Molded ear plugs with hole in them?

[Luke]

I googled it but all I got was forums full of old people talking about hearing aids. I keep seeing everybody wearing these molded plugs with a small hole that has a small cap to plug it. What's up with these? It seems like the serious shooters all use them at matches. I've never tried molded plugs either, regular shove-in-ear plugs bother me because they have to be so deep. It also seems to bother me havin my ears sealed for long durations. Thinking maybe the hole would act like a mini vent? I always see the hole open, nobody ever closes it.


What gives PF?

[314159]

Those are the Surefire Sonic Defenders. The idea to the hole being open is to allow "Normal " conversation to get through but to stop the loud noises. Close up the hole for a little more quiet. They are indeed better than nothing while shooting and probably would be a decent choice in real world use. At least they would allow a somewhat more normal hearing situation while preventing instant deafness. As a routine hearing protection choice at the range I think they are a fail. Their rated dB reduction is nothing special (19 dB, I think) and all the "serious shooters" you've seen will soon be asking their girlfriends to yell dirty things to them rather than whisper.

Learn to tolerate the foam plugs and/or get a good (i.e.. expensive) set of earphones for the range.

[breakingtime91]

I think they are terrible. I threw mine out after reserving them to back up duty, they didn't do anything to protect my hearing.

[PPGMD]

With the caps off they don't provide much hearing protection, and personally I suggest never taking the cap off.

I blame my Tinnitus on the Sonic Defenders, I took the literature for the word that it blocked harmful sound. But a couple months after I started using them I developed Tinnitus. Now I would only use or suggest other people use them with the caps closed.

Now OTOH they are easy to use, and easy to insert. I am thinking about when my current pack of foamies die I am going to keep a big box of those in my bag for guests.

[Luke]

So sounds like junk haha. And I do have MSA sordin supreme prix with gel ear cups. I think my ears are getting tired of them or something. Seems like the last few times I've wore them I've gotten a headache. I have a sensitive head so I think all squeeze type stuff will cause this eventually. That's why I was looking into these. I might try them fancy ones GJM has.

[PPGMD]

So sounds like junk haha. And I do have MSA sordin supreme prix with gel ear cups. I think my ears are getting tired of them or something. Seems like the last few times I've wore them I've gotten a headache. I have a sensitive head so I think all squeeze type stuff will cause this eventually. That's why I was looking into these. I might try them fancy ones GJM has.

Try putting this on them:
http://stores.octactical.com/hp2-hea...tection-cover/

[Skeeter]

There are custom molded ear plugs called DB Blocker with a tuned vent that "contain a proprietary frequency-tuned filter that enhances interpersonal communication. In fact, people can communicate in noise better while wearing their dB Blockers™ than if they were to remove them." per http://www.protectear.com/product/db...r-grip-vented/ and http://www.protectear.com/products/db-blocker/

I have a pair of these vented plugs with a NRR (noise reduction ratio) of 25 to 43 DB depending on the frequency. Also have a pair of the non-vented, but the vented pair work better hearing others while still having plenty of noise reduction. I've worked in noisy environments for 30+ years and for me it's about the best compromise between noise reduction, communication, and comfort. The downside is that they are custom molded, which isn't as convenient as buying muffs or foam plugs.

[Luke]

Try putting this on them:
http://stores.octactical.com/hp2-hea...tection-cover/

unless these are more specail than the factory ones, mine have them already.

[Luke]

There are custom molded ear plugs called DB Blocker with a tuned vent that "contain a proprietary frequency-tuned filter that enhances interpersonal communication. In fact, people can communicate in noise better while wearing their dB Blockers™ than if they were to remove them." per http://www.protectear.com/product/db...r-grip-vented/ and http://www.protectear.com/products/db-blocker/

I have a pair of these vented plugs with a NRR (noise reduction ratio) of 25 to 43 DB depending on the frequency. Also have a pair of the non-vented, but the vented pair work better hearing others while still having plenty of noise reduction. I've worked in noisy environments for 30+ years and for me it's about the best compromise between noise reduction, communication, and comfort. The downside is that they are custom molded, which isn't as convenient as buying muffs or foam plugs.

Man those look awesome!! I filled out the contact info to buy. Looks like there bread and butter is coming out to a business and doing multiple orders, wonder if they will deal with just me?

[JTQ]

I have used audiologist made custom ear plugs for years. I find them more comfortable than the roll up foam plugs and they are easier to insert. I bought my first set in the mid-'80's, at a cost of around $60. I was lucky enough to get my second set compliments of the USN early in this century so I don't know what the current cost would be.

They are pretty good for outside pistol use, but if somebody shows up with a high powered rifle next to me, I typically add ear muffs.