Active hearing protection

pizdets17

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
112   0   0
Location
Calgary
Looking to get a set of 4 active headphones. My daughter says even with plugs and headphones its still too loud, so in order to encourage her and my wife to keep going shooting I need to buy some active headsets. What is a good value but not cheap crap? Not looking for $300 headsets but don't want just either. Ideas??
 
I have a Peltor tactical 6S, it's fairly new, but I really like it, not even sure of the noise reduction level. I have sensitive ears, and after 250 9mm rounds my ears were very happy. Something like $60 if I remember.
 
I have peltor sport tacs

Same as my cheapo 40 dollar electronic but not as pretty.


I double up also. So plugs and ear muffs. With them turned up the whole way I can somewhat hear.

But I still don't mow if it will make a difference for your daughter since she already doubles up
 
But if your daughter is finding it too loud with plugs and muffs, how will plugs and electronic muffs that let more noise through help?

I agree. Electronic muffs usually block less noise than regular muffs, since space in the cups used for noise blocking material is needed for the electronics.

One advantage your daughter may get from the electronic muffs though is that more sounds will be at a similar level. ie: with regular muffs, voices and small noises are much quieter than the bangs of gunshots, which can be uncomfortably surprising to her. With electronic muffs, voices and gunshots will be closer to the same sound level.
 
Do ensure that the fit of the cup on the earmuffs are sealed TIGHT, i.e. sunglasses with large frames will prevent the cup from sealing properly, thus letting sound through.

My recommendation would be to get them custom fitted ear plugs. Depending if you get some with filters or not, the dB reduction can go up to 40. The less expensive kind of custom ear molds will run you about $50/pair and higher quality molds about $150. Filters are extra of course.

Where are you located? Perhaps I can point you to an audiologist.
 
Maybe your girl doesn't want to shoot.
My wife won't shoot my rifles, "because they're too loud", but she'll stay right beside me while I'm shooting ;).
 
I would stick to the Pelters but as others have pointed out the seal is pretty important. Girls hair tends to be long and with glasses added to the mix the seal might not be there and all she is really getting for protection is that provided by the ear plugs. That being the case custom plugs might be the only real solution. Her hearing at a young age is pretty important and I would not subject her to a lot of shooting until I was satisfied her ears were being protected. Dads like to be out with their daughters but her hearing is more important than her participating with you in shooting.

Take Care

Bob
 
I know a few guys that have had custom plugs made up at Costco, might be worth a look and then you can ask some questions right there.
 
buy some good quality 33 NRR foam ear plugs and wear a set reg muffs over the ears. If it`s still to loud then shooting is not for her.
 
buy some good quality 33 NRR foam ear plugs and wear a set reg muffs over the ears. If it`s still to loud then shooting is not for her.

Some kids can have extremely sensitive hearing if she says its too loud, its TOO loud. They are her ears, she knows. Protect her ears and hearing please, it's a gift from birth and you don't want it ruined.
 
I seem to remember there being some type of silly-putty type substance that swimmers use to keep water out of their ears. Perhaps they could try that under the earmuffs? It would close the ear canal and stop the nose from entering.
 
Last edited:
+1 they are very good for the money and very VERY popular too because of their quality and value.
Use these + ear plugs and you can still hear with the volume cranked up.


I have the howard leights and they're good for what you spend.

But if your daughter is finding it too loud with plugs and muffs, how will plugs and electronic muffs that let more noise through help?
 
I usually use custom-moulded plugs, which are pretty good, but recently I tried 3M Optime 105 Peltor earmuffs and the noise REALLY went down, from a bark to a very muted bang. They're probably too big to use with a rifle, but for pistol shooting, these are definitely "the goods". Getting a complete seal is important, however, as long hair might get in the way.

I often wonder about "hickock45"s videos, where all he wears is a pair of Howard Leight "plug on a band" earplugs. I use those same ones for power tools, but they really don't provide all that much protection for really loud stuff.

:) Stuart
 
ok. I ordered 4 pairs of surefire ep5's and 4 pairs of the howard leights. Will report on friday to see how they do. Amazon is good for sending SH%^ back if it doesn't do the trick.
 
Back
Top Bottom