Ear defence thread.

migrant hunter

migrant hunter

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When I was younger and dumber, I thought that ear defenders/plugs were for pansies. Now that I'm partially deaf, I try to protect what little hearing I have left. The only time I shoot without ear defenders now is when I'm hunting(shotgun and rifle).
Anyone use plugs/defenders in the feild? I know that you don't even notice it when hunting, but it still does the same damage.
 
I got rubbed out on the Drilling Rigs mid 90's; lost 50-60% hearing in my right ear. Full time tinnitus. WCB pays for my hearing aids for rest of my life.
They rock for hunting. Crank them up a couple of notches and you will hear a buck snort at 150-200 yds easy. And when you shoot they will cut off the sound before it reaches your ears. Serious magnum reports will breach them, but run-of-the-mill calibers (30-30,30-40,303, 8 X 57, 7.62x54) are...well...pretty much muted.
That is (rangefinders not included) my one technological cheater that gets used for hunting.:redface:
 
i just use regular foam plugs from work when duck hunting but thats only because im in close quarters with a few other guys and we will all likely be unloading the guns in quick time, for any other hunting i dont bother.
 
I have a pair of Sordin Supreme Pro-X that I wear for some of my hunts. Anything with high volume shooting, close quarters or low/moderate amounts of walking. I'm seriously considering packing foam plugs even for my alpine hunts for that last second.
 
The trouble is, most of my "last seconds" only last a second, and I can't do anything about it. I am very interested in what others have to say about hearing devices they actually wear hunting. I'm old. I know absolutely that I was an idiot to not protect my hearing more over the last 50 years.

The only contribution I can make is to add to those who are giving advice to young, invulnerable shooters to be serious about hearing protection early. If you wait, too late will be way too late. I will be investigating the suggestions on this thread.
 
every time you shoot without ear pro you DAMAGE YOUR EARS, your ears DO NOT heal themselves ever...
 
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I use Sonic ear plugs while hunting waterfowl... They have a baffle in them which the concussion of the shot closes & protect your hearing somewhat while allowing you to hear okay while not shooting... No idea even if Sonic ear plugs are still made...

Don't wear hearing protection for the one or two shots of rifle I might make in a year in a given hunting situation... And yes, I know I should...

Cheers
Jay
 
I'm pretty sure my hearing loss started with the first time I fired a .270... too young and stupid to know anything about ear protection. I had fired 30-30's, .303's and 12 gauge before, no big deal, but my ears rang for HOURS after a couple of shots from that .270. Probably why I still have an aversion to the calibre today. I now wear plugs & muffs anytime I fire anything larger than a .22 rimfire, but not when hunting. Often wonder what it would be like to have good hearing again.
 
I am running dual Walker's Game Ear Elite HD. Expensive, but in my opinion worth it. The only time I was left wanting more was standing next to a muzzle brake, and even then it was almost good enough. The rest of the time, the ability to have normal conversations, and even hear game nearby, without worrying about gun blasts, was fantastic. Very comfortable, I can wear them all day without issue.
 
Way back in the military I shot a lot of heavy guns without any protection. My hearing is still fine (no tests performed though).
As a motorcyclist I rode for a couple of years without ear protection. Stupid yes, but no noticeable damages (again no testing)
At the range I currently wear plugs and muffs.
Bare eardrums while hunting and fishing :D
 
While I fully agree with and use ear protection any other time (aside of rimfire outdoors), my concern with it while hunting is not hearing when one suddenly goes from predator to prey. Its not guaranteed - but I'd rather not risk it.
 
rral22 said:
The trouble is, most of my "last seconds" only last a second, and I can't do anything about it. I am very interested in what others have to say about hearing devices they actually wear hunting. I'm old. I know absolutely that I was an idiot to not protect my hearing more over the last 50 years.

The only contribution I can make is to add to those who are giving advice to young, invulnerable shooters to be serious about hearing protection early. If you wait, too late will be way too late. I will be investigating the suggestions on this thread.
Click to expand...

once you have damage it's even more important to preserve what you have left!!!
 
NorthernMopar said:
While I fully agree with and use ear protection any other time (aside of rimfire outdoors), my concern with it while hunting is not hearing when one suddenly goes from predator to prey. Its not guaranteed - but I'd rather not risk it.
Click to expand...

use electronic muffs and you actually hear better eg bionic ear....
 
legi0n said:
Way back in the military I shot a lot of heavy guns without any protection. My hearing is still fine (no tests performed though).
As a motorcyclist I rode for a couple of years without ear protection. Stupid yes, but no noticeable damages (again no testing)
At the range I currently wear plugs and muffs.
Bare eardrums while hunting and fishing :D
Click to expand...


sounds just like what I did except I have permanent damage , tinnitus is a ##### you do not want, you should rethink your logic on this...
 
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