Ear Protection

[BrassMonkey]

Hi ALl,
I am trying to locate a specific type of ear protection. I want ANR with stereo volume and frequency control. I want gel ear seals. Is there such a beast?

[Rick-P95]

Check out

http://www.walkersgameear.com/

[BrassMonkey]

PERFECT!!! Now where oh where to find 400 bucks... :-)

[BrassMonkey]

Anyone have any experience with the Peltor E09 Tac-Pro or something like that?

[Zero_G]

I have had several discussions on this topic with an audiologist I work with. I hit him up with some more specific questions after seeing this thread.

ANR headsets are great for communications use in continuous, low level, low frequency noise environments (such as aircraft). They do not do well in a shooting environment where the noise is very quick onset, very loud, and has a high energy component at frequencies higher than 750 Hz.

He recommends a good quality standard headset with foam earplugs underneath for best protection. Make sure the seals on the ear cups are pliable enough to get a good seal. A good brand is the Elvex SuperSonics. I got a pair online for $18 - better hearing protection, lighter weight, more comfortable to wear, and a heck of a lot cheaper than ANR!

He is also a fan of combat plugs. They give almost no decrease in hearing until you are exposed to an explosive sound (such as a gunshot). The way they're designed, they block the high intensity low frequency sound, but allow normal conversation on the range - great to hear range commands. They've been heavily used by the Army. They are not recommended for indoor use (though I haven't checked this with the audiologist). Here's a link for these: http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/aosinranplug.html. My experience has been fantastic using them with rifles and shotguns outdoors. (They're reusable)

My advice: Save the big bucks for new gun accessories and save your hearing at the same time.

Keith
(MD with occupational med experience and well-informed friends)

[BrassMonkey]

I fly small general aviation aircraft so I have multiple sets of David Clarks and Lightspeeds laying around, you are right, they will not do with rapid onset sounds such as a gunshot report.

I can shoot all day long without hearing protection, the problem is that I cannot hear anything with ear protection, hearing is not that great these days so I want the amplification as well as the sudden onset pressure relief.

SO that being said, I DO want a top notch set of eletronic amplifying/report reducing ear phones.... I just can't afford the real fancy schmancy walker game ears.

Think I can find a good buy at the gun show this weekend? I want to get a pair for my son too, he is three, so I have to find tiny ones....

[Zero_G]

You might try the combat plugs. They don't have the amplification, but they do give you good hearing between shots.

If you already have hearing loss, I'd be worried that the ANR headset won't be protecting what you have left!

Keith

[Skiprr]

SO that being said, I DO want a top notch set of eletronic amplifying/report reducing ear phones.... I just can't afford the real fancy schmancy walker game ears.

Not 400 smackers, but still not free. May offer an alternative, though: http://www.pro-ears.com/shootingsportsh ... ection.htm.

[BrassMonkey]

Thanks Skiprr