga41]

i use both, at the same time

 

[mrcpu]

I've been real happy with the silencio silicone plugs, they work fine. I just breathe on them a couple breaths to warm 'em up, and zam, in they go, no muss, no fuss.

My kids double up, I don't think the muffs work as well on their small heads.

I've doubled up, but didn't notice it making a huge difference, at least at the
indoor range, vs the inconvenience.

However, I suspect when I shoot something larger, doubling up will be nice.

 

[rangerruck]

both, allways.

 

[JWarren]

Had an audiologist ask me several years ago if I had any idea why I had a hearing loss in the 400 megahertz range in only the left ear. Yep - gunshots.

I'm in the same boat as you. We rarely used hearing protection growing up.

By the way, any idea what frequency the female voice is? Yep, you guessed it! So for those of us whose wives/SOs who say we're not listening or we've tuned them out . . . not necessarily. Sometimes we really can't hear them.

You better believe I am going to USE this information. Thanks


John

 

[yongxingfreesty]

with the muffs, i have trouble looking through the eotech on the bushmaster

 

[Elza]

Muffs for me. I have waxy ears and I sweat like a pig. Water buildup from plugs will earn me a trip to my ENT doctor after a few hours use.

 

[atomchaser]

For rifle shooting I use both plugs and peltor low profile electronic muffs. For pistol shooting I generally wear regular 29 dB muffs, but it depends on what I'm shooting and what the guy next to me is shooting. It's important that plugs be inserted properly to be effective. I see lots of folks who don't do it correctly.

 

[tegemu]

According to my ear doctor it is absolutely essential to wear both in order to prevent irreversable hearing loss.