Ear muffs vs Ear buds

ninosdemente · December 19, 2021, 07:25 PM

I have been using ear muffs and do like them as I do get a sense of hearing protection as it covers my whole ear. I have the Walker's Razor Quad Electronic Muffs which at this point have been my "expensive" muffs I have to date.

Have had minor difficulties where bluetooth as it cuts off even when my phone is in my pocket. But not a deal breaker. What I haven't liked is after wearing them for nearly all day is my ears do get very uncomfortable and do sweat. Have been somewhat interested in ear buds but I have been skeptical in getting a pair as I don't how much truly protection or to what extent will it protect.

For those that have used them or currently do have a pair. What are your opinions and what do you guys use? Is this where one shouldn't go cheap on a pair as well? Not to say I was wanting to buy a $30 pair. Looking for something that has same functions what I currently have. Are there ear buds that have a higher noise reduction rating of 23 dB? That is what the Walkers are rated.

Thanks in advanced.

sako2 · December 19, 2021, 08:04 PM

I don't have them but these might be what you're looking for.https://www.amazon.com/ISOtunes-Spor...P5Q9K347W3KTX1 They come with 4 different size plugs.

Shadow9mm · December 20, 2021, 08:45 PM

I use standard muffs and plugs. I have plugs rated at 32 and muffs rated at 30. From what I understand sound can be conducted through the soft tissue in your ears, not just the ear canal. I have found that, while slightly lower rated, the muffs seems to deaden sound better vs plugs. But as you said, they can be less comfortable and hotter. I think either are adequate to protect your hearing.

AirForceShooter · December 21, 2021, 09:46 AM

Muffs work better at reducing sound.
Plugs are more comfortable.

That is all

AFS

Pahoo · December 21, 2021, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Shadow9mm;
I use standard muffs and plugs. I have plugs rated at 32 and muffs rated at 30.

As replied, "Shadow" uses both. I also use both and there are time when I use both at the same times. The DB-rating is a good point to remember as they are additive in providing greater protection. It takes time and practice but your ears will will tell you what they need !!!

Be Safe !!!

Erno86 · December 21, 2021, 02:47 PM

I try to double-up with plugs and muffs.

It is the cartilage in your ear tragus, that transmits sound directly to your eardrum.

I find that moving my safety glass temples above and out of way from my ear muffs, provides me with less pain around the ears. It also helps with a better sound seal...while using muffs.

Wag · December 21, 2021, 02:50 PM

Mostly, I use both but using muffs interferes with my ability to position a rifle properly (I'm open to suggestions).

--Wag--

Erno86 · December 21, 2021, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wag

Mostly, I use both but using muffs interferes with my ability to position a rifle properly (I'm open to suggestions).

--Wag--

Try mounting the rifle or shotgun...by bringing the gun up slightly forward of your shoulder pocket (1,2 or 3 inches?), then bring it straight back. If the gun hits your muffs while performing that maneuver...you're doing it wrong.

And don't bring or more your head to the gun when you mount it. Let the gun come naturally to your cheek weld.

FITASC · December 21, 2021, 03:10 PM

For shotgun, electronic muffs only; for metallic it is foam plugs and muffs;n even with both a few shots with no protection and years of loud music through my headphones have left me with constant "ear crickets" or "snare drum" - and it NEVER goes away or gets better.

Wag · December 21, 2021, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erno86

Try mounting the rifle or shotgun...by bringing the gun up slightly forward of your shoulder pocket (1,2 or 3 inches?), then bring it straight back. If the gun hits your muffs while performing that maneuver...you're doing it wrong.

And don't bring or more your head to the gun when you mount it. Let the gun come naturally to your cheek weld.

Thank you, Sir!

--Wag--

Erno86 · December 21, 2021, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FITASC

For shotgun, electronic muffs only; for metallic it is foam plugs and muffs;n even with both a few shots with no protection and years of loud music through my headphones have left me with constant "ear crickets" or "snare drum" - and it NEVER goes away or gets better.

I find that taking "Lipo Flavonoid Plus (#1 Doctor Recommended For Tinnitus) has helped reduce the volume of the ringing in my ears --- Which I've had for 40 years or so.

Shadow9mm · December 25, 2021, 08:39 PM

Personally, I use muffs most of the time and muffs and plugs around rifles.

jcj54 · December 26, 2021, 10:03 AM

I use the Peltor ShotgunnerII when shooting rifle, they have relief scallops on the bottom of the domes that provide stock clearance. When shooting highpower I add foam plugs too fir added protection. This has worked well for me for nearly 40 years of competition.
There are other brands now which have the cutout for stock clearance now.

RUT · December 26, 2021, 10:11 AM

I use plugs only for shotgun, and plugs + muffs for pistol. Muffs just don't do it for me for shotgunning...they get in the way, pure and simple.

zukiphile · December 26, 2021, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erno86

Try mounting the rifle or shotgun...by bringing the gun up slightly forward of your shoulder pocket (1,2 or 3 inches?), then bring it straight back. If the gun hits your muffs while performing that maneuver...you're doing it wrong.

And don't bring or more your head to the gun when you mount it. Let the gun come naturally to your cheek weld.

I don't see how that can be. The bottom of my cheekbone is well above the bottom of my ear, and bring the rifle to my head leaves the butt stock above my shoulder.

I've found reasonable comfort and function by sliding the strong side muff up my ear to the bottom of the muff cup presses the plug into my ear, while leaving the weak (left) side of the muff in a normal position with the volume on the muffs turned up.

Erno86 · December 27, 2021, 12:41 PM

"The first move: The gun comes out toward the target, not up to your face or your shoulder where you'll get tangled up."

source:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUGcGpYckOg

RC20 · December 27, 2021, 03:24 PM

I use Muffs and Plugs. One is not exclusive to the other.

Did it for years and then our safety video began to talk about using both (high noise environment, for me Diesel Generators and Fire Pumps and shooting of course)

Lawn mowing, snow blowing, just plugs, the machines are not that noisy.

zukiphile · December 29, 2021, 03:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erno86

"The first move: The gun comes out toward the target, not up to your face or your shoulder where you'll get tangled up."

source:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUGcGpYckOg

Erno, my attention was drawn more by:

Quote:

And don't bring or [move] your head to the gun when you mount it. Let the gun come naturally to your cheek weld.

The man in that video is shooting up at a 45 degree angle and he is hitting his muff with the stock.

I am a fellow of normal height. If I bring a rifle up to my cheek while aiming horizontally, the stock sits on top of my shoulder. In order to use the stock on a rifle it is necessary for me to my head to the rifle. That's when the interference with muffs about which people complain happens.

stuckinthe60s · December 29, 2021, 08:37 AM

plugs dont marr your long guns stock.
muffs give me a headache due to the pressure to hold them snug on my ears.
I speak from YEARS of having to wear them while working on aircraft carriers.
plugs don't interfere with glasses either. muffs push in on the stems of my glasses, adding to discomfort.

Linker · February 20, 2022, 12:09 AM

Hey Erno86 I believe I will try the lipo flavanoid plus. I have had the ringing in my left ear now for a few years. Just looked it up thanks for the info.

Wildernesshunter · February 20, 2022, 05:49 PM

I have moved to noise cancelling buds.... and listen to music while I shoot. I have found the muffs really interfere with the gun stocks I shoot, when pressing cheek to stock.

......

Schlitz 45 · February 23, 2022, 12:50 PM

I'll do both when it's cold out but I can't do muffs when it gets hot-makes my ears sweat to much.

Pathfinder45 · February 23, 2022, 08:12 PM

I use foam earplugs rated at 34dB. They work really well. I run chainsaws, tree-service chipper, and I like shooting. The only times I've needed to put muffs over my plugs is when somebody else is using a muzzle brake near me.
Even then the blast is unacceptable.

I hate muzzle brakes; throw yours away!

Wouldn't it be great if suppressors were deregulated and encouraged?

December 20, 2021, 08:45 PM	#3
Shadow9mm Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2012 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 3,975	I use standard muffs and plugs. I have plugs rated at 32 and muffs rated at 30. From what I understand sound can be conducted through the soft tissue in your ears, not just the ear canal. I have found that, while slightly lower rated, the muffs seems to deaden sound better vs plugs. But as you said, they can be less comfortable and hotter. I think either are adequate to protect your hearing. __________________ I don't believe in "range fodder" that is why I reload.

December 21, 2021, 09:46 AM	#4
AirForceShooter Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2005 Location: Sarasota (sort of) Florida Posts: 1,296	Muffs work better at reducing sound. Plugs are more comfortable. That is all AFS __________________ 'Qui tacet consentit': To remain silent is to consent.

December 21, 2021, 02:47 PM	#6
Erno86 Senior Member Join Date: September 22, 2012 Location: Marriottsville, Maryland Posts: 1,739	I try to double-up with plugs and muffs. It is the cartilage in your ear tragus, that transmits sound directly to your eardrum. I find that moving my safety glass temples above and out of way from my ear muffs, provides me with less pain around the ears. It also helps with a better sound seal...while using muffs. __________________ That rifle hanging on the wall of the working class flat or labourer's cottage is the symbol of democracy. It is our job to see that it stays there." --- George Orwell

December 21, 2021, 02:50 PM	#7
Wag Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2010 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 988	Mostly, I use both but using muffs interferes with my ability to position a rifle properly (I'm open to suggestions). --Wag-- __________________ "Great genius will always encounter fierce opposition from mediocre minds." --Albert Einstein.

December 21, 2021, 03:10 PM	#9
FITASC Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 2014 Posts: 6,446	For shotgun, electronic muffs only; for metallic it is foam plugs and muffs;n even with both a few shots with no protection and years of loud music through my headphones have left me with constant "ear crickets" or "snare drum" - and it NEVER goes away or gets better. __________________ "I believe that people have a right to decide their own destinies; people own themselves. I also believe that, in a democracy, government exists because (and only so long as) individual citizens give it a 'temporary license to exist'—in exchange for a promise that it will behave itself. In a democracy, you own the government—it doesn't own you."- Frank Zappa

December 19, 2021, 07:25 PM	#1
ninosdemente Senior Member Join Date: March 23, 2017 Location: Northwest Indiana Posts: 831	Ear muffs vs Ear buds I have been using ear muffs and do like them as I do get a sense of hearing protection as it covers my whole ear. I have the Walker's Razor Quad Electronic Muffs which at this point have been my "expensive" muffs I have to date. Have had minor difficulties where bluetooth as it cuts off even when my phone is in my pocket. But not a deal breaker. What I haven't liked is after wearing them for nearly all day is my ears do get very uncomfortable and do sweat. Have been somewhat interested in ear buds but I have been skeptical in getting a pair as I don't how much truly protection or to what extent will it protect. For those that have used them or currently do have a pair. What are your opinions and what do you guys use? Is this where one shouldn't go cheap on a pair as well? Not to say I was wanting to buy a $30 pair. Looking for something that has same functions what I currently have. Are there ear buds that have a higher noise reduction rating of 23 dB? That is what the Walkers are rated. Thanks in advanced.

December 19, 2021, 08:04 PM	#2
sako2 Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2009 Posts: 741	I don't have them but these might be what you're looking for.https://www.amazon.com/ISOtunes-Spor...P5Q9K347W3KTX1 They come with 4 different size plugs.

December 25, 2021, 08:39 PM	#12
Shadow9mm Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2012 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 3,975	Personally, I use muffs most of the time and muffs and plugs around rifles. __________________ I don't believe in "range fodder" that is why I reload.

December 26, 2021, 10:03 AM	#13
jcj54 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2011 Posts: 219	Muffs with rifles I use the Peltor ShotgunnerII when shooting rifle, they have relief scallops on the bottom of the domes that provide stock clearance. When shooting highpower I add foam plugs too fir added protection. This has worked well for me for nearly 40 years of competition. There are other brands now which have the cutout for stock clearance now.

December 26, 2021, 10:11 AM	#14
RUT Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2004 Location: NH, USA Posts: 812	I use plugs only for shotgun, and plugs + muffs for pistol. Muffs just don't do it for me for shotgunning...they get in the way, pure and simple. __________________ Liberals don't care what you do... as long as it's mandated. Last edited by RUT; December 26, 2021 at 11:17 AM.

December 27, 2021, 12:41 PM	#16
Erno86 Senior Member Join Date: September 22, 2012 Location: Marriottsville, Maryland Posts: 1,739	"The first move: The gun comes out toward the target, not up to your face or your shoulder where you'll get tangled up." source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUGcGpYckOg __________________ That rifle hanging on the wall of the working class flat or labourer's cottage is the symbol of democracy. It is our job to see that it stays there." --- George Orwell

December 27, 2021, 03:24 PM	#17
RC20 Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2008 Location: Alaska Posts: 7,014	I use Muffs and Plugs. One is not exclusive to the other. Did it for years and then our safety video began to talk about using both (high noise environment, for me Diesel Generators and Fire Pumps and shooting of course) Lawn mowing, snow blowing, just plugs, the machines are not that noisy. __________________ Science and Facts are True whether you believe it or not

December 29, 2021, 08:37 AM	#19
stuckinthe60s Senior Member Join Date: January 31, 2017 Location: Va., Ct., Mo.. Posts: 878	plugs dont marr your long guns stock. muffs give me a headache due to the pressure to hold them snug on my ears. I speak from YEARS of having to wear them while working on aircraft carriers. plugs don't interfere with glasses either. muffs push in on the stems of my glasses, adding to discomfort. __________________ Retired Military Aviation Former Member Navy Shooting Team Distinguished Pistol Shot,NRA Shotgun/Pistol Instructor NSSA All American, Skeet/Trap Range Owner

February 20, 2022, 12:09 AM	#20
Linker Member Join Date: January 8, 2021 Location: Texas Posts: 52	Hey Erno86 I believe I will try the lipo flavanoid plus. I have had the ringing in my left ear now for a few years. Just looked it up thanks for the info.

February 20, 2022, 05:49 PM	#21
Wildernesshunter Senior Member Join Date: October 31, 2016 Location: Western High Desert Posts: 168	I have moved to noise cancelling buds.... and listen to music while I shoot. I have found the muffs really interfere with the gun stocks I shoot, when pressing cheek to stock. ...... __________________ John

February 23, 2022, 12:50 PM	#22
Schlitz 45 Senior Member Join Date: January 14, 2018 Location: Colorado Posts: 385	I'll do both when it's cold out but I can't do muffs when it gets hot-makes my ears sweat to much.

February 23, 2022, 08:12 PM	#23
Pathfinder45 Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2008 Posts: 3,224	I use foam earplugs rated at 34dB. They work really well. I run chainsaws, tree-service chipper, and I like shooting. The only times I've needed to put muffs over my plugs is when somebody else is using a muzzle brake near me. Even then the blast is unacceptable. I hate muzzle brakes; throw yours away! Wouldn't it be great if suppressors were deregulated and encouraged?