Ear Protection for shooting

[Retired45]

Plugs and muffs. Used to use plugs only but years ago read a report that plugs alone still allowed hearing loss from bone conduction behind the ear. Don't know if it's true but decided to use both.

[Albtraum]

Thanks everyone for the input! Definitely gonna get a pair of ear muffs.

Originally Posted by soundguy

i use plugs primarilly.. but put muffs over top when at an energetic range.. or when firing shoulder cannons..

( PS.. I work in an audio job.. and I can tell you that plugs are (can be) MUCH more effective than muffs ).

that said.. you can't compair a CHEAP, poor fitting low NRR plug to a high quality, high NRR, well fitting muff.

in the end.. CYA and use both...

you also have to lok at noise makeup.. freq involved and the actual NRR of the device you are using.. the class of noise.. also onset speed.. etc..

duration of exposure and exposure type, constant or intermittant..e tc.

lotsa variables other than looking at a number and checking fit.

Hey sound guy, do you happen to know what guns or calibers are at the lowest or deepest range in frequency? A .22lr from a rifle makes that high pitch kapishhh sound so I figure that'd be one of the highest pitch ones

[soundguy]

i havn't done research into what rifles make what sound pattern. I just know the the larger and/or faster the cartridge or rate of fire.. the more ear protection i need..

[fuzebox40]

Plugs and muffs when the fire is too loud. But always plugs because yes the muffs do get in the way of rifle stocks.
Don't know how "muff only" rifle shooters get around that.