Impromptu hearing protection . . .

Prof Young · December 17, 2020, 12:26 PM

I made it to my hunting blind last week and realized I didn't have hearing protection with me. Long way back to the truck so . . . and I already have on and off tinnitus in one ear so . . . .

I had a big bandana with me, one of those monster sized ones sold by Duluth. I cut off a few inches of opposing corners. Rolled those into a torpedo shape, stuffed my ears and then tied the rest of the bandana around my ears/head like an old fashioned "do rag."

Snapping my fingers next to my head told me that I'd cut down on the db level quit a bit.

Unfortunately, it turned out that day that I didn't need any hearing protection at all. No deer, no shots taken.

Life is good.
Prof Young

BarryLee · December 17, 2020, 12:37 PM

When I got my first gun (.44mag) a friend and I hiked about a mile up the railroad tracks to a very isolated large embankment to shoot. After the first shot we realize hearing protection was greatly needed. This was the first time I was glad my buddy smoked as we used cigarette filters. They were unused, so not too gross and we found two filters unrolled and rerolled in each ear worked fine.

ballardw · December 17, 2020, 12:46 PM

I have seen fired 5.56 cases used in a pinch though the appearance is odd at best.

Shadow9mm · December 17, 2020, 12:58 PM

Just be careful. Have had inmates at my work roll up toilet paper for ear plugs. had a couple over the years have it go way down and get fibers lodged and get infected. Personally I would go with the retained in ear type. you could hang on your gear or neck so as not to forget them. I also always keep a spare pair in the glove box just in case.

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...DOIq8&usqp=CAc

**Aguila Blanca** · December 17, 2020, 01:57 PM

Not "impromptu," but related to hearing protection: Who makes those around-the-neck ear plugs that Hicock45 uses?

Back to the topic: I have heard of using cotton balls as improvised ear plugs. I have tried it informally, using a finger snap as a test, and it seems to have some effect -- but I haven't tried it in actual shooting conditions with live ammo.

Shadow9mm · December 17, 2020, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aguila Blanca

Not "impromptu," but related to hearing protection: Who makes those around-the-neck ear plugs that Hicock45 uses?

Back to the topic: I have heard of using cotton balls as improvised ear plugs. I have tried it informally, using a finger snap as a test, and it seems to have some effect -- but I haven't tried it in actual shooting conditions with live ammo.

Howard Leight I think. there are several that make similar ones. Only a 25db reduction. I prefer 27 to 32, but for quick use, hunting, 1 shot, I would use them

amazon link
https://www.amazon.com/Honeywell-Sho...%2C217&sr=8-11

Prof Young · December 17, 2020, 11:12 PM

BarryLee:
Your FIRST gun was a 44 mag? Wow. There's gotta be a story there.

Life is good
Prof Young

BarryLee · December 18, 2020, 05:16 AM

Quote:

Your FIRST gun was a 44 mag? Wow. There's gotta be a story there.

I was considering a handgun purchase, so a coworker took me to a local range and I fell in love with his Ruger Super Blackhawk. So, in my unlimited 21 year old wisdom I decided this should be first gun. I loved shooting the gun, but quickly realized it wasn't the best for carry. Since my finances were not as unlimited as my wisdom I sold it and purchased a Colt 1911 which stared an entirely different love affair.

1goodshot · December 18, 2020, 05:31 AM

Cigarette butts.

December 17, 2020, 12:26 PM	#1
Prof Young Senior Member Join Date: August 21, 2007 Location: Illinois - down state Posts: 2,404	Impromptu hearing protection . . . I made it to my hunting blind last week and realized I didn't have hearing protection with me. Long way back to the truck so . . . and I already have on and off tinnitus in one ear so . . . . I had a big bandana with me, one of those monster sized ones sold by Duluth. I cut off a few inches of opposing corners. Rolled those into a torpedo shape, stuffed my ears and then tied the rest of the bandana around my ears/head like an old fashioned "do rag." Snapping my fingers next to my head told me that I'd cut down on the db level quit a bit. Unfortunately, it turned out that day that I didn't need any hearing protection at all. No deer, no shots taken. Life is good. Prof Young

December 17, 2020, 12:37 PM	#2
BarryLee Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 2010 Location: The ATL (OTP) Posts: 3,946	When I got my first gun (.44mag) a friend and I hiked about a mile up the railroad tracks to a very isolated large embankment to shoot. After the first shot we realize hearing protection was greatly needed. This was the first time I was glad my buddy smoked as we used cigarette filters. They were unused, so not too gross and we found two filters unrolled and rerolled in each ear worked fine. __________________ A major source of objection to a free economy is precisely that it ... gives people what they want instead of what a particular group thinks they ought to want. Underlying most arguments against the free market is a lack of belief in freedom itself. - Milton Friedman

December 17, 2020, 12:46 PM	#3
ballardw Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2008 Posts: 1,411	I have seen fired 5.56 cases used in a pinch though the appearance is odd at best. __________________ -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ All data is flawed, some just less so.

December 17, 2020, 12:58 PM	#4
Shadow9mm Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2012 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 3,973	Just be careful. Have had inmates at my work roll up toilet paper for ear plugs. had a couple over the years have it go way down and get fibers lodged and get infected. Personally I would go with the retained in ear type. you could hang on your gear or neck so as not to forget them. I also always keep a spare pair in the glove box just in case. https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...DOIq8&usqp=CAc __________________ I don't believe in "range fodder" that is why I reload.

December 17, 2020, 01:57 PM	#5
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 18,466	Not "impromptu," but related to hearing protection: Who makes those around-the-neck ear plugs that Hicock45 uses? Back to the topic: I have heard of using cotton balls as improvised ear plugs. I have tried it informally, using a finger snap as a test, and it seems to have some effect -- but I haven't tried it in actual shooting conditions with live ammo. __________________ NRA Life Member / Certified Instructor NRA Chief RSO / CMP RSO 1911 Certified Armorer Jeepaholic

December 17, 2020, 11:12 PM	#7
Prof Young Senior Member Join Date: August 21, 2007 Location: Illinois - down state Posts: 2,404	Your first gun was a what? BarryLee: Your FIRST gun was a 44 mag? Wow. There's gotta be a story there. Life is good Prof Young

December 18, 2020, 05:31 AM	#9
1goodshot Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2001 Location: chandler,az Posts: 929	Cigarette butts.