doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Hearing protection for shooting clays??

What are the best options for hearing protection when shooting skeet or sporting clays? I see a bunch of new stuff available. I have always used foam plugs. I wonder if there is something better?

Thanks

Custom molded silicone plugs that cover the bone of the outer ear canal are much better than foam. It's cheap hearing insurance. Muffs are better, but tend to interfere with gun mount, and are uncomfortable on hot days. The best, IMO, are the custom molded silicone plugs with electronics for attenuation, but they still allow you to carry on a conversation.

The elctronic plugs are probably nice as Replacement mentioned, although I have never used them. I just use the foam plugs. There are two types. The ones that look and feel like a sponge and the soft ones that usuually are red, pink or green and have a little more rubber content. I don't like the hard rubber type or the ear phone/muff types either. The ones I use are great for shooting trap all day and work great for me. The sonic ear valves are great too.

I have a set of Peltor Tac 7 electronic earphones that I've used. Cheaper than the custom plugs with the electronics, though it's the same concept. I personally didn't have any issue with gun mount but YMMV.

I use the Beretta version of the (I think) Peltor Tac 7 electronic muffs described above. No probllems with gun mount, but wind noise gets aggravating at times. Other than that and being hot in summer, the muffs work as intended, and do the job quite well. -- Ed

Id Chukar Hunter I don't think anything will protect your hearing as well as foam. Look at the decible ratings they tell the story.

I have a pair of 'Sonic Scopes' made by Starky Hearing Aid Company. Molded with hearing enhancement, they shut down above a certain decible. They are the very same thing E.A.R. sells for $800 bucks I got for $400 from a hearing aid doctor (including two office visits).
I've used about every type made but find myself wearing the cheap yellow foam ones most often, they are hard to beat when it comes to hearing protection.
L.F.

I have electronic muffs plugs of all types. What I use most are the Express Pod Plugs, from E.A.R. They look like small mushrooms with a handle for a stem and a closed-cell foam cap. They are simple to install and remove, do not need to be rolled up to install and use no batteries. They are very inexpensive and can be washed, when dirty. You can order a large quantity from the company, direct. Best protection of all, no doubt, is foam plugs, covered by muffs. JL

I use the yellow foam type but that's just because I lose them so regularly.

I buy 200 at a time and scatter them in gun bags, coats, car etc so if I lose them or forget to take them I always have things covered.

They seem to work OK and when you weigh up their limitations with their low cost, I think they make good sense if you are as absent minded about these things as I am.

I believe foam is rated higher than ear muffs ?
L.F.

I have gone to combination of foam plugs and electronic muffs. The foam plugs provide the basic protection and the electronic muffs increase my ability to hear conversation, while providing an additional measure of protection.

I also wear the electronic muffs in duck blind and when stationed in passes, sometime even for roaming hunting (cold weather especially -- they are great ear warmers.

Niklas