Would you use Active Hearing Protection during a Home Invasion? - Page 2

OldShooter · February 12, 2009, 12:42 PM

Kevlar gloves, steel toed bunny slippers, fall protection harness(keep OSHA happy) and make sure it's all "tactical".

xsquidgator · February 12, 2009, 12:52 PM

If there was enough time to put 'em on, sure, I'd put on some active earmmuffs. I read somewhere that the boom of gunfire, especially inside a house, will be very disorienting and might well reduce how effectively you can aim and fire. Active earmuffs can do away with that, and can help you hear better before anything happens, or during a fight, too. If you have time and presence of mind to put them on, do it.

That said, I have a set in my range bag but that stays in the closet at night. Between a phone, a nightstand gun, and a flashlight, I already have enough stuff to haul in and out when going to bed and getting up in the morning. I think the muffs would be nice to have if I ever had to use a gun in self-defense, but not so nice I'll go out of my way every night for the next 20 or 30 years to keep them at the ready.

Re4mer · February 16, 2009, 12:59 AM

If somebody has invaded my home the last thing I am going to reach for is ear protection.

dcobler · February 16, 2009, 01:17 AM

I say keep them with the weapon, worst case scenario, you don't have time to put them on and DO have to fire your weapon, hearing damage. Best scenario, put them on and realize it is a racoon in the trash!!! Great idea by the way.

Nnobby45 · February 16, 2009, 02:04 AM

Quote:

If somebody has invaded my home the last thing I am going to reach for is ear protection.

If someone invades my home it won't be the first thing I reach for, but IF I have time I'll put mine on. They're strategically located near the place where I'd make my "stand", next to my 870.

Circumstances might allow me to use them. Might not. Might allow me to jump out of bed, might not. I don't have a crystal ball to tell me exactly how things will transpire, but Electronic hearing is part of the bag of tricks.

I can hear a Canary breathing at 30 ft. with my Peltiers--or Bubba sneaking along inside my house no matter how quiet he tries to be. Not just about hearing protection.

**JohnKSa** · February 16, 2009, 02:48 AM

Quote:

I can hear a Canary breathing at 30 ft. with my Peltiers--or Bubba sneaking along inside my house no matter how quiet he tries to be. Not just about hearing protection.

More importantly (to me anyway) is that after the first shot you'll still be able to hear what's going on. My one and only shot indoors without hearing protection left me totally deaf for nearly a minute and severely hearing impaired for about half an hour.

It's certainly not the first thing I'd go for, but if there were time and I could gather my thoughts enough to remember it I would use it. I have a set readily available. Realistically I kind of doubt that I would even remember they're there in a real emergency.

JohnH1963 · February 16, 2009, 05:41 AM

What about putting hearing protection in just one ear? At least you will have one ear left when all is said and done...

Creature · February 16, 2009, 05:53 AM

Dont forget the dog..

Erik · February 16, 2009, 01:40 PM

Does it make sense to wear electronic hearing protection while anticipating gunfire in confined, enclosed spaces? Yes. You may not perceive the need, be able to afford it, or have time to don it, or statistically need it; but it makes sense non the less.

Stevie-Ray · February 16, 2009, 02:52 PM

I want a pair badly, and not just for the range. They will be positioned next to my nightstand weapon, expressly for the I think somebody's in the house scenario, rather than the door crashing in with heavy footsteps sound. The latter, of course, doesn't provide much time for donning earmuffs.

I've been looking online for quality e-muffs, and plan to purchase this year.

Para Bellum · February 16, 2009, 03:54 PM

Yes, I would. Good stuff.

ElectricHellfire · February 16, 2009, 05:12 PM

No. I want to hear my target. Besides, its better to be deaf and alive rather than dead with perfect hearing.

pax · February 16, 2009, 05:21 PM

ElectricHellfire,

Possibly you didn't understand the question. We are not discussing passive hearing protection (plugs, normal muffs), but active hearing protection (electronic muffs), which would not only allow you to hear the intruder but would actually enhance your hearing capabilities.

Agree that I'd rather be alive & deaf than dead. So would we all. But your comment is not really appropos to the topic.

pax

Only S&W and Me · February 16, 2009, 08:09 PM

I can't imagine what my 12 gauge Mossberg would sound like in the house with multiple shots!

webhead · February 16, 2009, 09:09 PM

I have a outer gun belt w/ holster, mag pouch, knife and flashlight. Next to it is my proears and loaded shotgun. Loaded hand gun is a lot closer to the bed. If something needs investigating, likely I'll spend 10 secs putting the belt and ears on and switch to the shotgun. If dogs are going nuts and clear sounds of intruder, pistol in hand and a call to 911 if possible.

I hope it never happens but expect it to be dynamic. Having a plan and the means to carry out that plan is a good start. I think electronic ears give you an advantage provided you train with them. That is, know you're home's sounds with them on. That sound of someone moving might just be your fridge.

Chris_B · February 16, 2009, 10:07 PM

http://www.surefire.com/Fox-Ears

Captainjack · February 16, 2009, 10:34 PM

Ok my first reply got deleted probably because I said this is retarded but, here goes again. Tech fails and always when you need it most. If I'm a perp and worth a sh!!. I'm coming for the people in the home first to secure the area to do my bg stuff. Would you rather be adjusting you ear muffs or prepared, armed and READY! Your super hearing bs isn't going to do crap when they put two in your head. The pros today aren't going to give you the time to play with your toys. Flame me if you want but you'll be alive.

youp · February 17, 2009, 07:26 AM

Looks like we are assuming different types of bad guys here. The sneak thief that is going to hit the road running a the sound of a dog or the sight of a boxer clad, ear muffed, shotgun yielding occupant. Do not get in his way and don't shoot him in the back heading out your door.

The 'pros'. Somebody has probably got a 'contract' on you. You probably did something or associated with someone that was bad. LEOs excepted on this one. Muffs are probably not an option. No time here.

The ones that scare me are the druggies. My wife has very specific orders here. They see the 870 and the light and do not show their back, shoot them. Insurance will buy new carpet and fix the wall damage.

IMO everyone that has a home defense plan should practice it. If your home defense plan has electronic ear muffs, go for it. We have his and hers firearms. I get the 41 revolver and she gets the 870. We are both allowed to use the dog. Each have lights on the nightstand. Personally, my eye glasses are more important then my ears. But it is very personal. So if you think that electronic hearing protection gives you an advantage, you had better practice and get good at it.

And forget the flamers. They will NOT be there for YOU.

Al Thompson · February 17, 2009, 07:29 AM

I'm going to get a set, probably Radian. If anybody has a suggestion, please PM me.

I'll be more than happy to see how well they work and post some thoughts in a couple of weeks...

Captainjack, nice try, zero points. The Mall Ninja thing has been done to death (as well as better). Welcome to my ignore list... Best feature on the web!

Skans · February 17, 2009, 09:15 AM

Hearing protection during a home invasion????

You've got to be kidding, right. Absolutely not.

If I hear something going "bump" in the night and want to check it out:

1. I want to get my gun as fast as I can, which is never as fast as you think it will be;

2. keep lights off and go through my investigation of all areas of my house vulnerable to break-in.

3. LISTEN for any signs of a break-in or people in my house.

4. LISTEN, look and verify, if possible, where all member of my household are.

5. If I encounter home invader(s), the few rounds that I will fire will doubtfully cause any permenant damage to my ears....and if it does, oh, well.

You need all of your senses on high alert when checking for home invaders. I need my hearing as much as I need my sight, especially in low light situations.

onthejon55 · February 17, 2009, 11:32 AM

walking around in the dark with bionic hearing could be very disorienting. now every bump sounds like someone sketching around you house. If hearing damage concerns you that much i would spend a little more money and instead of getting hearing protection invest in a suppressor

pax · February 17, 2009, 11:54 AM

Skans,

Possibly you didn't understand the question. We are not discussing passive hearing protection (plugs, normal muffs), but active hearing protection (electronic muffs), which would not only allow you to hear the intruder but would actually enhance your hearing capabilities.

pax

Whiteboy67 · February 17, 2009, 03:22 PM

I made the mistake of making this same thread a few weeks ago, got the same replies. Someone should run a test to end this debate. Slap on a pair of electronic ear protection and have someone else sneaking around inside the house+outside the house. Then have them repeat the exact same process but this time, don't wear anything on your ears. See if theres any advantages/disadvantages. I'm curious to see the results, someone test

Stevie-Ray · February 17, 2009, 04:12 PM

No testing necessary, AFAIC. They have been proven to enhance your hearing capabilities. Perfect for the "bump in the night" you hear that is probably nothing, but COULD be a cat burgler, especially if you've heard of one in your area. The naysayers amaze me with their "it's always going to be someone crashing in your door and killing everyone in the house before they take what they want" attitude.

Robbery and B&E statistics, in my area anyway, say something completely different. I would be able to, and plan to use these for clearly most of the checking of my house.

Skans · February 17, 2009, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Possibly you didn't understand the question. We are not discussing passive hearing protection (plugs, normal muffs), but active hearing protection (electronic muffs), which would not only allow you to hear the intruder but would actually enhance your hearing capabilities.

I don't trust things that run on batteries. Let me tell you - my friggin mini-vault runs on batteries, which makes it worthless!! I just keep the key nearby so I can get into it. I got sick and tired of constantly replacing batteries.

I've had to grab my gun and check things out several times. Once was an animal noise. Another time, I saw blue flashing lights outside my window and found out that the cops were chasing a perp through my normally quiet neithborhood. Another time, the police copter was circling my house looking for someone in the woods behind it. Like I said, I would never even consider wearing hearing protection.

February 12, 2009, 12:42 PM	#26
OldShooter Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 2006 Location: Maine Posts: 846	Home protection Kevlar gloves, steel toed bunny slippers, fall protection harness(keep OSHA happy) and make sure it's all "tactical".

February 16, 2009, 01:17 AM	#29
dcobler Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2008 Location: Oklahoma, America Posts: 286	I say keep them with the weapon, worst case scenario, you don't have time to put them on and DO have to fire your weapon, hearing damage. Best scenario, put them on and realize it is a racoon in the trash!!! Great idea by the way. __________________ "Be kind, be courteous, and have a plan to kill everybody you meet."

February 16, 2009, 01:40 PM	#34
Erik Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 1999 Location: America Posts: 3,479	Does it make sense to wear electronic hearing protection while anticipating gunfire in confined, enclosed spaces? Yes. You may not perceive the need, be able to afford it, or have time to don it, or statistically need it; but it makes sense non the less. __________________ Meriam Webster's: Main Entry: ci·vil·ian Pronunciation: \sə-ˈvil-yən also -ˈvi-yən\, Function: noun, Date: 14th century, 1: a specialist in Roman or modern civil law, 2 a: one not on active duty in the armed services or not on a police or firefighting force b: outsider 1, — civilian adjective

February 16, 2009, 02:52 PM	#35
Stevie-Ray Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2007 Location: The shores of Lake Huron Posts: 4,783	I want a pair badly, and not just for the range. They will be positioned next to my nightstand weapon, expressly for the I think somebody's in the house scenario, rather than the door crashing in with heavy footsteps sound. The latter, of course, doesn't provide much time for donning earmuffs. I've been looking online for quality e-muffs, and plan to purchase this year. __________________ Stevie-Ray Join the NRA/ILA I am the weapon; my gun is a tool. It's regrettable that with some people those descriptors are reversed.

February 16, 2009, 03:54 PM	#36
Para Bellum Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2005 Location: right there Posts: 1,882	Yes, I would. Good stuff. __________________ Si vis pacem - para bellum If you want peace - prepare for war

February 12, 2009, 12:52 PM	#27
xsquidgator Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2007 Posts: 115	If there was enough time to put 'em on, sure, I'd put on some active earmmuffs. I read somewhere that the boom of gunfire, especially inside a house, will be very disorienting and might well reduce how effectively you can aim and fire. Active earmuffs can do away with that, and can help you hear better before anything happens, or during a fight, too. If you have time and presence of mind to put them on, do it. That said, I have a set in my range bag but that stays in the closet at night. Between a phone, a nightstand gun, and a flashlight, I already have enough stuff to haul in and out when going to bed and getting up in the morning. I think the muffs would be nice to have if I ever had to use a gun in self-defense, but not so nice I'll go out of my way every night for the next 20 or 30 years to keep them at the ready.

February 16, 2009, 12:59 AM	#28
Re4mer Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 2008 Posts: 240	If somebody has invaded my home the last thing I am going to reach for is ear protection.

February 16, 2009, 05:41 AM	#32
JohnH1963 Junior member Join Date: October 22, 2008 Posts: 416	What about putting hearing protection in just one ear? At least you will have one ear left when all is said and done...

February 16, 2009, 05:53 AM	#33
Creature Junior member Join Date: April 8, 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 3,769	Dont forget the dog..

February 16, 2009, 05:12 PM	#37
ElectricHellfire Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2008 Location: The Woodlands, Texas Posts: 2,271	No. I want to hear my target. Besides, its better to be deaf and alive rather than dead with perfect hearing. __________________ *Texas, the only State to Have Ever Kicked Another Country's Butt*

February 16, 2009, 05:21 PM	#38
pax Senior Member Join Date: May 16, 2000 Location: In a state of flux Posts: 7,520	ElectricHellfire, Possibly you didn't understand the question. We are not discussing passive hearing protection (plugs, normal muffs), but active hearing protection (electronic muffs), which would not only allow you to hear the intruder but would actually enhance your hearing capabilities. Agree that I'd rather be alive & deaf than dead. So would we all. But your comment is not really appropos to the topic. pax __________________ Kathy Jackson My personal website: Cornered Cat

February 16, 2009, 08:09 PM	#39
Only S&W and Me Member Join Date: December 24, 2008 Location: Rochester Hills, Michigan Posts: 67	I can't imagine what my 12 gauge Mossberg would sound like in the house with multiple shots!

February 16, 2009, 09:09 PM	#40
webhead Member Join Date: November 17, 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 30	I have a outer gun belt w/ holster, mag pouch, knife and flashlight. Next to it is my proears and loaded shotgun. Loaded hand gun is a lot closer to the bed. If something needs investigating, likely I'll spend 10 secs putting the belt and ears on and switch to the shotgun. If dogs are going nuts and clear sounds of intruder, pistol in hand and a call to 911 if possible. I hope it never happens but expect it to be dynamic. Having a plan and the means to carry out that plan is a good start. I think electronic ears give you an advantage provided you train with them. That is, know you're home's sounds with them on. That sound of someone moving might just be your fridge.

February 16, 2009, 10:07 PM	#41
Chris_B Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2007 Posts: 3,101	http://www.surefire.com/Fox-Ears

February 16, 2009, 10:34 PM	#42
Captainjack Junior Member Join Date: February 14, 2009 Posts: 9	Ok my first reply got deleted probably because I said this is retarded but, here goes again. Tech fails and always when you need it most. If I'm a perp and worth a sh!!. I'm coming for the people in the home first to secure the area to do my bg stuff. Would you rather be adjusting you ear muffs or prepared, armed and READY! Your super hearing bs isn't going to do crap when they put two in your head. The pros today aren't going to give you the time to play with your toys. Flame me if you want but you'll be alive.

February 17, 2009, 07:26 AM	#43
youp Senior Member Join Date: December 15, 2005 Location: south of Canada, eh? Posts: 438	Looks like we are assuming different types of bad guys here. The sneak thief that is going to hit the road running a the sound of a dog or the sight of a boxer clad, ear muffed, shotgun yielding occupant. Do not get in his way and don't shoot him in the back heading out your door. The 'pros'. Somebody has probably got a 'contract' on you. You probably did something or associated with someone that was bad. LEOs excepted on this one. Muffs are probably not an option. No time here. The ones that scare me are the druggies. My wife has very specific orders here. They see the 870 and the light and do not show their back, shoot them. Insurance will buy new carpet and fix the wall damage. IMO everyone that has a home defense plan should practice it. If your home defense plan has electronic ear muffs, go for it. We have his and hers firearms. I get the 41 revolver and she gets the 870. We are both allowed to use the dog. Each have lights on the nightstand. Personally, my eye glasses are more important then my ears. But it is very personal. So if you think that electronic hearing protection gives you an advantage, you had better practice and get good at it. And forget the flamers. They will NOT be there for YOU. __________________ Use enough gun.

February 17, 2009, 07:29 AM	#44
Al Thompson Staff Alumnus Join Date: May 2, 1999 Location: South Carolina Posts: 3,611	I'm going to get a set, probably Radian. If anybody has a suggestion, please PM me. I'll be more than happy to see how well they work and post some thoughts in a couple of weeks... Captainjack, nice try, zero points. The Mall Ninja thing has been done to death (as well as better). Welcome to my ignore list... Best feature on the web! __________________ http://www.scfirearms.org/

February 17, 2009, 09:15 AM	#45
Skans Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2008 Posts: 11,132	Hearing protection during a home invasion???? You've got to be kidding, right. Absolutely not. If I hear something going "bump" in the night and want to check it out: 1. I want to get my gun as fast as I can, which is never as fast as you think it will be; 2. keep lights off and go through my investigation of all areas of my house vulnerable to break-in. 3. LISTEN for any signs of a break-in or people in my house. 4. LISTEN, look and verify, if possible, where all member of my household are. 5. If I encounter home invader(s), the few rounds that I will fire will doubtfully cause any permenant damage to my ears....and if it does, oh, well. You need all of your senses on high alert when checking for home invaders. I need my hearing as much as I need my sight, especially in low light situations.

February 17, 2009, 11:32 AM	#46
onthejon55 Junior member Join Date: October 23, 2008 Location: Evansville, IN Posts: 411	walking around in the dark with bionic hearing could be very disorienting. now every bump sounds like someone sketching around you house. If hearing damage concerns you that much i would spend a little more money and instead of getting hearing protection invest in a suppressor

February 17, 2009, 11:54 AM	#47
pax Senior Member Join Date: May 16, 2000 Location: In a state of flux Posts: 7,520	Skans, Possibly you didn't understand the question. We are not discussing passive hearing protection (plugs, normal muffs), but active hearing protection (electronic muffs), which would not only allow you to hear the intruder but would actually enhance your hearing capabilities. pax __________________ Kathy Jackson My personal website: Cornered Cat

February 17, 2009, 03:22 PM	#48
Whiteboy67 Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2008 Location: California Posts: 324	I made the mistake of making this same thread a few weeks ago, got the same replies. Someone should run a test to end this debate. Slap on a pair of electronic ear protection and have someone else sneaking around inside the house+outside the house. Then have them repeat the exact same process but this time, don't wear anything on your ears. See if theres any advantages/disadvantages. I'm curious to see the results, someone test

February 17, 2009, 04:12 PM	#49
Stevie-Ray Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2007 Location: The shores of Lake Huron Posts: 4,783	No testing necessary, AFAIC. They have been proven to enhance your hearing capabilities. Perfect for the "bump in the night" you hear that is probably nothing, but COULD be a cat burgler, especially if you've heard of one in your area. The naysayers amaze me with their "it's always going to be someone crashing in your door and killing everyone in the house before they take what they want" attitude. Robbery and B&E statistics, in my area anyway, say something completely different. I would be able to, and plan to use these for clearly most of the checking of my house. __________________ Stevie-Ray Join the NRA/ILA I am the weapon; my gun is a tool. It's regrettable that with some people those descriptors are reversed.