Ear protection?

T

TrxR

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
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Location
Sussex, NB
Ive been using disposable 3m foam ear plugs and they seem to work alright but can be a pain to insert correctly and keep in place especially in the colder months. Ive tried different ear muffs but they seem to contact the stock enough to knock them half off my ear which is very distracting. My stock hits them on the underside so it doesn't seem to matter how low profile they are.

Im debating on seeing an audiologist and getting some custom molded plugs done.

Whats everyone's opinion on the custom molded plugs?
 
I have been wearing custom fitted electronics for 20+ years. My annual hearing tests tell me they are working well. The nice things about them is they are always in my ears. Regular plugs that reduce hearing are always being removed to allow communication. Electronic muffs are cheaper and offer better protection, but can get in the way and people will remove them when not actually shooting. My plugs go in when I get to the the club and out when I leave. I always forget I even have them in.

They are also great for hunting.
 
Custom molded plugs, definately! I have several pairs and wear them under my helmet when on my motorcycle as well as shooting or around jet engines.
My only complaint with them is that they work so well that I can't hear what other shooters are saying in between shooting and often have to dislodge one a bit and pop it back in before shooting. The other option that I've used a lot is custom plugs with electronic muffs over top with the volume turned up high, then I can hear conversation as well as have double hearing protection.
 
I have had good luck with the Peltor TEP-100 electronic ear plugs. They have several tip options. The highest NRR rating is for the "Skull Screw" foam tips at 30 NRR. These tips are somewhat large and sometimes cause me some discomfort after a while, so I switch to disposable foam safety plugs for a while (30 to 32 NRR).

The TEP-100 can also use the "Triple-C Communication" ear tips rated at 27 NRR. These fit me much better with zero discomfort, fits really nice. However I find that the sound tube is a smaller diameter and it sometimes closes when inserted, blocking electronic sound coming through. So I usually switch back to the Skull Screws.

The foam tips have a higher NRR rating than the silicone flange tips, although those are comfortable and come in three sizes that come with the original kit so that you can experiment with what fits you.

I bought the Peltor TEP-100 set and extra replacement ear tips from a CGN site sponsor: SRS Tactical. https://srstactical.ca/peltor-tep-100-tactical-electronic-earplugs.html
SRS Tactical have provided great service! One of the ear pieces had a defective switch on it. I returned it to SRS under the one-year warranty and received a free replacement right away. The plugs have functioned well for several years now. They hold a charge well, I have never had them expire when at the range.

For centerfire I always double up with ear muffs and plugs. I use the Peltor Sport Tactical 500 electronic muffs while wearing the electronic ear plugs. The audio works well, there is no interference between the two electronic systems. When I switch to passive foam earplugs, I adjust the ear muff volume as high as it will go, and can hear fairly well the conversation and RO commands.

I also get the muffs banging the stock sometimes during cheek weld. But I adjust the cheek weld and make it work. I suspect sometimes that the ear muff seal is broken with the stock slightly moving the muff off alignment. That is another reason why I always double up with the plugs.

For me, I find any ear muff, passive or electronic, is not enough protection for centerfire, so high protection ear plugs for me are essential.
 
I use normal foam plugs when shooting 22 or pistol caliber. I put muffs on top of plugs when im at rifle range or shooting a 308 with a brake. I can communicate fine with just plugs in.
 
never seen Decibullz before. I just checked the site.

I see a $30 pair and and $80 pair.

Besides the fact that you can hear when not shooting is the $80 much better?
 
Jmcc said:
never seen Decibullz before. I just checked the site.

I see a $30 pair and and $80 pair.

Besides the fact that you can hear when not shooting is the $80 much better?
Click to expand...

I believe the cheaper ones are for general noise protection like construction, and more expensive ones do better for percussion type noise from firearms.
 
I like to use the ear plugs with the plastic teather holding them together.
Cut the teather off with about 5/8 hanging out of ear plug, this helps.positioning and pushing the plug in . ,, it also helps to pull the ear channel open , with your opposite arm...

Ttly
 
Surefire EP7's with Comply foam tips. The large tips on medium EP7's fit perfect and I pull the center plug while hunting for better hearing with some passive protection.
 
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