Thin ear plugs?

[gregp74]

I could really use some ear pro advice.

When I go shooting, especially to an indoor rifle range I double up on the ear protection. I wear the plugs -- which I have a terrible time with because they always seem to fall out at the worst time. I put a set of muffs over them but those aren't ideal either as the sometimes get in the way and often times don't make a good seal because my shooting glasses are under them.

While he was looking in them during my last visit to the doctor he mentioned I have very narrow ear canals. I never knew they came in different sizes, but it does explain the difficulty I've always had getting plugs to go in and stay.

So, question. Does anyone know of good plugs for shooting that come in nice small sizes?

 

[Fine Figure of a Man]

Cut them with a scissors for a better fit.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Get a Radians kit and make a custom fit pair

 

[shoobe01]

I have, I assume, normal diameter ear canals, but find that it's best to get the end of the earplug twisted a little to rest against... well, I don't know what the parts of the ear are called, but press on one of the nubs of my ear there, so they cannot just pop out.

Yes, most earplugs inside they are one size fits all. The professional ones I have used at factories (3M mostly) are quite squishy, and hold their shape for a moment. You do not just stuff them in, but roll them to a much smaller diameter tube. Slip them in, they expand to the side of your ears, and seal along the length so offer better protection. This, BTW, is part of PPE training at factories, so is legit the right way to do it AFAIK.

Yes, also, there are makers with different sizes of earplugs. I'd start somewhere like this, which offers some explainer videos, but also trial packs of different plugs so you can find one that fits you best: https://www.earplugstore.com/foam-ear-plugs.html

Other options:

• Local music shops. Musicians routinely use earplugs, they will have a variety. Do not say why you need them, ideally just find the right department, and you can pick up a few types that look good. Will likely be more expensive than online, but if you like in-person, local shopping there it is.
• Custom molded earplugs. This seems to be a thing now, I know many ranges that have the local earplug molder guy come out for any event. Getting reasonably priced now, also. I guess they are electronic? Don't have any, but those I know with them love them, supposedly they work well, and they of course are fitted to you, so that's good.
• Wife swears by the moldable ones. Uses the Macks ones. Other brands exist, I have zero experience: https://www.earplugstore.com/moldable-ear-plugs.html

 

[gregp74]

I always wonder why they don't have a firm center to help you guide them in. Then I remember this is America and someone would probably sue after stabbing their brain with it.

 

[Mr. Zorg]

There are different designs, collapsible foam are just the least inexpensive.

Here's an alternative design my petite wife finds effective, but just not this specific brand. There are other brands of this style you can try.

https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/3m-peltor™-reusable-triflange-earplugs-3-pack#repChildCatid=798954

I find earmuffs less effective for similar reasons you do, eyeglasses temple bars. Plus, my Walker electronic earmuffs have a LOT of trouble with echoes at indoor ranges, so I just use disposable ear plugs at indoor ranges. My wife uses in-ear plugs of the above design, plus earmuffs when shooting.

I really like my electronic earmuffs in outdoor settings, but the eyeglasses temple bar pressure gets distracting after 3 to 4 hours. I purchased some Walker in-ear electronic hearing protection but I haven't used or tested them yet.

 

[labnoti]

Try Mack's Slim Fit.

 

[ms6852]

You may also consider using earplugs and ear muffs to add an additional layer of protection since you are in an indoor range and sound echos more. I use these and they work well as you shape them to your ears.
https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/walkers-silicone-ear-plugs

 

[Fine Figure of a Man]

I always wonder why they don't have a firm center to help you guide them in.

Some do, I never liked them.

 

[gregp74]

Thanks for the suggestions I'll check them out!

 

[sparkyv]

My wife uses these. They are smaller. The plugs I use hurt her ear canal. Yes, they are pink, maybe there's an alternative?
https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/ho...ght™-disposable-earplugs#repChildCatid=107452

 

[jmorris]

My ENT doctor made me a set that’s below flush from my ear lobes, they work so well I often use them with muffs to amplify sounds so I can hear better.

Alone they work better than foam plugs and muffs.

 

[gregp74]

There's some Howard Leight Fusion ones that come in a small size. I'd like to try them out but they appear to only come in packs of 100 and I'm not about to spend $100+ to see how they feel.

 

[PWC]

Plugs must be properly inserted to work. You can't just roll them and stuff in your ears.

Ask your audiologist to take impressions / cast of your ears. Usually done for hearing aides, but if you don't need the aides, they make EXTREMELY QUIET plugs. It takes a little finegling to get in, but worth it. I have 2 sets.

Remember, using foam plugs, roll them between your fingers to compress into a thin roll. To put in right ear, use left hand reach over/behind your head and pull back and up on your right ear to straighten / open the ear canal for insertion. If using foam plugs, hold in place with your finger until you feel and hear it expand to fill the canal. Similar for the left.

 

[gregp74]

Ask your audiologist to take impressions / cast of your ears. Usually done for hearing aides, but if you don't need the aides, they make EXTREMELY QUIET plugs. It takes a little finegling to get in, but worth it. I have 2 sets.

You know, I am going to check into that. I drive by a couple different offices for hearing centers near here every day and I'm gloing to shoot them both an email. I know my lousy insurance wouldn't cover it, but that seems like something that would be worthwhile that I can depend on.

 

[<*(((><]

I like Howard’s Laser Lites, they compress small and have a structure to them when one roll compresses them between two fingers. They are the best disposable ear pro in my opinion.

Another good thing to try is to pull up on the top of your ear as you guide the foam plug in with the other hand. This will provide a fairly straight path for the plug to enter.

 

[gregp74]

I like Howard’s Laser Lites, they compress small and have a structure to them when one roll compresses them between two fingers. They are the best disposable ear pro in my opinion.

Another good thing to try is to pull up on the top of your ear as you guide the foam plug in with the other hand. This will provide a fairly straight path for the plug to enter.

I should take a look at those also. I'm afraid I glance at different plugs and the foam type ones always look the same to me and I just pass them by without realizing there actually are differences in some of them.

 

[bassjam]

Plenty of good suggestions on various ear plugs, but I'd also recommend getting shooting glasses with thinner ear pieces so your muffs create a better seal. And/or look into gel ear cups, as they'll form better around glasses.

 

[PWC]

Also, on this same subject I've posted before, don't overlook the ear damage caused by bone conduction. Strong cheek weld will transfer vibration from cheek bone to your inner ear. I use 2 layers of moleskin on the stock. Don't know for sure if it helps but I feel better for using it. Added benefit is it helps acquire the weld, and in the cold, it's warmer than the stock.