RFI Hearing protection for confined space environments.

[GOTURBACK]

Now that the cold weather is settling in and our shooting is moving indoors (think school bus size environment) I am looking to enhance/upgrade my hearing protection. I currently double up with foam plugs NRR 24, and howard leight L2f passive muffs which are rated at NRR27 and still experience discomfort/pain with the increased pressure level indoors. I already have considerable tinnitus and am looking for the absolute best solution to protect what hearing I have left.

I have never owned any electronic/active hearing protection and if I understand the way that they work is that they have a specific level of DB which is allowed to "pass through" and thats it, whereas passive pro only reduces the ambient levels.

I am sure some of our members have spent a considerable amount of time shooting indoors, or specifically confined spaces (automobiles, airplanes, ships, buses etc.) I hope by tapping in to the knowledge base here I will learn what has worked best.

Chris

[PhillySoldier]

I just bought an electronic set about 2 months ago now based off talking to someone in an FB group. I was hesitant for awhile cause they are a bit pricey but again someone was talking very good about them so figured I would give them a try. As an old combat infantryman with ringing ears all I can say is I wish I wouldve tried them years ago. The description that says it allows talking sound through but filters guns shots I thought was the same BS the army used to tell us about the ear plugs but these actually do as they claim. I can actually hear better with them on.... Another major selling point for me is that these connect via bluetooth to my cell phone. I doubt many others do this but when shooting by myself I used to put ear buds in and listen to music or an audio book. This does the same but with no wires. Also I can use the phone through it hands free.

Price currently shows them $30 less than what I paid for them 2 months ago

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06W56YRWJ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[UNK]

I too have tinnitus and I use HL Electronics and ear plugs. I use the ear plugs because my rx glass frame breaks the seal a bit. It works for me and sometimes I shoot in an open roof concrete bay. Plus you can hear what is said around you. I dont know the rating but the HL orange ear plugs give me better results than the yellow/pink ones.
Custom molded plugs could also be an option.
I just found out in a class that with a rain jacket hood up and the volume up they give feedback which is super annoying so I don't know what to do for rainy weather.

[Cookie Monster]

I run SureFire plugs with Peltor over the top. You can pick flavors in those brands, probably work out good.

[orionz06]

Earasers (https://www.earasers.net/) are my new favorite plugs. They work well with Sordins for inside stuff that the Sordins themselves aren't enough for.

[helothar]

Earasers (https://www.earasers.net/) are my new favorite plugs. They work well with Sordins for inside stuff that the Sordins themselves aren't enough for.Are you using the ones for musicians?

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[orionz06]

Are you using the ones for musicians?

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Yes but I was under the impression that they're all the same. The packaging is that way.

[OnionsAndDragons]

Earasers (https://www.earasers.net/) are my new favorite plugs. They work well with Sordins for inside stuff that the Sordins themselves aren't enough for.

This is my jam as well.

They are the same product, just different branding options as far as musicians vs concert goers.

I also have some cheaper versions I keep in little aluminum capsules in the range bags in case I forget the good ones.

For the OP: I suggest plugs like these combined with quality electronic earpro equipped with gel seals.


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[GOTURBACK]

Thanks alot that combination sounds like it would be great it looks like I am going to start with the MSA sordidn pro x and then work towards adding the earasers $800 total all at once is a hard hit but equivalent to buying a new gun I suppose it's cheap to save my hearing once again Thanks for all the suggestions so far everyone.

[RJ]

I dont know the rating but the HL orange ear plugs give me better results than the yellow/pink.

I believe the HL orange plugs are 33 dB NRR rated.

http://www.howardleight.com/earplugs/max

[RJ]

Now that the cold weather is settling in and our shooting is moving indoors (think school bus size environment) I am looking to enhance/upgrade my hearing protection. I currently double up with foam plugs NRR 24, and howard leight L2f passive muffs which are rated at NRR27 and still experience discomfort/pain with the increased pressure level indoors. I already have considerable tinnitus and am looking for the absolute best solution to protect what hearing I have left.

I have never owned any electronic/active hearing protection and if I understand the way that they work is that they have a specific level of DB which is allowed to "pass through" and thats it, whereas passive pro only reduces the ambient levels.

I am sure some of our members have spent a considerable amount of time shooting indoors, or specifically confined spaces (automobiles, airplanes, ships, buses etc.) I hope by tapping in to the knowledge base here I will learn what has worked best.

Chris

I purchased a set of the HL Impact Pros 4 years ago. They still work fine.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007BGSI5U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_KZJbAbC7XEB17

With a NRR of 30 dB and large ear cups, I find them better than the MSA Sordin Pro X’s for indoor use. The difference is the gel cups on the Sordins are the bomb.

Either way I double up with foam HL plugs.

[RJ]

Thanks alot that combination sounds like it would be great it looks like I am going to start with the MSA sordidn pro x and then work towards adding the earasers $800 total all at once is a hard hit but equivalent to buying a new gun I suppose it's cheap to save my hearing once again Thanks for all the suggestions so far everyone.

For the PF Group Buy we did a few years ago, we worked with SRS Tactical. Currently the Pro X is $306 with the gel cups and five year warranty:

https://srstactical.com/msa-sordin-supreme-pro-x-black.html

[RJ]

Last comment then I’ll be quiet. :cool:

I bought one of these headset covers in April. It makes wearing a headset all day a bit more bearable:

USTS Advanced Modular Headset Cover (Multicam)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MWE2E6K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_svKbAbWA3M3ZZ

[JSGlock34]

90% of my shooting is on indoor ranges; I double up habitually - MSA Sordins over custom plugs from EAR Virginia Inc (http://earvirginia.com). Today there was a gentlemen two lanes over with a .308 AR, and in the adjacent lane a Mosin-Nagant. No problems.

[peterb]

If you're using foam earplugs, it's important to use good ones that fit, AND to insert them correctly.
An assortment of plugs to try:
https://www.earplugstore.com/foearpltrpa2.html

How to prepare and insert:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3S6dthcSVIM

[JTQ]

Doug Koenig wearing a motorcycle helmet (at the :09 mark).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=9&v=pQS50-VeWgc

I think it's more about reducing concussion on the outer bones around the ear, with the high powered rifle in the confines of the bay, rather actual sound deadening.

[RJ]

How to prepare and insert:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3S6dthcSVIM

Thanks for this; I’d been rolling mine incorrectly for many years.

[peterb]

I once worked on a project to develop better hearing protection for Navy carrier flight deck crews. Bone conduction is real. We found that above a certain noise level, you needed to protect more than just your ears. The most effective prototypes integrated plugs, electronic cancelling muffs, and helmets with a full shell and faceshield.

[Erik]

Earasers (https://www.earasers.net/) are my new favorite plugs. They work well with Sordins for inside stuff that the Sordins themselves aren't enough for.

They are running a 30% off black Friday sale right now for anyone who's interested in trying them.

[Erik]

I bought the Earasers during black Friday. Just used them flying to Singapore - one 13 hour flight and one 6 hour flight plus some time in a waiting area in Dubai. They were comfortable the whole time, including while sleeping, and worked as advertised. I like them.