Ear/hearing protection

[Stan Hillis]

I've read that good foam ear plugs have the highest of all types in db reduction. I use them occasionally but have been using the custom molded, not the electronic ones, since 2008. I wore them on two trips to Cordoba where I shot upwards of 4000 rounds the first time, and 5250 the second trip, in four days.

Mine are so comfortable that I'd almost forget to take them out when we'd stop shooting and head back to the lodge for meals.

I can discern no hearing loss since I began using them in 2008. I can carry on conversations with my sporting squad members while wearing them.

My wife and I are 74 and my hearing is no worse than hers, AFAICT, and she has never been around loud noises. I truly believe most of my hearing loss occurred while in the Navy in a jet fighter attack squadron, where I would start the A-4s, on the ground, for the pilots, using a huffer, which is a little jet engine itself, contained in a trailer.

There was a range of frequency of sound that went totally silent for a brief moment as the pilot revved up the engine and I went under the plane to remove the probe and huffer air hose. I always wondered if that "silent" range wasn't doing great damage to my inner ears. But, it was probably the totality of it all that got 'em.

[CCefalu]

I have used EAR custom molded electronic hearing protection for well over 15 years for both clays and hunting. I highly recomend them, they aren't cheap but either are hearing aids.

[Phil Yearout]

I use an inexpensive pair of Walker Silencers at the range; they are rated about the same as the good foam plugs and are supposed to minimize loud sounds while letting conversation etc. through. They seem to work but I wish they were rechargeable; batteries are kind of a pain. I don’t wear anything while hunting.

[Randy Roberts]

Originally Posted by Phil Yearout

I use an inexpensive pair of Walker Silencers at the range; they are rated about the same as the good foam plugs and are supposed to minimize loud sounds while letting conversation etc. through. They seem to work but I wish they were rechargeable; batteries are kind of a pain. I don’t wear anything while hunting.

E.A.R. Customized Hearing
https://earinc.com/hunt-shoot/

I have used them for many years and have been satisfied. Several models to choose from at a variety of price points.

[J. A. EARLY]

I went to the local hearing aid place Beltone, had molds made of my ear canal, and attached the Walker Game Ear HD to them. In the woods it greatly amplifies animal movement noises, and when one shoots it shunts the noise. But almost deaf in the left ear from years of shooting, so these help greatly. Only problem on a 3 mph wind day one thinks it is a 20 mph wind. I have climbed down from the climbing stand thinking it was too windy, only to get down and realize there was little wind. But one can hear a turkey a long way off with these, or a deer sneaking, but squirrels will drive you crazy.

[Tracy Pellett]

I use TETRA , made in Tennessee , you will need to get a local ear doctor to make molds of your ears and send them to TETRA . I can have conversations on the sporting clay course and hear pheasants , huns and sharptail flush in the fields . Not cheap but very satisfied with how they work .