Having the right hearing protection can make or break a trip to the range. I have compiled a list of hearing protection that I have used, ranging from foam ear plugs to electronically controlled earmuffs.
Foam Ear Plugs
Most people have seen and used these. They are available is just about any store that caries bandages. Foam Earplugs do a ok job. They can be kind or a trick to use. Generally I feel that they are a pain. Plus muff style hearing protection is more comfortable and easier. I do keep them around for when the muffs are not enough. Like at an indoor range when the next stall over is a guy blasting away with a .44 mag. Plus you buy one box of 200 and you will have a lifetime supply.
Peltor Combat Arms Ear Plugs
I learned about these via a military blog which was talking about the noise and trouble communicating associated with combat. Apparently these were developed as a cheap way for troops to protect their hearing from impulse noises (gunshots, explosions, ect.). They have two sides, the yellow is to protect from impulse while the green protects from constant. Think gunshots vs machinery.
As much as I wanted these to work, I was disappointed with their performance. I felt as if I was wearing standard plugs. If you are looking for a solutions that is cheaper than the electronic muffs, these would be a good option. I must have a funny shaped ear canal as my friends have used them with greater success.
Peltor 97079 Combat Arms Earplugs (Amazon)
Peltor Shotgunner Earmuffs
If you are looking for a great pair of earmuffs in the $15 range, look no further than the Peltor Shotgunner Earmuffs. I own to pairs of these. Currently I use them as the guest earmuffs but they were my mainstay before I bough the electronic style. The only complaint I have ever heard is they create pressure points around the ears after two solid hours of use. Really, that sounds like more of an endorsement to me. The Peltor Shotgunners also tightly seal around your eye protection. The biggest advantage over flightline style muffs is the low profile. These earmuffs will not interfere with rifle or shotgun sight alignment.
Peltor 97011 Shotgunner Hearing Protector (Amazon)
Howard Leight Impact Sport Earmuff
The Howard Leight Impact Sport Earmuff is the granddaddy of hearing protection. Words cannot describe how much I love these electronic earmuffs. When switched on and turned all the way up, your hearing in super enhanced. All of the sudden you can hear everything. Its funny to watch people put these on and then breakout in a huge grin. I fight the urge to keep them on all the time. Near gunshots you hear a kind of whooshing as the electronics dials down the decibels. The low profile does not interfere with sights and the mics are recessed enough they never get brushed. It has audio in in the case you decided to take your iPod, or the more likely case, your are using a radio or receiving instructions in an indoor training environment. Gone are the days of yelling to be heard.
If you were to go to most retailers they would cost your around $80 bucks however you can buy them on Amazon for around $50.
Howard Leight R-01526 Impact Sport Electronic Earmuff (Amazon)
