Hearing Protection

[StraitMeatKilla]

With the amount of trap shooting and hunting I do by myself and in groups (almost every day in either PA or NY), my ears are pounded every year with hundreds of shotgun rounds going off.

I would assume, that with the amount of hunting some of the pro-staffers do, that atleast some of you wear some type of hearing protection. I have been looking into different types and my God....some of this stuff is ridiculous - but when I consider what my hearig is worth...it is a no brainer. I would like to invest in good hearing protection prior to next season or atleast before the season after that (depending on cost).

I guess I was curious as to what "brands" or "types of devices" that you have used before and that you would recommend.

Thanks in advance for your help!!!!!

Strait

[Eric Strand]

Straitmeatkilla, I would go ahead and talk to an audioligist in your area. I talked to an audiologist and she recomended a set of musicians ear plugs.
At first I was skeptical to say the least but after having my hearing checked and finding how much of my hearing i have already lost i went ahead and ponied up the dough for a pair of these earplugs. They allow sounds like talking, calling, the sounds of birds, etc to be heard without any interference while gunshots and other extremely loud noises are blocked out.
I used these earplugs all season and i would definitely recommend them.

" Shoot em with their feet down "
Eric Strand
Avery Pro-Staff

[Rob Jepson]

Eric,

That is good advice and is something I have been putting off for a long time. I know I have lost a fair amount of hearing considering how high I need to set the TV volume. I always wear hearing protection when shooting clays but have felt they would impede my ability to hear birds during the hunt. I'll look into your suggestion.

Rob Jepson
Avery Pro-Staff Relations Manager

[StraitMeatKilla]

Thanks Eric....we have an audiologist we work with as a subcontractor (environmental and safety consulting). I will be contacting him to discuss my options. THANKS!!!!!!

Strait

[jimbur]

Hi Eric,

I'm curious about the brand of hearing protection you are using ? I'm interrested in buying a protection device like that but I don't know what should I buy ?

thanks

[Mike Hungle]

Like so many hunters and shooters that I know, my hearing has taken a beating from gun blasts. Over the past four years, I've faithfully worn a pair of Sonic ear plugs and my hearing has not diminished any further. I can still hear birds, most conversations and my ears don't ring after a volley of shots. I also think I shoot a little better while wearing the plugs.

On Saturday while pheasant hunting, I got muzzle blasted. Had that been years ago,my ears would have been ringing. Thankfully, my ear plugs saved the day and my ears.

I highly advise ear protection for anyone who does any shooting, whether it be on the range, in a ground blind or in a tree stand.

You simply owe it to yourself.

[JJ McGuire]

Eric
The musician's plugs, are they something which are available at a music store or are they a specialty item?

[jimbur]

Hi Mike,

what kind of Sonic ear plug are you using ??? are they electronic or just standard ear plugs ? Is there any website where we can see them ?

thanks

[David Hochman]

Guys,
I would speak to an ENT or audiologist about the matter. I do like the idea of hearing the birds and the call, while at the same time protecting my ears from sounds that are damaging. However, recently I had a ear test done and was told that I am nearly 60% deaf in my right ear. I was also told that the mechanical ears that allow safe sounds through but not loud noises are NOT reliable hearing protection, according to this group of ENT's and audiologists. They felt that only a fixed(ie solid ear plug} was reliable enough to protect your ears from gun shots. Just food for thought. Be sure to check with your ENT or audiologist before making your decision.
Dave

[Mike Hungle]

jimbur, it's a standard plug with a plunger device that shuts out loud sounds. However, based on what Dave is saying just above, this may not be enough.

[Dwayne Padgett]

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earinc (http://www.earinc.com)