Hearing Protection

[LPadilla34]

Hey guys!

I'm going to join a competition for amateurs and I'm really interested to have the proper gears and stuff. I've been looking for hearing protection and I just can't decide what to buy. I have Howard Leight ear muffs and I've been looking for something I can wear under it because foamies just make my ears hurt. I'm open to any recommendations so feel free to do so. I'd like something that won't hurt my ears and something soft.

Thanks!

[RJ]

I have a couple HL and only use them for loaners. I find the foam very hot and sweaty and the seals form poorly around my eyeglasses.

Owned and used a pair of MSA Sordins w Gel Seals about 5 years now. Very reliable and very comfortable.

We’ve had a few threads on this.

Here is the company we did the last p-f group buy with. Excellent place to do business.

https://srstactical.com/all-products/headsets-and-hearing-protection/sordin-supreme-range.html

As far as things to wear under the HL, you might try one of the pre-molded inserts, such as the Shure line.

Personally when I double up I use foam inserts. There are several different shapes available so perhaps if one doesn’t fit well know, another shape might?

[Darth_Uno]

You can try the reusable rubber flange inserts. More comfortable IMO, even under muffs. I have more issues with glasses/sunglasses than the earmuffs themselves. Gets kinda sore on top the ears after a couple hours.

I’m tempted occasionally to forego eyepro. But when you catch a piece of jacket in the cornea, the “odds” aren’t much of a comfort.

[LittleLebowski]

I strongly recommend just grabbing these gel cups from Amazon (https://amzn.to/2TZf7eT) for your Howard Leights. I have them, I love them.

[Shoresy]

I strongly recommend just grabbing these gel cups from Amazon (https://amzn.to/2TZf7eT) for your Howard Leights. I have them, I love them.

I tried these about a month back (friend had a set he lent to me for a range day). Try them before you give up on HL - they make a huge difference.

[AKDoug]

I strongly recommend just grabbing these gel cups from Amazon (https://amzn.to/2TZf7eT) for your Howard Leights. I have them, I love them. I use a version from Noise Fighters that allows glasses clearance as well. Gel cups make the HL's much better. https://noisefighters.com/

[miller_man]

Yep, MSA's are worth the money once you start to wear ear pro a lot.

Think you were asking about some plugs for underneath. These are the most comfortable I've found and really seal and block out noise if you wet them just a tad and sink them in your ear a good bit.
I double up when shooting indoors with these underneath my MSAs and it's completely comfortable for 2-3+ hours.

https://smile.amazon.com/3-Pair-RTSFUS30HP-Howard-Multiple-Use-Earplug/dp/B0037F92RC/ref=pd_rhf_ee_s_rp_c_0_5/135-4151318-4686712?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0037F92RC&pd_rd_r=a85700aa-807d-45b7-a662-66983ec5d3bd&pd_rd_w=uNgAN&pd_rd_wg=ShUQT&pf_rd_p=d59c4be5-f193-4660-b12b-ea6611e15f85&pf_rd_r=JW15HRRC3NPEA52HARXJ&psc=1&refRID=JW15HRRC3NPEA52HARXJ

[RJ]

One of these days I’m going to order a set of these:

Decibullz - Custom Molded Earplugs, 31dB Highest NRR, Comfortable Hearing Protection for Shooting, Travel, Swimming, Work and Concerts (Orange)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WIXL4UM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_QGvyDbYEG8Y5C

[peterb]

These folks offer earplug assortments, which are a good way to find a model that works for you.

https://www.earplugstore.com/unfoamtrialp.html

[voodoo_man]

If you don't get noisefigters ear gels you are behind the curve.

[littlejerry]

Agree on the gel cups- they make a huge difference.

I also use Macks extra soft foam plugs marketed for sleeping on planes. They are different from your typical earplug. Much softer, slower rebound. I put them in about halfway if I'm shooting outdoors. For indoor use I fully insert them.

They also have youth/female sizes which may be more comfortable since they are a smaller diameter.

I universally hate all rigid/rubber earplugs.

[RJ]

Anyone with Noisefighters use them with the adapter plate and Sordins? What do they do better than the Sordin OEM Gel Cups?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[beenalongtime]

I strongly recommend just grabbing these gel cups from Amazon (https://amzn.to/2TZf7eT) for your Howard Leights. I have them, I love them.
Have you tried them with glasses? I have the Noisefighters ones (Amazon doesn't appear puck to handle them currently), and I like the glasses relief, as my prescription safety glasses, are a tighter fit then my normal glasses (and rightly so).

Without my safety glasses, (forgot them in the shop) the range loaned me their freebies, which with glasses on get pushed away from the face, enough that I ended up with four casings getting trapped around my eyelids and temples by ill fitting safety glasses over glasses. (safety glasses are NOT universal on all frames IMHE)


Right now, I am looking at these instead, since available for some loaner/backup hearing protection: B07TZ78TD4

[voodoo_man]

pix...because threads need pix

https://i.imgur.com/ZetxtCJ.jpg

These crush OEM gels, even the "upgrade" gels from Sordin don't come close.

[LPadilla34]

If you don't get noisefigters ear gels you are behind the curve.

I think I really am behind the curve. Will check them out now. Thanks!

[LPadilla34]

Agree on the gel cups- they make a huge difference.

I also use Macks extra soft foam plugs marketed for sleeping on planes. They are different from your typical earplug. Much softer, slower rebound. I put them in about halfway if I'm shooting outdoors. For indoor use I fully insert them.

They also have youth/female sizes which may be more comfortable since they are a smaller diameter.

I universally hate all rigid/rubber earplugs.

I'll surely check this out. Thanks a lot. I hope they are as soft as advertised.:o

[LPadilla34]

These folks offer earplug assortments, which are a good way to find a model that works for you.

https://www.earplugstore.com/unfoamtrialp.html

I guess this would work for me. Thanks a bunch!

[LPadilla34]

One of these days I’m going to order a set of these:

Decibullz - Custom Molded Earplugs, 31dB Highest NRR, Comfortable Hearing Protection for Shooting, Travel, Swimming, Work and Concerts (Orange)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WIXL4UM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_QGvyDbYEG8Y5C

Heard about these guys a lot. Gonna list this one down. Thanks!

[LPadilla34]

Yep, MSA's are worth the money once you start to wear ear pro a lot.

Think you were asking about some plugs for underneath. These are the most comfortable I've found and really seal and block out noise if you wet them just a tad and sink them in your ear a good bit.
I double up when shooting indoors with these underneath my MSAs and it's completely comfortable for 2-3+ hours.

https://smile.amazon.com/3-Pair-RTSFUS30HP-Howard-Multiple-Use-Earplug/dp/B0037F92RC/ref=pd_rhf_ee_s_rp_c_0_5/135-4151318-4686712?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0037F92RC&pd_rd_r=a85700aa-807d-45b7-a662-66983ec5d3bd&pd_rd_w=uNgAN&pd_rd_wg=ShUQT&pf_rd_p=d59c4be5-f193-4660-b12b-ea6611e15f85&pf_rd_r=JW15HRRC3NPEA52HARXJ&psc=1&refRID=JW15HRRC3NPEA52HARXJ

Yeah, I need something to double up. Thanks for the help.

[LPadilla34]

I use a version from Noise Fighters that allows glasses clearance as well. Gel cups make the HL's much better. https://noisefighters.com/

Thanks! Noted AKDoug!

[LPadilla34]

I strongly recommend just grabbing these gel cups from Amazon (https://amzn.to/2TZf7eT) for your Howard Leights. I have them, I love them.

Gonna check some reviews first. But I think these gel cups might do the job.

[LPadilla34]

You can try the reusable rubber flange inserts. More comfortable IMO, even under muffs. I have more issues with glasses/sunglasses than the earmuffs themselves. Gets kinda sore on top the ears after a couple hours.

I’m tempted occasionally to forego eyepro. But when you catch a piece of jacket in the cornea, the “odds” aren’t much of a comfort.

Tried a couple of flanged silicone earplugs but I don't feel comfortable wearing them because I have weird angled ear canals.

[LPadilla34]

I have a couple HL and only use them for loaners. I find the foam very hot and sweaty and the seals form poorly around my eyeglasses.

Owned and used a pair of MSA Sordins w Gel Seals about 5 years now. Very reliable and very comfortable.

We’ve had a few threads on this.

Here is the company we did the last p-f group buy with. Excellent place to do business.

https://srstactical.com/all-products/headsets-and-hearing-protection/sordin-supreme-range.html

As far as things to wear under the HL, you might try one of the pre-molded inserts, such as the Shure line.

Personally when I double up I use foam inserts. There are several different shapes available so perhaps if one doesn’t fit well know, another shape might?


Thanks RJ, will check em out now.

[LPadilla34]

I really wanted to get something like this one in the video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zsEL8SpLxQ) but based on their website (https://www.bigearinc.com/products/best-ear-protection-for-shooting/) they are pretty pricey. They are basically an all-rounder and can be used for a lot of activities. I still like em though but I don't want to rush.

[OldRunner/CSAT Neighbor]

If you don't get noisefigters ear gels you are behind the curve.

D are there any alternatives to buying these direct from NF or is that the best source for these?

Asking as I need a pair for Sord. Pro-X's, DEHP's & Lib HPs so ........

[voodoo_man]

Are there any alternatives to buying these direct from NF or is that the best source for these?

Asking as I need a pair for Sord. Pro-X's, DEHP's & Lib HPs so ........

Buy direct they ship quick and, honestly, after I got these I don't see how anyone can use anything else.

[OldRunner/CSAT Neighbor]

Buy direct they ship quick and, honestly, after I got these I don't see how anyone can use anything else.

TY much, wasn't sure how long the mopes would keep ya tied up & my next stop is Noisefighters.

ETA order in & being a Sord. wearer since 2008 (TY again Pat) looking forward to a better seal for my ears sake.

[EdSeyer211]

I do use Big Ear (https://www.bigearinc.com/products/best-ear-protection-for-shooting/) and I have this pair (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqmB1GnO6WU). They are great and worth the buck.

[MDFA]

No matter what type of ear pro you get, get the best and wear it always. After 43 years of cop work and over 30 years as a Firearms Instructor, using Peltor and Walkers Ear Pro religiously I have suffered hearing loss. I'm getting hearing aids in a couple days due to repetitive noise. And like I said that's despite using Ear Pro always. Plug up and using muffs would not be overkill depending on the situation.

On the bright side. Hey Doc can you write me a script for a suppressor to help protect the hearing I still have? Hey look honey I need a Can the Doc said so.....

[RJ]

TY much, wasn't sure how long the mopes would keep ya tied up & my next stop is Noisefighters.

ETA order in & being a Sord. wearer since 2008 (TY again Pat) looking forward to a better seal for my ears sake.

I really really like my Noisefighters gel ear cups.