Jump to content

Competition Hearing Protection


MaryG213

Recommended Posts

I'm actually planning to join amateur shooting competitions all around the East coast. Been using earmuffs and foam earplugs for the longest time but I'd like to try custom earplugs now. I'd like to get a pair from THIS manufacturer but I'm very busy at the moment, that's why I couldn't schedule to meet with their service provider. They sent me this VIDEO and told me that it's easy to do. Should I trust myself to do the fitting myself or with a friend or should I just buy anything else? Any recommendation?

Thanks!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've had a few pairs of IEMs made over the years. I've always gone to a hearing aid place for the impressions. I just call around until I find one whose price and schedule works for me. The last set I had made the manufacturer told me that the deeper into the ear the impression goes, the better the sound isolation. The trade off is it can be less comfortable. I don't know if that applies to this company and product but their website shows some products that are molded fairly deep and some that are somewhat shallow. I didn't watch the how-to video but when I've had it done they jam a ball-on-a-string into your ear canal then fill it with goo. After it sets they pull it out with the string. I don't see why you couldn't do it at home with a partner. Not sure if I'd want to try it without help but it seems doable.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Depends on what you're looking for & what you want to spend. (hearing won't come back



Most of the time for shooting and the training I do, I use my MSA Sordin Extreme Pro-X earmuffs (with gel earpads). They are great for hearing (even amplifying) range commands & do a great job blocking out the firing noise. You can carry on a conversation in a shooting environment with them without issue. Great review here.


The downside is that on hot days when worn for extended periods, they can get a little warm & they're obviously more bulky than in-ear protection.



Additionally, I own in-ear hearing protection that I use on the job in extremely high noise environments. The Westone Defendear Convertible Comm


These required ear impressions by an auditory specialist (took about 30 mins; ~$50). Incidentally, I had a set of impressions taken at 1 audiologist that they were not able to use (to do a good job it does take some skill).


These are very good at blocking the noise. I can pull the plug from the comm port and conversations are 'acceptable'...however, it is still muted. I usually take one out in order to converse. They are very light & comfortable (they do take some getting used to) and can be worn for multi-hour periods without discomfort.



One of the main reasons I choose to use the Sordin muffs while training is that my hearing is actually BETTER with them on. I don't worry about missing a range command. With the molded plugs, while I can hear, it is still muted... with the Sordins it doesn't "sound" like I have hearing protection on (if that makes sense).



I hope that this helps in choosing something that's right for you.


Respectfully,

Link to comment
Share on other sites

For 22rf ear canal protection seems enough. For center fire I want both. The skull around the ear can send high decibels to the inner ear bypassing the plugged canal.

First hand I can tell you the discomfort of hearing protection is nothing compared to the discomfort of hearing loss.

And do not shoot rifles in doors.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 months later...

It's really easy to

 

I'm actually planning to join amateur shooting competitions all around the East coast. Been using earmuffs and foam earplugs for the longest time but I'd like to try custom earplugs now. I'd like to get a pair from THIS manufacturer but I'm very busy at the moment, that's why I couldn't schedule to meet with their service provider. They sent me this VIDEO and told me that it's easy to do. Should I trust myself to do the fitting myself or with a friend or should I just buy anything else? Any recommendation?

Thanks!

It's really easy to do. Just follow the instructions carefully and make sure that you fill your ears with the silicone mix. I ordered my custom earplugs from Big Ear last October and they look like this one. So far, so good. They are durable, comfortable to wear and they have a year warranty, which is great. A bang for the buck imo.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

For 22rf ear canal protection seems enough. For center fire I want both. The skull around the ear can send high decibels to the inner ear bypassing the plugged canal.

First hand I can tell you the discomfort of hearing protection is nothing compared to the discomfort of hearing loss.

And do not shoot rifles in doors.

 

Do not shoot ANYTHING in a car, you better be hanging out on a drive-by ;) - WOW it's loud, hearing loss guarantee.

Sorry I've also not tried in the ear there's just many exceptional hearing "muffs" pretty darn cheap and I'm not sure the step up to Digital is even worth it. I can still hear someone's jeans rubbing walking up behind me with either.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...