Reaper Posted November 13, 2017 at 05:31 PM Share Posted November 13, 2017 at 05:31 PM What does everyone use for indoor hearing protection? I'm in the market for a new pair and I was looking for something reasonably priced that'll save my hearing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundguy Posted November 13, 2017 at 05:45 PM Share Posted November 13, 2017 at 05:45 PM Plain old passive earmuffs for me. You can double up by also using those squishy earplugs... I have a buddy who uses earplugs with his noise canceling muffs. He just turns the volume up so he can hear conversations with the plugs in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Praetor330 Posted November 13, 2017 at 05:51 PM Share Posted November 13, 2017 at 05:51 PM for Indoor, i highly recommend doubling up. I use foam in-ear inserts + 3M Peltor 30db ear muffs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDW Posted November 13, 2017 at 05:54 PM Share Posted November 13, 2017 at 05:54 PM Reaper, I no longer go to indoor ranges since joining a great outdoor club. There are a number of things I don't miss about the indoor ranges. The air quality, the close quarters shooting, and yes sirree, the noise. Before joining the club, I shot at Mega, very often. (love the place and the staff) For me, for indoor shooting, I doubled up on hearing protection. I 'd put on a pair of Peltor Sport Tri-Flanged Reusable Earplugs first, and then put my ear muff type protection on over them. The upside is, it cut down the noise in huge way, and it was a comfortable setup. The downside is, with this setup, it's near impossible to have a conversation with anyone. You can grab the Peltor's from Amazon or WalMart for about 2 bucks a pair and they come in 3 packs. I highly recommend them for indoor range shooting. I love being out in the elements when practicing and competing. The extreme heat and cold can be a factor, and that's the only downside. I think you'll like the doubling up, I know it really helped me a ton. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
splash Posted November 13, 2017 at 06:11 PM Share Posted November 13, 2017 at 06:11 PM Agree on doubling up. Foam earplugs + electronic ear muffs of your choice if you still want to hear some converstions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianj - now in Kansas Posted November 13, 2017 at 07:28 PM Share Posted November 13, 2017 at 07:28 PM I've been doubling up with the military-style triple-baffle rubber plugs, and then a pair of Walker's Razor muffs. Bri Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRJ Posted November 13, 2017 at 07:54 PM Share Posted November 13, 2017 at 07:54 PM I'm deaf enough to have needed a hearing aid when I was in 8th grade.Because I like to have some inkling of what's going on around me I use electronic muffs but indoors they aren't enough when the guy in the next lane starts shooing an AR with a brake. As others said already, double up. The problem is if I double up with foam plugs I can't hear voices anymore. My solution? These handy plugs with a impact noise baffle valve. https://www.earplugstore.com/health-enterprises-acu-life-shooters-impact-ear-plugs.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyP Posted November 13, 2017 at 10:15 PM Share Posted November 13, 2017 at 10:15 PM You can sense the trend? Indoors is always double-up time. Hearos brand foam from Walgreens and basic earmuffs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoYouFeelLucky Posted November 13, 2017 at 10:45 PM Share Posted November 13, 2017 at 10:45 PM I have had good luck with the Howard Leight electronic hearing muffs. I do also use a set of in-ear protection when at the indoor ranges, because here in Kansas the guy in the next lane can be full auto with a .50bmg (and often that's the case). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just some guy Posted November 13, 2017 at 11:27 PM Share Posted November 13, 2017 at 11:27 PM FWIW:Wearing an earmuff simultaneously over an earplug doubles the noise attenuation. FALSE!There is a ceiling effect that limits the amount of hearing protection we can achieve with dual protection (wearing an earplug and earmuff). Once we reach that limit, adding more protection offers no additional benefit. Wearing an earmuff over a well-fit foam earplug only adds about 3-5 dB of additional attenuation; we don't get to simply add the NRR values of both protectors. Still, using double protection provides the maximum possible attenuation in extreme noise environments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luckydawg13 Posted November 13, 2017 at 11:34 PM Share Posted November 13, 2017 at 11:34 PM I'm going to tag onto this one right now I'm using the Howard Leight electronic hearing muffs they work ok for handgun but I need something for Rifle with a scope Who makes a flat low profile electronic muffs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRJ Posted November 13, 2017 at 11:44 PM Share Posted November 13, 2017 at 11:44 PM I'm going to tag onto this one right now I'm using the Howard Leight electronic hearing muffs they work okfor handgun but I need something for Rifle with a scope Who makes a flat low profile electronic muffshttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B016MPZF8I/ref=asc_df_B016MPZF8I5263718/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=395033&creativeASIN=B016MPZF8I&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198055185038&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15094756920062570166&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9021553&hvtargid=pla-355064151493 they're pretty flat, but they aren't free Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrc905 Posted November 14, 2017 at 12:09 AM Share Posted November 14, 2017 at 12:09 AM I always doubled up as my hearing was checked annually and I REALLY didn't want to go through the witch hunt of an OSHA recordable hearing shift . That, and I've always had hearing on par with a dog - and prefer to keep it that way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luckydawg13 Posted November 14, 2017 at 12:13 AM Share Posted November 14, 2017 at 12:13 AM You not kidding wow I'm a sucker for free shipping but gonna pass on that set Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoYouFeelLucky Posted November 14, 2017 at 12:24 AM Share Posted November 14, 2017 at 12:24 AM I'm going to tag onto this one right now I'm using the Howard Leight electronic hearing muffs they work ok for handgun but I need something for Rifle with a scope Who makes a flat low profile electronic muffs I have a pair of Howard Leight flat muffs that I use when target or trap shooting. They work OK once you get used to them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luckydawg13 Posted November 14, 2017 at 01:13 AM Share Posted November 14, 2017 at 01:13 AM I'm going to tag onto this one right now I'm using the Howard Leight electronic hearing muffs they work ok for handgun but I need something for Rifle with a scope Who makes a flat low profile electronic muffs I have a pair of Howard Leight flat muffs that I use when target or trap shooting. They work OK once you get used to them. The problem i have is when i look through the scope the seal from the muffs gets broke from my cheek weld on the stock hand guns is fine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gamma Posted November 14, 2017 at 02:47 AM Share Posted November 14, 2017 at 02:47 AM I work with loud equipment pretty frequently as well as shooting so I get a lot of experience with hearing protection. I have tried numerous models of earmuffs, these are the best IMO: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ERRM4G/ Also find a type of foam earplugs that fit you well and wear them in addition to the muffs. I just use the tan ones from Walmart HBA dept. Tan ones are less noticeable if you wear them to a concert or something like that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
automatic Posted November 15, 2017 at 11:54 PM Share Posted November 15, 2017 at 11:54 PM When it comes to hearing... I run the trifecta of bad habits (shooting, motorcycles, & many loud concerts). A few years back my Mrs. surprised me with the MSA Sordin Supreme Pro Xs (with the gel earcups). I hadn't experienced anything quite like them before or since. Great for listening to range commands during courses. At the start of this year, I also decided to see an audiologist and got myself some molded plugs from Westone. Their DefendEar Convertible Com these are designed so you can connect a radio as well. When I was younger I would've never considered paying the equivalent of the price of a firearm for some hearing protection. I'm already experiencing some tinnitus and frequency loss at my age... hindsight being 20/20; I'd gladly pay double if it would help preserve my hearing. Best of luck in your search. Respectfully, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRJ Posted November 16, 2017 at 01:10 AM Share Posted November 16, 2017 at 01:10 AM When it comes to hearing... I run the trifecta of bad habits (shooting, motorcycles, & many loud concerts). A few years back my Mrs. surprised me with the MSA Sordin Supreme Pro Xs (with the gel earcups). I hadn't experienced anything quite like them before or since. Great for listening to range commands during courses. At the start of this year, I also decided to see an audiologist and got myself some molded plugs from Westone. Their DefendEar Convertible Com these are designed so you can connect a radio as well. When I was younger I would've never considered paying the equivalent of the price of a firearm for some hearing protection. I'm already experiencing some tinnitus and frequency loss at my age... hindsight being 20/20; I'd gladly pay double if it would help preserve my hearing. Best of luck in your search. Respectfully,Do the molded plus amplify low level noise and speech? Or just fancy earplugs? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigBL87 Posted November 16, 2017 at 01:21 AM Share Posted November 16, 2017 at 01:21 AM Typically, I use a pair of Howard Leight Impact Pros if I know it will just be pistol calibers. If I know someone is going to be shooting something louder (rifle calibers), I'll double up and wear the Impact Pros as well as in-ear buds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
45Badger Posted November 16, 2017 at 01:56 AM Share Posted November 16, 2017 at 01:56 AM Plugs and muffs. Never shoot without ‘em. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldMarineVet Posted November 16, 2017 at 03:24 PM Share Posted November 16, 2017 at 03:24 PM deleted Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldMarineVet Posted November 16, 2017 at 03:28 PM Share Posted November 16, 2017 at 03:28 PM FWIW: Wearing an earmuff simultaneously over an earplug doubles the noise attenuation. FALSE! There is a ceiling effect that limits the amount of hearing protection we can achieve with dual protection (wearing an earplug and earmuff). Once we reach that limit, adding more protection offers no additional benefit. Wearing an earmuff over a well-fit foam earplug only adds about 3-5 dB of additional attenuation; we don't get to simply add the NRR values of both protectors. Still, using double protection provides the maximum possible attenuation in extreme noise environments.Great to know. Is there a recommended standard for indoor range hearing protection? Is it measured in db's? Something else? would just one set of passive earmuff's be a good standard? does anybody know? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRJ Posted November 16, 2017 at 04:11 PM Share Posted November 16, 2017 at 04:11 PM One of the problems is bone conduction. You skull actually transmits sound/pressure waves to to your ears. It's as if we need to wear ear plugs and Full face shield helmet to mitigate risk of damage.I'm sure someone knows the super scientific version of how to describe this concept. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gamma Posted November 16, 2017 at 06:57 PM Share Posted November 16, 2017 at 06:57 PM One of the problems is bone conduction. You skull actually transmits sound/pressure waves to to your ears. It's as if we need to wear ear plugs and Full face shield helmet to mitigate risk of damage. I'm sure someone knows the super scientific version of how to describe this concept.There is an upper limit of the attenuation that is possible to achieve, yes. And using a combination of earplugs and the highest performance earmuffs is essentially at that limit, which seems to be somewhere in the mid 30's in decibels. Consider that rifle gunshot peak sound pressure is generally in the mid 160's dB range, and if (cringe) fired indoors probably add 10dB. It is literally impossible to shoot, especially indoors, without hearing damage, using unsuppressed firearms. Put another way, the only way to shoot without hearing damage is by using a combination of a sound suppressor as well as hearing protection. That doesn't mean that it's not a whole lot worse without hearing protection, but the antis and fudds who pontificate against sound suppressors by saying "just wear earplugs" are wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldMarineVet Posted November 16, 2017 at 11:16 PM Share Posted November 16, 2017 at 11:16 PM deleted Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
automatic Posted November 17, 2017 at 12:58 AM Share Posted November 17, 2017 at 12:58 AM When it comes to hearing... I run the trifecta of bad habits (shooting, motorcycles, & many loud concerts). A few years back my Mrs. surprised me with the MSA Sordin Supreme Pro Xs (with the gel earcups). I hadn't experienced anything quite like them before or since. Great for listening to range commands during courses. At the start of this year, I also decided to see an audiologist and got myself some molded plugs from Westone. Their DefendEar Convertible Com these are designed so you can connect a radio as well. When I was younger I would've never considered paying the equivalent of the price of a firearm for some hearing protection. I'm already experiencing some tinnitus and frequency loss at my age... hindsight being 20/20; I'd gladly pay double if it would help preserve my hearing. Best of luck in your search. Respectfully,Do the molded plus amplify low level noise and speech? Or just fancy earplugs? The molded plugs I have actually have a 'filter' built into them. They do not amplify anything but, the attenuation range is adjusted so that speech is relatively easy to hear & noises on the hi & low end of the frequency range are attenuated more. For years I have used (and still sometimes do) the Howard Leight MAX. They are one of the best fitting, high attenuation plugs you will find. (they are particularly good if worn for longer durations).. can find them very reasonable on Amazon..Best of luck in your search. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldMarineVet Posted November 17, 2017 at 05:09 PM Share Posted November 17, 2017 at 05:09 PM An article about suppressor says: "So how quiet can you expect your AR-15 to be with a suppressor? It’s a hard question to answer and depends on barrel length, ammunition and the suppressor being used. In general a 16 inch AR-15 firing standard M193 produces a decibel level of around 167 dB give or take depending on environmental conditions. Averaging out a couple of the leading suppressors in the industry you see an average noise level of around 136 db with a suppressor attached. Which is a significant reduction. For comparisons sake a unsuppressed 22lr rifle typically falls in the 130 dB range." https://loadoutroom.com/thearmsguide/suppressing-ar-15/ It says an AR15 produces a decibel level of around 167 dB. This is consistent with a 3M chart which shows a 12 Gauge shotgun produces about 160 dB. Does anybody know of any ear muffs which independently covers 167 dB? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skinnyb82 Posted November 17, 2017 at 06:54 PM Share Posted November 17, 2017 at 06:54 PM Quiet factor also depends on the type of suppressor. You have the QD ones like Surefire SOCOMs and reflex cans like the OPS Inc. 12th Model and Allen Engineering (AEM5, AEMwhatever) cans like what's on Mk11 and Mk12 rifles. Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xwing Posted November 17, 2017 at 07:12 PM Share Posted November 17, 2017 at 07:12 PM I have had good luck with the Howard Leight electronic hearing muffs. I do also use a set of in-ear protection when at the indoor ranges, because here in Kansas the guy in the next lane can be full auto with a .50bmg (and often that's the case). At an indoor range? What a waste of very expensive ammo! (unless they have 100yrd or longer indoor ranges...) But it is very sad there are no public ranges in Illinois that allow 50BMG. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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