Indoor Range Hearing Protection

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Dedw8

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New and just joining a couple of clubs, wanted to query experienced shooters for opinions on what you're wearing on indoor ranges - I've read quite a bit on the web and there seems to be those who like plugs, those who like larger 'muffs' and some who use both.

Don't consider cost since nothing is really too expensive to protect your hearing, I'm just looking for opinions on what you feel is the best product(s) out there.
 
Dedw8 said:
New and just joining a couple of clubs, wanted to query experienced shooters for opinions on what you're wearing on indoor ranges - I've read quite a bit on the web and there seems to be those who like plugs, those who like larger 'muffs' and some who use both.

Don't consider cost since nothing is really too expensive to protect your hearing, I'm just looking for opinions on what you feel is the best product(s) out there.
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I use Peltor 31 muffs (Optime II). They can be found in construction supply shop, ebay or a few shooting range for 30-45$.

I did experience some minor ringing after shooting beside someone with larger magnum calibers so I recently started to "Double up"; I use some earplugs under my muffs. No problem anymore :)

Earplugs are free if you work in a shop of you can get like 3-4 pairs for 3$ at the drugstore...
 
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I think this would work better
 
At an indoor range I would not use ear plugs only. Either use muffs or 'double up' as previously mentioned. I have been told that hearing damage can still occur through the thin skin behind your ear if you are just using plugs indoors. Not sure if that is true or not but it makes sense to me.
 
At an indoor range I would not use ear plugs only. Either use muffs or 'double up' as previously mentioned. I have been told that hearing damage can still occur through the thin skin behind your ear if you are just using plugs indoors. Not sure if that is true or not but it makes sense to me.
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The area behind the ear is the mastoid bone & it can transmit sound ( vibration ).
So your comment makes perfect sense. How do I know ?? Check my hearing aids that I now have to wear to hear properly.
 
All muff style protectors are not created equal. I got some rated for 32 dB from Crappy Tire. Others on the rack beside them and that I've seen generally since were only rated at between 24 to 26dB. As you say, be sure to spend a couple of bucks more and get ones which really work.

The sound attenuation ratings on all ear plugs and muffs are printed on the packaging. Read it first.

With 32 dB from my muffs I find that ordinary handgun calibers used indoors are fine. No ringing or even discomfort. Magnums don't cause pain but I can tell from the discomfort that 32dB isn't enough and for shooting a lot of it I'd suggest doubling up as well. Same if you're at one of the rare ranges that allows indoor rifle shooting of the faster stuff. .223 from an AR style rifle is stupidly loud and actually painful even with the 32 dB muffs.
 
I had "ringing" in my ears for a day or so after only using muffs (best rated ones I could find from Peltor), indoors. Anything larger than .22 is too much for me without doubling up, indoors. Better yet, find an outdoor range. Don't mess with your hearing or you'll be like the seniors that you have to YELL AT for them to hear you (like my grandfather who can barely hear with hearing aids-used no protection).
 
Plugs only for me, i buy them by the case and they are rated at 31 dB. I never have any discomfort even when certain people bring it the 460 or 500 s&w. As said above, not all are created equal, look at the frequency ratings as it is not equal across the spectrum.

I'm in my 30's and I can still hear perfectly, work requires testing annually, and I have also had some serious stereos going on over the years. The possibilties and realities of hearing loss are slightly over blown but do whatever you feel is good for you.

But then again, i know sign language, so I dont worry lol
 
At my outdoor club, I kind of keep an eye out for the guy with the big bore rifles.
I then double team my ears with plugs and my all time favorite electronic ear muffs, Howard Leight Impact Sport.

It's really handy when you can hear what's around you and someone who's trying to talk to you.

With indoors being smaller and more congested with people, I'd go with electronics and plugs combo.

I've had them before this review by that outrageous yet informative guy Nutnfancy.


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Surefire EP-4 under Peltor Comtac II.

Excellent protection indoors even with IPSC short open guns with hybrid holes. If it works for that... it will work for anything.

Great thing is you can still carry out a conversation and listen to music with that setup.
 
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