Ear Protection

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My wife's been bugging me about my lack of hearing and I know that shooting at the range with range ears isn't offering me the best in terms of protection. In hopes of cutting her off -- before she cuts me off from my range time I'd like to purchase some electronic ears. My hope is to be able to hear and be able to respond to conversations I have on the lanes when I'm teaching a new shooter, hanging out with a buddy or giving some advice.

Does anyone have any positive experience with a set of electronic ears and can provide some insight or advice on to a brand to look at?

Thanks!

-Xeni

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Have you considered Surefire's EarPro Sonic Defenders? They accomplish the task of allowing normal sounds to pass, but protecting you from louder sounds, like gunfire. They use a simple mechanical sound filter...nothing electronic. I was in the market for electronic ears for the same reason, but the price held me back. Sonic Defender's are $10 a pair, so if you don't like them it's not the end of the world. I chose them over electronic ears because of price, weight, and the fact that my sunglasses got in the way of the ear muffs.
http://www.surefire.com/maxexp/main/co_disp/displ/prrfnbr/24306/sesent/00/EP3-Sonic-Defendersandtrade

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I use Peltor tactical electronic ear muffs. I love them. Only down side occurs when it is really hot outside. When it is cold, I leave them on in between mags even if there is not other shooting going on because they keep my ears warm.

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Thanks all for the advice. I might pick up both for variety and because the costs we're a lot less than I had originally budgetted for.

Thank you,

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Midway USA had the Caldwell electronic muffs for $20 per set. They're good for the $$ but I still bring my Silencio non-electronic muffs as backup.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpa...caldwellearmuffs_img&utm_medium=homepage22908

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I got a pair of Howard Leight Impact earmuffs that I have been very satisfied with.

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Personally, I've beenusing Peltor's 6S electronic muffs with a pair of their combat earplugs underneither. I couldn't imagine shooting a firearm (at the range, in training, other than a self-defence situation) without ear-pro

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Mine came from these people (pricey but nice):

http://www.pro-ears.com/law_militaryhearingprotection.htm

This brand doesn't cut-out the sound completely -- as most others do and which I don't care for -- but attenuates it to a lower level.

But besides using them in the field (I don't go to gun ranges, just out in the desert to shoot), they are my choice for use at home at night (or even daytime) if I think someone has gotten into the house...the stereo headphones with the increased hearing ability (especially if you turn the gain up all the way) allows me to hear the intruder's movements better than normal hearing would but also -- should I have to shoot -- the muffs protects my ears (not his) from firing a gun indoors.

I highly recommend the electronic earmuffs whatever brand you get.

-- John D.

P.S. I have some hearing damage from my "war days." Once it's gone, it's gone, so I sure don't want to make it worse. ALWAYS use hearing protection, even if shooting a "quiet" .22LR.

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longwatch wrote:

I got a pair of Howard Leight Impact earmuffs that I have been very satisfied with.

Click to expand...

+1

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FightingGlock19 wrote:

Personally, I've beenusing Peltor's 6S electronic muffs with a pair of their combat earplugs underneither. I couldn't imagine shooting a firearm (at the range, in training, other than a self-defence situation) without ear-pro

Click to expand...

Except for replacing the batteries they are great. I don't use earplugs underneath, but then all the ranges here are outdoor. I think I would probably use my ear plugs with them if I was at an indoor range.

Like most electronic earmuffs, you can actually hear better with them on and turned up most of the way than with your natural hearing (at least every one I know can but then we have all been shooters, gear heads and/or pilots none of which are conducive to exceptional hearing over 35).

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A long time ago when I was in the Corps I ordered a pair of hearing protectors for use on the flightline around jet engines. I still have them, as they have padded cushions and are comfortable.

Also, they still work fine when you're wearing glasses, which is an important feature.

I have no idea what brand they are, since the only marking is a NSN number, but I have seen the same design sold on shelves under various manufacturers. I would like to get a set of electronic ears one of these days.