Ears

[OH Osthaus]

Originally Posted by Garry L Gordon

I have a set of Walkers electronic ear plugs. I think they are the $300 dollar version. Although I haven't worn them hunting, they work great for all other uses I've put them to (cutting wood, patterning shotguns, cutting the grass, etc.)...except when I am talking it becomes hard to tell how loud I'm speaking and it is difficulty to carry on conversations. My wife solved the issue by telling me to not talk any more. Problem solved. But seriously, they work well blocking harmful noise AND allowing me to hear other sounds. I may try them hunting. I don't shoot that much, but over time, I know it takes a toll.

same here - Walker silencers - i had a set of custom fitted shooting aids - haven't seen them since the batteries went dead on a clays shoot and I put them in my pocket

so, i got the walkers version - into the third season with them and wear them for both waterfowl and uplands - I really like them, wind noise isn't an issue, I think they work as well as the over a grand custom ones BUT- no batteries - the case recharges them when you put them away- I plug the USB cable from the case into the truck dash every few hunts and have never had them die on me.

[BRDHNTR]

Sitting on top of a gun director without any hearing protection and after 27,000 rds of 5 inch shells expended cured my hearing. Thank you Viet Nam. . The VA has provided me with new hearing aids that somehow block gunfire.

[Keavin Nelson]

I have been using the Axil ear buds shooting clays and pheasant hunting. They are adjustable as to "filter" rate, and allow a normal conversation. A friend , who has Vietnam ears, likes them quite a bit. And the price is reasonable. Also, bluetooth enabled, and rechargeable.

[Steve Hodges]

I have had a set of ESP Digital hearing protectors for about 10 years now. I love them.

[Aaron Beck]

Following up.
I looked at EARS on the above suggestion. The salesman was quite helpful and said I could probably be satisfied with a non electronic filter if i didnt feel like hearing loss was sufficient to warrant amplification. The DECI filter fits in a custom molded ear plug and costs $200. This sounded pretty good for pricepoint/effectiveness/cost ventured just to try, but it turns out it will take awhile to get them fit and made. So I ordered a pair of similar looking filters (without the custom earplug) from orvis. I think they may be made by AXIL but Im not positive. Anyway, $30 for a short term solution. I truly didnt believe they would work but, as I was shooting every day, I needed something quick. They do seem to work, you can hear the dog and the birds and when the gun goes bang it sounds like a gun but your ears arent ringing after. I will pursue the custom setup after the season.