I use ear plug every day for work but have never thought of wearing them while hunting. When working I shove them so far in I can't hear anything but what I'm thinking about. I guess the only reason why I don't use them while hunting is because I'm afraid of not being able to hear the birds or my friends in the blind. Who uses them and which ones do you guys recommend?
I shoot a lot of clay sports during the off season, and used to use the foam cylinders. They certainly work, but they hurt my head after an hour or so. I've since gone to custom-fitted silicone plugs. They are much more comfortable, work well, and cost about $45, as I recall.
I never use ear plugs when I hunt, though. I like to hear the birds and other sounds of the marsh.
I'm also partially deaf in my left ear, too..................... :lol3:
The best thing that I have found so far is the SportEar XP3. I had to cut them to make them fit right though. I'm still searching for a better set but these will do until I find something better. You can can get them at Macks.
If you can tolerate ear muff give them a try. I got a set that has the audio/sound feature. It helps amplify the noise and talking and will shut down once a gun goes off.
Peltor muffs are nice, you can get the non-radio, active listening. You can find some around $40-50. You can also get plugs with a diaphragm, same concept as active listening, but not electrical. Diaphragm remains open to allow soft noises in, and the loud shock wave of a gunshot closes them to protect your ears. The problem is that they would probably only last a season or two before the diaphragms wore out and the plugs were useless.
Peltor muffs are nice, you can get the non-radio, active listening. You can find some around $40-50. You can also get plugs with a diaphragm, same concept as active listening, but not electrical. Diaphragm remains open to allow soft noises in, and the loud shock wave of a gunshot closes them to protect your ears. The problem is that they would probably only last a season or two before the diaphragms wore out and the plugs were useless.
Look for the green and yellow combat triple flange ones. Yellow for steady noise. Green side out for impact noises like guns and bombs. They last forever and arent crazy expensive. More comfortable than rigid triple flages too.
Look for the green and yellow combat triple flange ones. Yellow for steady noise. Green side out for impact noises like guns and bombs. They last forever and arent crazy expensive. More comfortable than rigid triple flages too.
I have 100% nerve deafness in my left ear so preserving the hearing in my right (shooting side) ear is very important to me.
Ear plugs and/or muffs are OK on the range but I like to be able to hear while hunting.
I use a Walker's game ear. Basically a hearing aide that compresses loud noise down to a safe decibel level. I've had it for around 10 years and it still works great. The one I have is the old school kind with the bulk of the unit resting on the back of your ear. Kind of a pain to put on but once its in place I forget its there. I'm sure the new ones have better audio but mine does the job for now.
When its time for me to get a new one I'll go with one that fits totally within the ear canal. Usually called ITC if your looking at them. Custom fit would probably be even better depending on your budget. I'm not sure but I'm going to look into seeing if my insurance will help me out.
Even though you can still hear or even amplify the sounds of your surroundings, it does limit directional hearing. Not a big deal for me because I don't have much directional hearing with one ear anyway.
I work construction so I always have a pocket full of ear plugs in case I forget or can't find my game ear for game time. For plugs I like the Howard Leight MAX by Sperian Hearing Protection. (Orange soft foam. Rounded on one end flaired on the other). I've used lots of different brands and MAX seem to be good for both comfort and noise reduction. I buy them by the box of 100 pairs so they are inexpensive and EVERYWHERE.
Hearing damage is permanent and preventable. Be safe and smart.
Bad joke for the day: A pair of ear plugs lasts me twice as long....
As far as actual protection you cant beat the cheap foam ones. I never use the actual combat ones as my job as specific ear protection and shooting at ranges I want the best ear protection. as far as hunting goes I wear a foamy in one ear and let the other one be ok. My hearing has never gotten worse but I think that for once im different in a lucky way in that regard.
Look for the green and yellow combat triple flange ones. Yellow for steady noise. Green side out for impact noises like guns and bombs. They last forever and arent crazy expensive. More comfortable than rigid triple flages too.
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