This is only a semi-shooting related question, but I need experts, so here I be...

My son has difficulty with loud noises and getting overloaded by sound in general. I had the idea of ear muffs today, and Amazon thought I was talking about shooting equipment. So I thought, hey, maybe I am...

Shooters, is there a type/brand of hearing protection one might use as a sort of reverse hearing aide? Where you can dial down the volume levels of the real world without losing the ability to hear and understand someone speak?


Thanks in advance, Bob

at one time there was mechanical ear muffs that allowed normal hearing and when a loud or sharp sound was made the electronics in the ear muffs triggered and muffled or toned down the sound

plenty of skeet shooters were using them, it was about 1990 the last time I saw someone wearing them

For years I have wore full-coverage electronic-response ear-muffs. I tried the ear-plug type, but did not feel they did a good job. And in the last few years, I have noticed many shooters wearing just the ear-plug type and seam to like them just fine. The elec ear-muffs for the most part, do have a volumne control on each side to control incoming sounds.

Then theres the cost differencial between the two types, to be considered, I guess.

(02-04-2015, 03:00 PM)Old Jim Wrote: For years I have wore full-coverage electronic-response ear-muffs. I tried the ear-plug type, but did not feel they did a good job. And in the last few years, I have noticed many shooters wearing just the ear-plug type and seam to like them just fine. The elec ear-muffs for the most part, do have a volumne control on each side to control incoming sounds.

Then theres the cost differencial between the two types, to be considered, I guess.

Jim, any tips towards brand, etc?

Bob,
There seams to be a lot to choose from these days. I bought an expensive (I thought) set of Pro Ears Dim. 1 elec. muffs about 15+- years ago. My thoughts about ear protection goes beyond rational thinking ... only got this one set of ears ... etc!

Fifteen years ago I paid $150 for mine. Today a like pair (30DB) are about $280 ... shop around, keeping in mind that rifle stock design varies from different styles/makes of weapons.

And .... if you end-up with the electric style, remember to turn 'em off when ya put them away !

All the best,

Jim

Bob.

I don't know what level of noise you want to protect him from. Shooting or Gym noise at School games.
If it is for the latter these sonic work pretty good. I put them in when I'm at the School sports. Even as hard of hearing that I am I use them when the kids start screaming They have a level you feel he needs here http://www.earplugstore.com/sonicvalveii.html I even put them in my ear under the cans if I shoot along side a loud rifle.

Or for shooting I got a set of Howard Leight Impact Pro made by Honewell for the Wife and me. I have found nothing quieter then these. 30 DB or so. They are pricy but they work.

Kurt

I've been using the behind the head band type Peltor elecronic muffs for 10-15 years. They work with a hat of any kind. They are in the $40-60 range and shut off loud noise a reset very quickly. I tried some cheap ones and they worked but reset was very slow.

I have been using the same ear plugs for work and play.
"Max Lite" made by Howard Leight; NRR 30, SNR 34 rating.

They are soft foam plugs with a string between them. Comfortable
to wear for long periods. You buy them by the bag in individual paper
envelopes, so you can carry spares without getting them dirty before
you need to use them.

Keep on hav'n fun!
MikeT