Electronic ear muffs

[bluerob]

I've read the numerous posts concerning electronic ear muffs posted on here, but, haven't found an answer to what I'm after.

Does anyone know which brand/model has the highest level of protection? I'm using 26 which aren't really helping. Fine with light loads, and then a factory .357 goes off.....

I've tried the Howard Leights low profile and Peltors (behind the head type) and find that these aren't that good.

Tried the moulded type (injected into you ears for the fit) and they didn't help either.

For some reason, I've developed bat like sensitive hearing in my old age, whereas, my range buddies are getting hard of hearing.

Standard ear muffs (Bunnings etc) don't do the job, in that, I can't hear the range commands sometimes. Weird.

And, yes, I do attend to the cleaning of the canals.....

Many thanks for any tips.

[Shotfox]

I guess the more you spend the better you get. I have a pair of Beretta ear muffs although they are not electronic they seem to be the best i have used. As you mentioned you wont get anything out of bunnings which is suitable. Try the Beretta website and see if they have electronic ones but personally i have had no luck with the two pair of electronic muffs i purchased they just did not work real good at all.

[Decoy]

I have a number of different brand electronic ear muffs and the Ozzito brand muffs are my favourite and their cheep!

They have the best noise reduction and have the loudest audio so you can hear range commands clearly.
The thing that i like the best about them is like regular ear muffs they have deep padding so your ears are not getting pinned to your head.

If these don't do the job for you not much else will..

[Blackened]

I have a number of different brand electronic ear muffs and the Ozzito brand muffs are my favourite and their cheep!

They have the best noise reduction and have the loudest audio so you can hear range commands clearly.
The thing that i like the best about them is like regular ear muffs they have deep padding so your ears are not getting pinned to your head.

If these don do the job for you not much else will..

i think i found them decoy but it appears they have been discontinued. seems also that they were class 4, rated to about SLC80 Rating 22db

http://ozito.com.au/electronic-ear-muffs

there's some good noise data here [removed dead link] and it shows a 357 magnum puts out about 164db. thats more than a 30-06 with an 18" barrel

take 22db of that and thats still 142db,

i'd be looking at a class 5 set of muffs, some are rates as high as 30db. you could also try a pair of disposable plugs under your muffs but a lot of the noise gets into your head through your sinus cavities so no matter how good your muffs are you'll still hear it

Chronos

[Decoy]

Just did a bit of research myself, might move this to a new thread..

[bigfellascott]

The best earmuffs (not electronic) were some that came with a home handyman kit from Aldi! I'm not kidding these things really blocked out just about every bit of noise! Only prob was you couldn't hear anyone talking so not real handy for the range but by god they bloody well worked real good.

[Chronos]

The best earmuffs (not electronic) were some that came with a home handyman kit from Aldi! I'm not kidding these things really blocked out just about every bit of noise! Only prob was you couldn't hear anyone talking so not real handy for the range but by god they bloody well worked real good.

Yeah, they're the ones you put on when you don't want to be disturbed at the range. I have a pair of Protector EH10 class 5 muffs like that. Great protection, until you life one ear piece to hear what you're mates saying and get caught out by the bloke at the next bench with the .243

Chronos

[bigfellascott]

The best earmuffs (not electronic) were some that came with a home handyman kit from Aldi! I'm not kidding these things really blocked out just about every bit of noise! Only prob was you couldn't hear anyone talking so not real handy for the range but by god they bloody well worked real good.

Yeah, they're the ones you put on when you don't want to be disturbed at the range. I have a pair of Protector EH10 class 5 muffs like that. Great protection, until you life one ear piece to hear what you're mates saying and get caught out by the bloke at the next bench with the .243

Chronos

bloody oath that hurts the ears when that happens, one minute silence then ya lift the muffs and bang! OUCH! I use those cheap SSAA ones that are electronic (around $70) from memory when I bought them, they are ok but really if I had my time again I'd buy something with a bit more quality about it (they are starting to fall apart) I'd happily use those Aldi ones if I could get another pair, they were excellent at blocking noise, they completely blew me away just how well they worked.

[MeccaOz]

I do know that ear plugs under ear muffs work well, but honestly I hate not having that whole sensory thing when im walking around with a loaded gun. It's just me, alot of mates do it and have no issues, except they ignore you alot, laffin

[bigfellascott]

I do know that ear plugs under ear muffs work well, but honestly I hate not having that whole sensory thing when im walking around with a loaded gun. It's just me, alot of mates do it and have no issues, except they ignore you alot, laffin

I honestly don't wear them when hunting with the Centrefires (whistling/spotlighting foxes) I'f I shooting rabbits off a warren etc with a Centrefire I will generally wear them then as theirs more shooting going on. I'f I'm shooting with the 22 I generally don't worry about them then either.

[tom604]

have you tried turning the sensitivity all the way up? i just have a cheap set, cant remember the brand, blue with a ipod plug ,and if i dont turn them all the way up a bit of noise gets in before they kick in, i paid 69 or 79 bucks for them in a tackle shop that sold a bit off ammo and bits and pieces for guns

[MeccaOz]

I do know that ear plugs under ear muffs work well, but honestly I hate not having that whole sensory thing when im walking around with a loaded gun. It's just me, alot of mates do it and have no issues, except they ignore you alot, laffin

I honestly don't wear them when hunting with the Centrefires (whistling/spotlighting foxes) I'f I shooting rabbits off a warren etc with a Centrefire I will generally wear them then as theirs more shooting going on. I'f I'm shooting with the 22 I generally don't worry about them then either.

Yeah Im the same Big Fella.

[Oldbloke]

As it happens I know a little about this subject. Will some minor changes this is the same that I posted sometime ago on another hearing/noise related thread. I hope my comments are of assistance. I apologize for it being a little long winded but it is difficult to reduce it much further. Many people ignore hearing protection and regret it during their retirement. Ignoring it will effect the quality of life during your later years.

NOISE FACTS
According to the current Australian OHS/WHS regulations exposing employees to noise levels over a peak of 140db or to noise at or above an average of 85dB(A)leq for the period of an 8hr shift.
It is the “peak” of 140db that applies to shooters. Above this level you will have some hearing loss.

Some examples for shooters of noise levels are: (I did not take these measurements but the source is fairly reliable)
22Lr 140 dB peak
12g 165 dB peak
3006 170 dB peak

And also:
Lawn mower 95 dB
Vacuum cleaner 80 dB
Jet air craft >115 dB
Food processor 92 dB

So every time you fire a rifle (without hearing protection) you are doing a little damage to your hearing and the damage compounds throughout your life. The loss of hearing will not become noticeable until later in life and by then it will be too late.

And when measuring noise you must remember that an increase of 3dB is double the sound power. So an increase of just 2 dB is very significant. Immediate irreversible damage is likely to occur at 140dB.

HEARING PROTECTION
In Australia hearing protection is sold in 5 classes that are laid down in Australian Standard 1270. Class 1 being the lowest level of protection class 5 the best. Below is the minimum reduction (the technical term is attenuation) in dB required of each class of hearing protection, Muff or plug at the ear.

SLC80 Range (Attenuation)
Class 1. 10 - 13
Class 2. 14 - 17
Class 3. 18 – 21
Class 4. 22 - 25
Class 5. 26 or greater

Muffs & ear plugs perform differently at various frequencies further complicating which muffs to purchase. The above is essentially an average at various frequencies.

So if the noise level of a 3006 is 170dB you can expect a class 5 muff to reduce the exposure to the ear down to at least 144dB, but perhaps not all frequencies. So the wearing of anything less than a Class 5 would be fairly useless to shooters. Even the class 5 may not completely prevent hearing loss. However it will certainly go a long way in reducing hearing loss. Continued and regular exposure to gun fire of say 130db will still damage hearing over time.

Many retailers such as Bunnings sell ear muffs but you get what you pay for and often it is not clear what “class” they are on the packaging. As mentioned above, this is important. In addition cheaper muffs generally wear out very quickly, significantly reducing the level of protection provided and the wearer is usually unaware that they now have reduced hearing protection. So you start off with say a class 3 and a yr later it is a class 1 muff for example.

WHAT SHOULD I BUY?
Ear muffs, both standard and electronic provide the best protection and I would recommend class 5 for shooting. The down side of standard ear muffs is the effect they will have on communication and potentially not being to hear other hazards nearby, e.g a truck heading in your direction. Ear plugs, I cannot recommend the use of off the shelf ear plugs I rarely see them worn correctly. However if worn correctly they fine, very effective and convenient to wear in the field. Personally fitted plugs should be a better option for most users if you prefer plugs but check what the expected attenuation will be before purchasing.

As mentioned earlier electronic muffs are great and fitted with a microphone and amplifiers that automatically switches off at 85dB, effectively reverting to a normal ear muff. This allows you to hear normal sounds and your ears are protected from loud sounds. However quality ones are expensive & you get what you pay for.

If you are shopping around for a pair of muffs I suggest you visit a safety specialist retailer such as protector alsafe or safety equip. In my experience the staff generally know about the products they sell and will steer you in the right direction. And they also sell muffs of the less expensive brands. Stick to well known brands is always good advice. Avoid overseas purchases as you may not get the level of protection you need.

Well known better brands to look for:

Bilsom
Peltor
Howard Leight

EDUCATION
Here is a couple of links for two very good videos. If links do not work copy & post the line below into your browser address bar.

Here is a link to a general video about sound and hearing protection that all shooters should watch, about 18 minutes. The hearing video
http://www2.worksafebc.com/Publications ... rtid=34284

Here is a link to a couple of 70 second videos showing how to fit ear plugs correctly

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nGO0qNTCd8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghNFKsxJuvY



I hope this helps people to better understand the importance of looking after their hearing and how to do just that.


Oldbloke

[Chronos]

I won't quote that post because if it's length but oldbloke, a thousand thankyou's for that.

It goes along with what I was saying that class 5 muffs are the way to go.

I have worked in the metal trades since I was 16 and was fortunate enough to be employed in a place that took OHS as it was known in those days seriously. We all had annual hearing checks and the range of hearing loss, even amount young blokes was amazing.

They supplied muffs or plugs and having my head in a welding helmet 8-9hrs a day plugs were my preferred option. Also much cooler in summer.

I happily wore plugs (the 3 m corded class 3 ones) when I started rifle shooting as I found them cooler and less in the way with my head in the stock. I was only shooting rimfire and .223 so the lower rating wasn't a major concern until I started shooting a .308 and then my 7-08 and pistols. It was IPSC that lead me towards electronic muffs to make conversation and hearing range commands easier.

That's when I stepped up to the class 5 muffs.

Even when hunting I wear electronic muffs. I can put up with the sweaty ears for the advantage of amplified bush sounds and hearing my own footsteps. My current pair are also cheap muffs but are 26db rated. Probably fine for hunting but not range use

Chronos

[Warrigul]

I've read the numerous posts concerning electronic ear muffs posted on here, but, haven't found an answer to what I'm after.

Does anyone know which brand/model has the highest level of protection? I'm using 26 which aren't really helping. Fine with light loads, and then a factory .357 goes off.....

I've tried the Howard Leights low profile and Peltors (behind the head type) and find that these aren't that good.

Tried the moulded type (injected into you ears for the fit) and they didn't help either.

For some reason, I've developed bat like sensitive hearing in my old age, whereas, my range buddies are getting hard of hearing.

Standard ear muffs (Bunnings etc) don't do the job, in that, I can't hear the range commands sometimes. Weird.

And, yes, I do attend to the cleaning of the canals.....

Many thanks for any tips.

Old bloke has covered it pretty well.

Tradesmen that have only worn earplugs usually suffer some loss of hearing later in life.

I have always put on decent muffs before entering an engine room(screws, turbines etc) and after 30 odd years of trade work I have better than Australian average hearing.

To cut a long story short- most people de rate their earmuffs as soon as they wear glasses or obstructive hats.

Low profile muffs are a no no as are behind the head ones- neither get a good seal especially when you put on a set of safety glasses or try to wear a big hat with them. A good over the top of your head deep profile electronic muff combined with cheap disposable earplugs should work, I shoot centerfire pistol, have sensitive hearing and find I am okay but I also wear low profile goggles with a very light elastic strap rather than safety glasses.

It is all in how you use them.

[Oldbloke]

I only rarely shoot at the range so I have a pair of standard class 5s I wear when adjusting/checking my scope. And when hunting I wear ear plugs most of the time, but not deer hunting. (in my pocket ready if wanted) Those regularly shooting at a range (high risk for hearing loss) would be silly not to wear a pair of good quality class 5s or better still electronic class 5s. (for communication purposes)

Bluerob: Peltor & Bilsom brands are considered very good. Just head to the nearest OHS shop & ask for a pair of class 5 electronic muffs in one of those brands & take a thick wallet.

[on_one_wheel]

I bought a set of class 4 3m electric muffs http://www.ssaa.org.au/industry-news/20 ... muffs.html
They work great but I do find they obstruct my head position slightly when using the rifles because the muff comes in contact with the stock, I find them better suited to shot gunning as they don't obstruct as much.

They are great for hunting as they can provide you with amplified listening ( you can hear a pin drop ) and the ability to hear your shooting partner but I find them hot to wear during the summer months.

I always keep a handful of good plugs with each gun bag because at times they are more practical.

[Shotfox]

As it happens I know a little about this subject. Will some minor changes this is the same that I posted sometime ago on another hearing/noise related thread. I hope my comments are of assistance. I apologize for it being a little long winded but it is difficult to reduce it much further. Many people ignore hearing protection and regret it during their retirement. Ignoring it will effect the quality of life during your later years.

NOISE FACTS
According to the current Australian OHS/WHS regulations exposing employees to noise levels over a peak of 140db or to noise at or above an average of 85dB(A)leq for the period of an 8hr shift.
It is the “peak” of 140db that applies to shooters. Above this level you will have some hearing loss.

Some examples for shooters of noise levels are: (I did not take these measurements but the source is fairly reliable)
22Lr 140 dB peak
12g 165 dB peak
3006 170 dB peak

And also:
Lawn mower 95 dB
Vacuum cleaner 80 dB
Jet air craft >115 dB
Food processor 92 dB

So every time you fire a rifle (without hearing protection) you are doing a little damage to your hearing and the damage compounds throughout your life. The loss of hearing will not become noticeable until later in life and by then it will be too late.

And when measuring noise you must remember that an increase of 3dB is double the sound power. So an increase of just 2 dB is very significant. Immediate irreversible damage is likely to occur at 140dB.

HEARING PROTECTION
In Australia hearing protection is sold in 5 classes that are laid down in Australian Standard 1270. Class 1 being the lowest level of protection class 5 the best. Below is the minimum reduction (the technical term is attenuation) in dB required of each class of hearing protection, Muff or plug at the ear.

SLC80 Range (Attenuation)
Class 1. 10 - 13
Class 2. 14 - 17
Class 3. 18 – 21
Class 4. 22 - 25
Class 5. 26 or greater

Muffs & ear plugs perform differently at various frequencies further complicating which muffs to purchase. The above is essentially an average at various frequencies.

So if the noise level of a 3006 is 170dB you can expect a class 5 muff to reduce the exposure to the ear down to at least 144dB, but perhaps not all frequencies. So the wearing of anything less than a Class 5 would be fairly useless to shooters. Even the class 5 may not completely prevent hearing loss. However it will certainly go a long way in reducing hearing loss. Continued and regular exposure to gun fire of say 130db will still damage hearing over time.

Many retailers such as Bunnings sell ear muffs but you get what you pay for and often it is not clear what “class” they are on the packaging. As mentioned above, this is important. In addition cheaper muffs generally wear out very quickly, significantly reducing the level of protection provided and the wearer is usually unaware that they now have reduced hearing protection. So you start off with say a class 3 and a yr later it is a class 1 muff for example.

WHAT SHOULD I BUY?
Ear muffs, both standard and electronic provide the best protection and I would recommend class 5 for shooting. The down side of standard ear muffs is the effect they will have on communication and potentially not being to hear other hazards nearby, e.g a truck heading in your direction. Ear plugs, I cannot recommend the use of off the shelf ear plugs I rarely see them worn correctly. However if worn correctly they fine, very effective and convenient to wear in the field. Personally fitted plugs should be a better option for most users if you prefer plugs but check what the expected attenuation will be before purchasing.

As mentioned earlier electronic muffs are great and fitted with a microphone and amplifiers that automatically switches off at 85dB, effectively reverting to a normal ear muff. This allows you to hear normal sounds and your ears are protected from loud sounds. However quality ones are expensive & you get what you pay for.

If you are shopping around for a pair of muffs I suggest you visit a safety specialist retailer such as protector alsafe or safety equip. In my experience the staff generally know about the products they sell and will steer you in the right direction. And they also sell muffs of the less expensive brands. Stick to well known brands is always good advice. Avoid overseas purchases as you may not get the level of protection you need.

Well known better brands to look for:

Bilsom
Peltor
Howard Leight

EDUCATION
Here is a couple of links for two very good videos. If links do not work copy & post the line below into your browser address bar.

Here is a link to a general video about sound and hearing protection that all shooters should watch, about 18 minutes. The hearing video
http://www2.worksafebc.com/Publications ... rtid=34284

Here is a link to a couple of 70 second videos showing how to fit ear plugs correctly

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nGO0qNTCd8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghNFKsxJuvY



I hope this helps people to better understand the importance of looking after their hearing and how to do just that.


Oldbloke

And surpressors are still illegal - Go figure-

[kritch]

And when hunting I wear ear plugs most of the time, but not deer hunting. (in my pocket ready if wanted) Those regularly shooting at a range (high risk for hearing loss) would be silly not to wear a pair of good quality class 5s or better still electronic class 5s. (for communication purposes)

What do you think about the occasional hunting shot with no ear protection then?

Say you do 2-3 in a day. 6-7 times a year?

[handofcod]

If I ever find I'm not getting enough protection at the range I put plugs in and then muffs over the top.

Problem solved.

[Oldbloke]

And when hunting I wear ear plugs most of the time, but not deer hunting. (in my pocket ready if wanted) Those regularly shooting at a range (high risk for hearing loss) would be silly not to wear a pair of good quality class 5s or better still electronic class 5s. (for communication purposes)

What do you think about the occasional hunting shot with no ear protection then?

Say you do 2-3 in a day. 6-7 times a year?

Good question Kritch. Although I have a small amount of hearing loss I choose to take the occasional shot without protection. Why? Because of the usual issues of comfort and communication.

It's all about the overall "dose" over a life time that you get whether small (80 dB) often or a high dose (145 dB) once in a while. So at every opportunity I wear hearing protection. This includes every day noisy tasks such as mowing the lawn, ( including when the Mrs is very talkative LOL ) most people would not bother, but I do.

The trap is that it may be ok for 2-3 in a day, 6-7 times a year (say 20 shots a yr) & your hearing loss may not be very high but then it later becomes a habit & you then only rarely wear hearing protection, or worse stop altogether. THAT is the danger.

Wear hearing protection as much as you can and use class 5, but understand that if you do not wear it you are slowly increasing you hearing loss. Most people suffer a little hearing loss toward the end of their lives, we just need to manage it in order to minimise the loss and shooters are at a particularly high risk. The 20 minute noise video explains better than I can.

See above for the video link in my earlier post.

[headspace]

My Ear Pal muffs are distributed by Beretta and won't break the bank at around $100. They are electronic and cut in at 85db. I can still hear range commands and the muzzle blast is reduced markedly. I recently shot at a range in Grafton where they had sound deadening material fitted in the roof over the benches, it made a huge difference compared to other ranges where the sound seems to be magnified by the tin roof material. I'd like to see baffles between benches too.
JD

[Chronos]

My Ear Pal muffs are distributed by Beretta and won't break the bank at around $100. They are electronic and cut in at 85db. I can still hear range commands and the muzzle blast is reduced markedly. I recently shot at a range in Grafton where they had sound deadening material fitted in the roof over the benches, it made a huge difference compared to other ranges where the sound seems to be magnified by the tin roof material. I'd like to see baffles between benches too.
JD

Something I've been looking at lately, not too expensive to do a small area or one flat wall.

http://m.ebay.com.au/itm/350990246512?nav=SEARCH

Chronos

[Oldbloke]

I thought I would have a look around at what is available in electronic ear muffs these days.
NOTE: The NRR system is used in the USA, but is not acceptable in Australia as the method of testing is different from the AS 1270 ( SLC80 ) test method. SLC80 (Sound Level Conversion valid for 80% of the wearers)

Ozitos Cl 3 (21dB reduction) ( SLC80 ) About $30 I also notice they are fairly lightly built and may not stand the test of time.

Howard Leight R-01526 Impact Sport Electronic Earmuff Shooting These are available on ebay. $90 rating: NRR 22 Cl 3/4 ? postage free

ELECTRONIC EARMUFFS WITH INPUT JACK MAVERICK EAR MUFFS These are available on ebay. $35 NRR 22 Cl 3/4 ? postage free

from http://www.safetyquip.com.au/ Earmuff - Headband Peltor Lite-Com III MT53H7A-430B Two-way Headset (CL5 - 31dB) $1,146.46

from http://www.safetyquip.com.au/ UniSafe UniLert Active Listening Headset Earmuff - CL5 - 29dB(A) $180


I'm not into selling PPE, just looking at what is out there. And I cannot say if the NRR is the same as SLC80 but the info I have suggests it is a lower standard. (quoted above from QLD Gov) Also Its obvious that class 5s are a heap more expensive that cl 4s. So the Unisafe muffs look like good value if you are a regular shooter, especially at the range.

Comfort is also a big factor so best to try before u try if that is possible.

[Chronos]

Thanks for that oldbloke.

These Howard Leights look goys at 31db for $70

http://www.safetyquip.com.au/pdEMS10301 ... cl-5-31db/

Chronos

[Oldbloke]

Chronos, Looks like they are only suitable for use with an mp3 device rather than "electronic". CL5 - 31dB(A) after a search I found that they are also listed as being NRR 25 compliant. (Interesting) I found this earlier.

If you are wearing a product with an NRR of 30 it would deduct 11.5 decibels (30-7/2=11.5db reduction to the ear).

So to compare apples with apples based on the above. (I hope this is correct)

USA, 100dB - NRR 30 = 88.5dB to the ear (30dB-7/2=11.5dB) = 88.5dB


Aust, 100dB - SLC80 30 = 70dB to the ear (100dB - 30 = 70dB) 30dB reduction for 80% of wearers

It is also worth noting that every 3dB is twice the noise level or power and 11.5 dB protection is our lowest class 1. So 30dB provides about12 times the level of protection compared with 11.5dB ( ripplys believe it or not)

Here is a link to do the nrr calculation. (always use dB(A) https://www.noisemeters.com/apps/occ/prot-nrr.asp

Beware of buying NRR rated ear protection. Its a trick area.

[kritch]

The trap is that it may be ok for 2-3 in a day, 6-7 times a year (say 20 shots a yr) & your hearing loss may not be very high but then it later becomes a habit & you then only rarely wear hearing protection, or worse stop altogether. THAT is the danger.

Yeah I get that. I know it's easy to get complacent by I'm good with it at all other times.

100% at the range, no exceptions. Same for household stuff like mowing the lawn.

Moving on to the video now

[jastreb]

bluerob,

Have you had a look at the Howard Leight Impact PRO muffs? These are electronic and have an NRR of 30.

Info:
-------
http://www.honeywellsafety.com/Products ... x?site=/au

Shopping:
-------------

http://www.amazon.com/Honeywell-R-01902 ... B007BGSI5U

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Howard-Leigh ... 1239538433

The reviews do suggest that they are a little bulky though so you might have issues on getting a good stance.

The Howard Leights posted on this thread earlier are not the same as these.

jastreb

[Guliver]

I was never happy with happy with electronic ear muffs and now use http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/like/2213901 ... e&lpid=107, they really are very effective.

[Oldbloke]

Be careful, the NRR rating is not the same as the Australian system of classes. It is a lower standard and misleading. NRR of 30 rating is significantly poorer protection than 30dB under our class system. You need Class 5 muffs the highest rating. (& best protection).

look here http://www.safetyquip.com.au/pl032P5/peltor/
& here http://www.protectoralsafe.com.au/brows ... /207818200