Using electronic muffs while wearing foam plugs?

FoghornLeghorn · December 17, 2022, 11:20 AM

I've tried it with various electronic muffs but still without success. The muffs don't seem to amplify ambient sounds enough to be practical. My current muffs are Howard Leight Impact Sport muffs.

This is for field use. For range use I use ordinary non-electric muffs with foam plugs.

I'd like to wear foam plugs with electronic muffs and be able to hear leaves rustling, etc.

Suggestions?

Shadow9mm · December 17, 2022, 04:29 PM

The plugs are going to block far more sound than the muffs can amplify. Maybe get some plugs with a lower db rating, or the noise limiting ones like they use at concerts.

Just curious, why dont you feel the electronic muffs are enough? What are you shooting? I like plugs and muffs for rifle use. But muffs or plugs alone should make them hearing safe.

FITASC · December 17, 2022, 10:05 PM

For field use? As in hunting? Pick the plugs or muffs you like the best ad go at it. When I am bird hunting, I wear electronic muffs so I can hear any commands to the dogs from the handler

bamaranger · December 19, 2022, 01:25 AM

I've done it for years in matches or on formal firing lines. Double hearing protection, but ample enough amplification to hear range commands. Occasionally I'd have a wee bit of trouble hearing commands, but not often.

Never tried it afield and suspect that with doubled up protection it would be difficult to hear subtle rustling noises. I also think that anything less than good ears to start with would only compound the problem.

December 17, 2022, 11:20 AM	#1
FoghornLeghorn Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2011 Posts: 949	Using electronic muffs while wearing foam plugs? I've tried it with various electronic muffs but still without success. The muffs don't seem to amplify ambient sounds enough to be practical. My current muffs are Howard Leight Impact Sport muffs. This is for field use. For range use I use ordinary non-electric muffs with foam plugs. I'd like to wear foam plugs with electronic muffs and be able to hear leaves rustling, etc. Suggestions?

December 17, 2022, 04:29 PM	#2
Shadow9mm Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2012 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 3,616	The plugs are going to block far more sound than the muffs can amplify. Maybe get some plugs with a lower db rating, or the noise limiting ones like they use at concerts. Just curious, why dont you feel the electronic muffs are enough? What are you shooting? I like plugs and muffs for rifle use. But muffs or plugs alone should make them hearing safe. __________________ I don't believe in "range fodder" that is why I reload.

December 17, 2022, 10:05 PM	#3
FITASC Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 2014 Posts: 6,304	For field use? As in hunting? Pick the plugs or muffs you like the best ad go at it. When I am bird hunting, I wear electronic muffs so I can hear any commands to the dogs from the handler __________________ "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, 2022, 01:25 AM	#4
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 7,947	plugs and muffs I've done it for years in matches or on formal firing lines. Double hearing protection, but ample enough amplification to hear range commands. Occasionally I'd have a wee bit of trouble hearing commands, but not often. Never tried it afield and suspect that with doubled up protection it would be difficult to hear subtle rustling noises. I also think that anything less than good ears to start with would only compound the problem.

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