Hearing Protection, need suggestions

golfnutrlv · February 3, 2012, 12:04 AM

Hey everyone, looking to change my hearing protection. I mostly shoot outdoors, but some indoor as well.

I usually use standard, over the head electronic muffs.

I would like to go to something that is not over the head. Problem is, the best choice other than that is your in the ear canal style plug of different varieties. I don't really like this style of ear pro...

Looking for something that is in-ear, but not in ear canal, or barely in ear canal. I have tried the Radians custom molded ones with no success, not a great product IMO.

Is there a solution out there for me? I like the Surefire Sonic defenders, but they look a little too much in ear canal for me.

Thanks all...

Don P · February 3, 2012, 03:48 PM

I think what you're looking for is going to be a tough find. I'm headed to the audiologist Wed for some custom fit plugs. Have you looked into those type of plugs?

golfnutrlv · February 5, 2012, 03:15 PM

Well, after much thought, decided to try the Surefire EP3 SOnic defenders.

They work great, absolutely wonderful product. Wore them for 4 hours at the range yesterday, and my ears were none the worse for wear. Hearing protection level is comparable, or better than my over the head units.

ClydeFrog · February 7, 2012, 12:41 AM

I still own a bright orange set of custom plugs I obtained at a gun show in north/central VA in the early 1990s.
For general range use or shooting, I'd get some ZEM plugs or a few milspec units from www.UScav.com .
Spare ear plugs or muffs are not cheap and can prevent hearing loss or ear problems.

See www.Midwayusa.com www.Natchezss.com www.uscav.com www.NRA.org www.brownells.com www.cabelas.com www.Basspro.com

ScottRiqui · February 7, 2012, 12:49 AM

I got some custom-fitted molded silicone ear plugs with filters at a gun show a few months back and absolutely love them. They're a very snug fit, but they don't go very far into the ear canal at all. I think they rely on the fact that they conform to the entire surface of your outer ear, so very little sound can get into the ear canal in the first place.

February 3, 2012, 12:04 AM	#1
golfnutrlv Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 2008 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 1,347	Hearing Protection, need suggestions Hey everyone, looking to change my hearing protection. I mostly shoot outdoors, but some indoor as well. I usually use standard, over the head electronic muffs. I would like to go to something that is not over the head. Problem is, the best choice other than that is your in the ear canal style plug of different varieties. I don't really like this style of ear pro... Looking for something that is in-ear, but not in ear canal, or barely in ear canal. I have tried the Radians custom molded ones with no success, not a great product IMO. Is there a solution out there for me? I like the Surefire Sonic defenders, but they look a little too much in ear canal for me. Thanks all... __________________ ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ VIGILIA PRETIUM LIBERTATIS "The price of liberty is vigilance" America is at an awkward stage. It's too late to work within the system, but too early to shoot the bastards.

February 3, 2012, 03:48 PM	#2
Don P Senior Member Join Date: December 17, 2005 Location: Swamp dweller Posts: 6,187	I think what you're looking for is going to be a tough find. I'm headed to the audiologist Wed for some custom fit plugs. Have you looked into those type of plugs? __________________ *NRA Life Member, NRA Chief Range Safety Officer, NRA Certified Pistol Instructor,, USPSA & Steel Challange NROI Range Officer, ICORE Range Officer, ,MAG 40 Graduate* *As you are, I once was, As I am, You will be.*

February 5, 2012, 03:15 PM	#3
golfnutrlv Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 2008 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 1,347	Well, after much thought, decided to try the Surefire EP3 SOnic defenders. They work great, absolutely wonderful product. Wore them for 4 hours at the range yesterday, and my ears were none the worse for wear. Hearing protection level is comparable, or better than my over the head units. __________________ ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ VIGILIA PRETIUM LIBERTATIS "The price of liberty is vigilance" America is at an awkward stage. It's too late to work within the system, but too early to shoot the bastards.

February 7, 2012, 12:41 AM	#4
ClydeFrog Junior member Join Date: May 1, 2010 Posts: 5,797	Hearing protection units, sources.... I still own a bright orange set of custom plugs I obtained at a gun show in north/central VA in the early 1990s. For general range use or shooting, I'd get some ZEM plugs or a few milspec units from www.UScav.com . Spare ear plugs or muffs are not cheap and can prevent hearing loss or ear problems. See www.Midwayusa.com www.Natchezss.com www.uscav.com www.NRA.org www.brownells.com www.cabelas.com www.Basspro.com

February 7, 2012, 12:49 AM	#5
ScottRiqui Senior Member Join Date: January 27, 2010 Location: Norfolk, VA Posts: 2,905	I got some custom-fitted molded silicone ear plugs with filters at a gun show a few months back and absolutely love them. They're a very snug fit, but they don't go very far into the ear canal at all. I think they rely on the fact that they conform to the entire surface of your outer ear, so very little sound can get into the ear canal in the first place.