Hearing Protection Recommendation

tueller · Sep 15, 2014

What hearing protection do you all recommend for firearms training/ range days. I am looking to replace my used and abused Peltor Sv Tactical Pro Hearing Protector and wandering if there is something better out there. I would need a noise reduction rating of 26db's or better and a sound amplifier. I would expect to spend $100 to $200 for quality hearing protection but I am open to recommendations for more or less expensive gear. Thanks.

leghog · Sep 15, 2014

Home supply/hardware stores. They're cheapest there. Plus I keep a box of NRR 32dB disposable soft plugs in my range box. You can get an 80 pack for under 15 bucks at Lowe's. I've been shooting for ~4 decades and an instructor for ~ half that time. No reason to spend big bucks on hearing protection. More money doesn't always equate to better products.

Codger_64 · Sep 15, 2014

+1 on doubling up plugs with cups. Or look at shooting specific electronic protectors which now allow you to hear normal sounds yet cuts out all the pew-pew sounds. Take if from a man with little hearing left. Protect your hearing.

sideways · Sep 15, 2014

Go with muffs. Preferably the active ones that amplify sound. :thumbup:

I have used active peltors (I forget the model number, sorry) and passive peltors and passive husqvarna muffs with good results.

If you need more protection double up on the protection and wear muffs over plugs.

tueller · Sep 15, 2014

Thanks. Yes, I am going to be on the range a lot and work is going to pay for it so I am looking to get quality gear. I will need to discuss courses of fire and tactics while shooting so a sound/voice amplifier function is critical. That is the problem with using plugs under the muffs... tough to hear voices.

Any make and model recommendations will help. thx.

sideways · Sep 15, 2014

Nutnfancy recommends the howard leight "impact sports" earmuffs for what it's worth. Here is his 18 minute blurb on earmuffs. There should be something in there about the competition as well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkZvIXGohc0

A short comparison between the howard leight and peltor sport muffs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkvTrqLWpIQ

Lots of people give the peltor 6s crap for having hard to replace batteries so that might be a thing if you are going to use them a lot.

Guns.com shoot out on muffs. They seem to favor the "Pro Ears Pro Slim Gold". This is the first I have heard of them.
http://www.guns.com/review/2013/08/22/best-electronic-muffs/

CrufflerJJ · Sep 15, 2014

I like my old Peltor Tactical 7S earmuffs. Handy on the range, or when just cutting the grass.

If you want heavy duty protection in an amplified earmuff, the Pro Tac Mag Gold would run you $250-$300, but offer 33dB noise reduction (NRR).

sodak · Sep 15, 2014

I would go with both the earplugs and muffs. Lowes has a brand of earmuffs that give a 30dB reduction, though I haven't tried them yet.

medusaoblongata · Sep 16, 2014

I got a $50 pair of earmuffs from Amazon, they're electronic so I can still hear people talking. Definitely good, but, if I were to do it again, I'd get the ratcheting kind so that the connecting band doesn't always have to be on top. When it is, it pushes the button on the top of a baseball cap into your skull and causes a headache. Harder to find hats without that button. So get the ratcheting kind of electronic earmuffs.

leghog · Sep 16, 2014

sodak said:
I would go with both the earplugs and muffs. Lowes has a brand of earmuffs that give a 30dB reduction, though I haven't tried them yet.

Believe they are 3M. Regardless I've been shooting for a long time. Still get my hearing checked every 2 years, and have had no appreciable loss (and considering several years I shoot ~10,000 pistil cartridges a year, you can't ask for better than that). Plugs (vs muffs) are the reason. Audiologists will tell you plugs (or plugs and muffs) are the way to go, and they truly are the ones who know best. When you shoot, shoot. Just take one plug out (and muffs if you are using them) when you must speak. I've been instructing for a couple of decades, it isn't that hard and is much better for protecting your hearing.

UffDa · Sep 17, 2014

sodak said:
I would go with both the earplugs and muffs. Lowes has a brand of earmuffs that give a 30dB reduction, though I haven't tried them yet.

The only problem with that is that you can't hear the range master's commands if you are shooting at a range. I mentioned that to the range master and he said that they are
working on a flashing light system. If you are out by yourself or at an informal range, it shouldn't be a problem except that you can't hear what's going on around you.

bonzodog · Sep 18, 2014

Buy the best there is,hearing loss is no fun.

leghog · Sep 18, 2014

UffDa said:
sodak said:

I would go with both the earplugs and muffs. Lowes has a brand of earmuffs that give a 30dB reduction, though I haven't tried them yet.

Click to expand...

The only problem with that is that you can't hear the range master's commands if you are shooting at a range. I mentioned that to the range master and he said that they are
working on a flashing light system. If you are out by yourself or at an informal range, it shouldn't be a problem except that you can't hear what's going on around you.

You can if the RSO is worth anything. RSOs need the voice.

UffDa · Sep 18, 2014

bonzodog said:
Buy the best there is,hearing loss is no fun.

What? Did you say something?

leghog said:
You can if the RSO is worth anything. RSOs need the voice.

The range has a very loud speaker system, but I only have 60% hearing in one ear a 0% in the other. It's not the RSO's fault.

By the way, my hearing loss has nothing to do with shooting. I always had hearing protection of some sort. I serviced machines in commuter rooms in
the '80s and early '90s. The noise level was such that you had to shout to talk to someone 3 feet away from you.