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Does anyone have any experience with in the ear electronic hearing protection? I need to start protecting the hearing I have left more aggressively but I think hearing well in the field is essential for safety.

Thanks,
James

Member Joined: 02 Feb 2006 Posts: 602 Location: western pa

I've used them for about 10 years. Like most things, buy the best you can afford for the in the ear type. If you can deal with muffs, there are some good ones out there at more reasonable prices.

James,I have been using muffs that turn off for a second or so,they enhance your hearing and have a volume control, use them for rifle and pistol shooting at the range,they are not bad and muffle the loud noises,trap shooting is another story
there I use custom formed plugs,I see that there are smaller ones out there now
but I have not tried them yet,I think Cabela's and the NRA have advertised some
kind of silencers for your ears,for hunting deer and small game I am plugless,
WHAT DID HE SAY

I tried digital custom earplugs ($2,500) and I didn't care for them, too much increase in ambient noises. I have been using custom Westone DefendEars for several years for pheasant hunting and they do a great job and they only cost about $130. You just need to find an audiologist that can do a custom mold and order custom earplugs from Westone.

They have changed the technology in DefendEars since I purchased mine and I don't know about the new ones that use the filters. Mine employ a valve and it shuts down the sound when a shot is fired. Otherwise they allow all sound through and you might lose 5 to 10 db. The new filter ones also allow all sound through except for a gunshot or similar noise.

I don't use them for grouse hunting because they just take too much of the pleasure away from being in the woods. Normally I don't shoot all that much in a day of grouse hunting and some days I never pull the trigger. Pheasant hunting I do a lot more shooting and I always use them for that. I no longer shoot at the range but they would also work there.

All of the "in the ear plugs" that allow sound in are a pain in the butt in wind because they act like a funnel for the sound and it really amplifies the wind. In the winter a light pair of earmuffs like XC skiers wear eliminate this problem.

Make sure you purchase them from an audiologist because the cost will be about 1/2 of what you see them advertised for in the upland journals. The digital ones I tried had a 90 day trial period where you could return them for a full refund. My recollection is I still had to pay the audiologist for an office visit but that was not all that expensive.

Joined: 26 Apr 2010 Posts: 3178 Location: NCWa

When on the range I wear standard ear protection. I have a pair that are electronic- but I prefer the standard insulation and I can watch for range signals as well as hear the muffled sounds. In the field I have found that my left ear is much more exposed to the muzzle report than my right. Shooting right handed, my right ear is directly behind the muzzle as well as shielded by the stock and my body. So in the field I wear a fitted ear plug in my left ear and nothing in my right ear. Since most of my hunting is done alone, this method seems to work well enough in the compromise between protesting my hearing and being able to hear what is happening around me.

Member Joined: 19 Jan 2008 Posts: 680 Location: MAINE

I purchased Sport Ear digitals last year and although not perfect , I can hear the bell on the dog and heard the grouse flush for the first time in years . Like Chicago says , wind is really amplified . Mine have 4 settings , low medium and high . I use the medium to hunt birds and high if I'm still in a tree stand . Low for conversation . The 4th setting is low but is set up for range shooting where the noise is constant .
$2500 is a lot of money but bird hunting is my passion so I bit the bullet .
Warranty is 1 year and I already sent them back for something foolish I did and broke one . They were returned within a week , no charge .
I tried muffs , they work but they were hot while hunting and sweat poured around my ears .
Hope this helps .

Member Joined: 19 Jan 2008 Posts: 680 Location: MAINE

pm if you want

I wear the 29 db foam disposables when hunting birds, deer, ducks, etc. I can hear other hunters just fine and they work and aren't in my way. I do lose the ability to hear a deer easing through the woods when I'n in the stand, but that is the trade off for something that protects my hearing and isn't in my way. I do speak loudly when I wear them though! OH

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/453211/peltor-indoor-outdoor-range-e-a-r-ear-plugs-nrr-22-db-1-pair?cm_vc=ProductFinding

These work good for me. I usually put one in my right ear when after birds. I'll use both if at a clay range where there are many more shots. Fairly comfortable and still can have conversations.

Member Joined: 06 Oct 2007 Posts: 2350 Location: West MI

I use these at the shop, loud concerts and on the range. Inexpensive, reusable and get the job done, bonus...1/2 are 16ga Purple....

http://www.lowes.com/pd_31083-98-92059-80025_0__?productId=3102175&Ntt=earplugs&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dearplugs&facetInfo=

Joined: 06 Jun 2008 Posts: 117

I just recently bought some Digital ESP hearing enhances/protection.
That being said not using them allot I liked how they work so far.
From what others that have purchased them they really like them also.
I'm in my late 50s and have bad hearing so I need protection and hearing enhancing.

Joined: 19 Apr 2008 Posts: 477

I've used the Howard Leight Impact ear protectors for a number of years now. Both at the range and in the field. They work well and are slim enough that they don't hit my gunstock. They are available through Amazon and most of the sporting stores for $50-$60. I know people like other makes that can cost five or six times as much, but these work and have lasted. They transmit good sound quality and you can raise the volume to increas hearing over normal levels if you wish.

I just saw a new type of ear protection in the most recent Orvis catalog. They are called Ghost Stryke and there are two versions 1) Standard w/no amplification @ $400 and 2) Digital w/enhanced hearing capabilities at $700.

No clue how they perform and no indication if they can be returned for lack of comfort or poor results.

Mike

These are NOT in-ear
But I like them for shotgun shooting and dove hunting

http://www.harborfreight.com/noise-canceling-electronic-ear-muffs-92851.html