Good ear PLUGS!!! ????

Lavan · April 4, 2017, 04:57 PM

I'm looking for some GOOD ear PLUGS.

I have double hearing aids required after some guys shot some ported rifles and did not USE the pipes PROVIDED by the range.

Nuffa that.

Okay.... I got the hearing aids and had custom molded plugs made by the audiologist.
But.... I still get noise ringing even with 22 ...rifle.
My ears are WRECKED.

What I'd like to TRY is some ear plugs under my Howard Leight 30 NRR muffs.

I ...used to... have some earplugs that were really good but don't know where to find them. I think they were made of fiber and were VERY filling.

The custom molded ones had to be redone one time. They made the right ear longer and it HELPS.

But those old white earplugs i used to use were great.

I've tried the shooter plugs made of soft foam but they don't seem to block the sound as well as those old harder to squeeze plugs did.

I ...think... they may have been These:

https://www.pricefalls.com/product/f...d=184116586280

But not sure.

Any suggestions?

I was surprised that the sound even makes it past the custom molded ones but it does.

Thanks

NoSecondBest · April 4, 2017, 05:28 PM

Get a good set of ear muffs. No plugs are as good as muffs...any audiologist will tell you that.

Lavan · April 4, 2017, 05:57 PM

I was wearing muffs (Peltors) without plugs when my hearing was ruined.

I want plugs to use WITH the muffs.

It's amazing how sensitive my ears are now.

g.willikers · April 4, 2017, 06:40 PM

I use foam plugs like the ones in your link along, with good muffs.
I roll them skinny between my palms and quickly insert them in the ears.
They expand and really fill the ear.
Coupled with good muffs, they are about as much protection as I've found.
Although, being hard of hearing just enough to avoid listening to boring conversations ain't all bad.
P.S.
Muffs only work if they fit well.
Some are too loose a fit and others are easily displaced, especially when shooting long guns.

Lavan · April 5, 2017, 11:56 AM

Mine are Howard Leight 30 NRR
I modified them somewhat and put a bead of silicone on the bottom of the earpieces as the stock touching the muff was creating a very faint (but noticeable) high pitched ring from the transmission of vibration.

I think I'll have my ears removed.

FishinLuke · April 5, 2017, 12:28 PM

I've used disposable foam ear plugs for a good part of my life off and on and these are the best out there bar none.

Howard Laser Lites

g.willikers · April 5, 2017, 12:29 PM

You could just fill your ears completely with silicone instead of having them removed.
Just be sure to tap them full with a dowel.
But then you will still be susceptible to the effect of concussion at the range.
Better yet, just switch to archery or golf.
Naw, archery.

Jim Watson · April 5, 2017, 01:10 PM

The cylindrical yellow E.A.R. brand foam plug is the quietest I know, but the various bullet shaped plugs are more comfortable and within a dB or so.

A 30 dB muff and a 30 dB plug do not give 60 dB reduction, more like 40 or so, but still a big help.

Lavan · April 17, 2017, 10:31 AM

Found em.
They just arrived.

Better than the custom fit neoprenes from the audiologist.
They are softer and more comfortable and very satisifactory.

My "eardrum" ...test... demonstrated that TO ME.....they are more efficient than the neoprenes. Soft so they FILL the tiniest open space.

The neoprenes seem to kinda STREEETTTCHHH the tissue and it wouldn't surprise me if that is where the very minor leak must come from.

ANYHOW..... compared to the neoprenes, after shooting yesterday there was not even a HINT of ringing.

They are Flents plugs. NRR 33

g.willikers · April 17, 2017, 11:24 AM

Yup, that's what the ones I use look like.
They also help neutralize my better half's snoring.
Did you roll them thin to begin?

Betcha anything, the damage from the loud rifle could have been due to your earmuffs not sealing your ears well.
The ear stems from shooting glasses lifting the muffs are often the culprit.

Lavan · April 17, 2017, 11:30 AM

Hadn't thought of glasses lifting the muffs an EEEENTSY bit.

Could well be.
The Peltors are what the RO uses.

They served so well for so long. No plugs and no blasts.

I'd sure like to know WHAT ported cannon that neighbor shooter was blasting away with.

The whole line jumped when he fired.

If ONLY they REQUIRED the ported guns to be fired through the pipes that THEY PROVIDE!

Oh well, $3000 poorer and much smarter.

I know I won't chance the range again. Hate to do that as it is VERY handy.

FrankenMauser · April 17, 2017, 01:55 PM

Hopefully those keep working for you.

Personally, I've never had any kind of tapered plug or baffled plug work worth a crap in my ears.

I have to go out of my way to track down the EAR yellow plugs (3M), or slightly more expensive 3M Tekk orange plugs (same thing, different market). They're far less popular than they once were, and sometimes difficult to locate now.

The white Flents version works as well when new, but they tend to get firm and 'crusty' (and unusable) faster than the 3M stuff.

Lavan · April 17, 2017, 02:15 PM

Actually they're cheap enough to replace after a few uses.

I agree wholeheartedly on the baffle type.
Almost no effect. Some, but not much.

Ditto the "soft" smooth silicone expanders.

lantern2814 · April 17, 2017, 02:26 PM

I use these under my Peltor Sporttac Tactical Sport muffs . I can turn the volume up and still clearly hear range commands while having some serious ear protection. The multiple ear pieces help with differing ear shaps and sensitivities.

http://www.etymotic.com/consumer/hea...er20xs-uf.html

SIGSHR · April 17, 2017, 02:50 PM

Those baffled plugs are good at clearing out earwax

An occasional cleaning
with laundry soap keeps them fresh. Softer baffled plugs work better for me.

FrankenMauser · April 17, 2017, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Actually they're cheap enough to replace after a few uses.

I'm not sure if this was directed at me, or not.
But, to clarify: The 'cylindrical foam' type ear plugs that I use are generally treated as 100% disposable and discarded after a single use.

My statement about the Flents getting firm and 'crusty' sooner than the 3M products was in reference to shelf life.

sixgunnin · April 17, 2017, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Yup, that's what the ones I use look like.
They also help neutralize my better half's snoring.

What do you do stick um in the nose?

Louca · April 18, 2017, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Get a good set of ear muffs. No plugs are as good as muffs...any audiologist will tell you that.

Wow, really? With all respect, I totally disagree, at least in my case. The best ear muffs I have used are not nearly as good as the worst ear plugs I have used. I will say that plugs MUST be inserted correctly or their effectivity is greatly reduced. As stated above, they must be tightly rolled, inserted deeply, and allowed to fully expand for maximum effectivity. But muffs must also fit perfectly to provide any benefit. And to get a perfect muff fit is often impossible for me.

I always recommend using both, like I do these days: ear muffs over ear plugs. I use electronic muffs and I turn them up to amplify voices while they somewhat reduce the sound pressure level from loud sources. It provides me with the best of both worlds, with an ability to hear things and still have excellent protection.

Addressing the OP topic, I use Hearos ear plugs (link) that state an NRR of 33 db. Using those (even without the addition of ear muffs), I can shoot all day and my ears never ever ring.

FITASC · April 18, 2017, 10:39 AM

Quote:

The cylindrical yellow E.A.R. brand foam plug is the quietest I know,

ONLY if they are properly fully inserted into the ear canal.

Where muffs add extra value is for protecting the mastoid around your ear from vibrations that get to the middle ear and cause hearing issues.

RolandD · April 18, 2017, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Wow, really? With all respect, I totally disagree, at least in my case. The best ear muffs I have used are not nearly as good as the worst ear plugs I have used. I will say that plugs MUST be inserted correctly or their effectivity is greatly reduced. As stated above, they must be tightly rolled, inserted deeply, and allowed to fully expand for maximum effectivity.

I sleep with the purple Flents, wife snores, and even when tightly rolled, inserted deeply, and allowed to fully expand; they are only effective about 25% of the time. The wife also has a fan running while we sleep and the Flents will block the sound completely, sometimes. Some nights it takes three or four tries to block it completely. I no longer trust them for shooting.

Louca · April 19, 2017, 01:30 PM

Quote:

I sleep with the purple Flents, wife snores, and even when [inserted properly] they are only effective about 25% of the time ... I no longer trust them for shooting.

I can also hear my wife when she occasionally snores and I have them inserted properly. But the fact that I can detect a 1 db level of her snoring is irrelevant to how effective they are at protecting my hearing from gun fire.

dahermit · April 19, 2017, 04:14 PM

Ear plugs and muffs...unless you want to end up like me.

RolandD · April 19, 2017, 05:19 PM

Quote:

I can also hear my wife when she occasionally snores and I have them inserted properly. But the fact that I can detect a 1 db level of her snoring is irrelevant to how effective they are at protecting my hearing from gun fire.

My floor fan doesn't change volume. If I can hear it at nearly normal volume with the ear plugs, then they are only providing 15db to 20db, which is not enough protection while shooting. In my opinion.

HiBC · May 7, 2017, 06:44 AM

If you roll your ear hairs up into dreadlocks you can tie a bow over the plugs to hold them securely in.
OK,I was kidding,but some Old Buzzards do grow earlocks something like corn tassels.
Could be a sonic leak path.

Nathan · May 7, 2017, 07:52 AM

Quote:

I'd sure like to know WHAT ported cannon that neighbor shooter was blasting away with.

The whole line jumped when he fired.

If ONLY they REQUIRED the ported guns to be fired through the pipes that THEY PROVIDE!

What are these pipes you speak of?

I have heard a 50 bmg go off next to me with my pro ears pro mags on. The concussion was awful, but hearing was fine.

Btw, those purple plugs are some of my favorite. They can be bought at Walmart.

Find an industrial safety store and buy in bulk to save money.

My favorites: Moldex Purafit

April 4, 2017, 04:57 PM	#1
Lavan Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 1999 Location: California Posts: 2,716	Good ear PLUGS!!! ???? I'm looking for some GOOD ear PLUGS. I have double hearing aids required after some guys shot some ported rifles and did not USE the pipes PROVIDED by the range. Nuffa that. Okay.... I got the hearing aids and had custom molded plugs made by the audiologist. But.... I still get noise ringing even with 22 ...rifle. My ears are WRECKED. What I'd like to TRY is some ear plugs under my Howard Leight 30 NRR muffs. I ...used to... have some earplugs that were really good but don't know where to find them. I think they were made of fiber and were VERY filling. The custom molded ones had to be redone one time. They made the right ear longer and it HELPS. But those old white earplugs i used to use were great. I've tried the shooter plugs made of soft foam but they don't seem to block the sound as well as those old harder to squeeze plugs did. I ...think... they may have been These: https://www.pricefalls.com/product/f...d=184116586280 But not sure. Any suggestions? I was surprised that the sound even makes it past the custom molded ones but it does. Thanks

April 4, 2017, 06:40 PM	#4
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	I use foam plugs like the ones in your link along, with good muffs. I roll them skinny between my palms and quickly insert them in the ears. They expand and really fill the ear. Coupled with good muffs, they are about as much protection as I've found. Although, being hard of hearing just enough to avoid listening to boring conversations ain't all bad. P.S. Muffs only work if they fit well. Some are too loose a fit and others are easily displaced, especially when shooting long guns. __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

April 5, 2017, 12:29 PM	#7
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	You could just fill your ears completely with silicone instead of having them removed. Just be sure to tap them full with a dowel. But then you will still be susceptible to the effect of concussion at the range. Better yet, just switch to archery or golf. Naw, archery. __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

April 17, 2017, 11:24 AM	#10
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	Yup, that's what the ones I use look like. They also help neutralize my better half's snoring. Did you roll them thin to begin? Betcha anything, the damage from the loud rifle could have been due to your earmuffs not sealing your ears well. The ear stems from shooting glasses lifting the muffs are often the culprit. __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

April 17, 2017, 01:55 PM	#12
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,424	Hopefully those keep working for you. Personally, I've never had any kind of tapered plug or baffled plug work worth a crap in my ears. I have to go out of my way to track down the EAR yellow plugs (3M), or slightly more expensive 3M Tekk orange plugs (same thing, different market). They're far less popular than they once were, and sometimes difficult to locate now. The white Flents version works as well when new, but they tend to get firm and 'crusty' (and unusable) faster than the 3M stuff. __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

April 4, 2017, 05:28 PM	#2
NoSecondBest Senior Member Join Date: December 7, 2009 Location: Western New York Posts: 2,736	Get a good set of ear muffs. No plugs are as good as muffs...any audiologist will tell you that.

April 4, 2017, 05:57 PM	#3
Lavan Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 1999 Location: California Posts: 2,716	I was wearing muffs (Peltors) without plugs when my hearing was ruined. I want plugs to use WITH the muffs. It's amazing how sensitive my ears are now.

April 5, 2017, 11:56 AM	#5
Lavan Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 1999 Location: California Posts: 2,716	Mine are Howard Leight 30 NRR I modified them somewhat and put a bead of silicone on the bottom of the earpieces as the stock touching the muff was creating a very faint (but noticeable) high pitched ring from the transmission of vibration. I think I'll have my ears removed.

April 5, 2017, 12:28 PM	#6
FishinLuke Member Join Date: April 10, 2013 Posts: 31	I've used disposable foam ear plugs for a good part of my life off and on and these are the best out there bar none. Howard Laser Lites

April 5, 2017, 01:10 PM	#8
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,539	The cylindrical yellow E.A.R. brand foam plug is the quietest I know, but the various bullet shaped plugs are more comfortable and within a dB or so. A 30 dB muff and a 30 dB plug do not give 60 dB reduction, more like 40 or so, but still a big help.

April 17, 2017, 10:31 AM	#9
Lavan Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 1999 Location: California Posts: 2,716	Found em. They just arrived. Better than the custom fit neoprenes from the audiologist. They are softer and more comfortable and very satisifactory. My "eardrum" ...test... demonstrated that TO ME.....they are more efficient than the neoprenes. Soft so they FILL the tiniest open space. The neoprenes seem to kinda STREEETTTCHHH the tissue and it wouldn't surprise me if that is where the very minor leak must come from. ANYHOW..... compared to the neoprenes, after shooting yesterday there was not even a HINT of ringing. They are Flents plugs. NRR 33

April 17, 2017, 11:30 AM	#11
Lavan Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 1999 Location: California Posts: 2,716	Hadn't thought of glasses lifting the muffs an EEEENTSY bit. Could well be. The Peltors are what the RO uses. They served so well for so long. No plugs and no blasts. I'd sure like to know WHAT ported cannon that neighbor shooter was blasting away with. The whole line jumped when he fired. If ONLY they REQUIRED the ported guns to be fired through the pipes that THEY PROVIDE! Oh well, $3000 poorer and much smarter. I know I won't chance the range again. Hate to do that as it is VERY handy.

April 17, 2017, 02:15 PM	#13
Lavan Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 1999 Location: California Posts: 2,716	Actually they're cheap enough to replace after a few uses. I agree wholeheartedly on the baffle type. Almost no effect. Some, but not much. Ditto the "soft" smooth silicone expanders.

April 17, 2017, 02:26 PM	#14
lantern2814 Member Join Date: April 26, 2013 Posts: 42	I use these under my Peltor Sporttac Tactical Sport muffs . I can turn the volume up and still clearly hear range commands while having some serious ear protection. The multiple ear pieces help with differing ear shaps and sensitivities. http://www.etymotic.com/consumer/hea...er20xs-uf.html

April 17, 2017, 02:50 PM	#15
SIGSHR Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2005 Posts: 4,700	Those baffled plugs are good at clearing out earwax An occasional cleaning with laundry soap keeps them fresh. Softer baffled plugs work better for me.

April 19, 2017, 04:14 PM	#22
dahermit Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2006 Location: South Central Michigan...near Posts: 6,501	Ear plugs *and* muffs...unless you want to end up like me.

May 7, 2017, 06:44 AM	#24
HiBC Senior Member Join Date: November 13, 2006 Posts: 8,283	If you roll your ear hairs up into dreadlocks you can tie a bow over the plugs to hold them securely in. OK,I was kidding,but some Old Buzzards do grow earlocks something like corn tassels. Could be a sonic leak path.