[Digger]

I’ve been using ear muffs for a long time: first Peltor and lately Walker electronic. The walkers are barely adequate on the outdoor range, but I like the fact that I can carry on a conversation and hear range commands with them. Recently, after reading good reviews, I ordered a pair of Walker Silencer Bluetooth earplugs. They are great for listening to music, not so much for sound suppression. I tried them one time and, after 6 rounds of .357 took them out and packed them away. They were almost as good as the old trick of using cigarette filters for emergency sound suppression.
So, are there any sound suppression earplugs that allow conversation but kick in an effective clipping feature with concussive (gunshot) sounds? In the interim I’m back to my electronic ear muffs with supplemental foam earplugs indoors.

 

[ActiveShooter]

Were your ears ringing from shooting after you took them out ? Just wondering.

 

[Abby'sDad]

For shotgun only, I wear electronic Peltors; for metallic I wear foam plugs AND those Peltors and i can hear decently enough as far anyone calling for a cold range. I know some folks who use electronic ear plugs - they need to be fitted - and they are NOT cheap; think great hearing aids in reverse
This brand I see the most:

Electronic Hearing Protection For Shooting | Hearing Protection For Shooting

ESP America – One Stop Shop For Hearing Protection Products. Electronic Shooters Protection delivers natural sounds across a wide frequency range while the custom fit, sealed design protects you from the damaging sounds of gunfire. Customize your pair now.

www.espamerica.com

Again, that is on the shotgun courses......I am not a metallic competitor; what do the 3-gun and similar games crowd use so they can hear the timer and the commands?

 

[jonesy814]

I have been using a soft silicone rubber earplug. It comes in a 2 part mix, which you combine, then stuff in your ears. In 5 or 6 minuts it hardens up and you are good to go. The first set lasted about 3 years
https://www.amazon.com/Radians-CEP0...ords=moldable+ear+plugs&qid=1589488132&sr=8-7

 

[Abby'sDad]

I had those done one time at a gun show; they never did fit just perfectly after drying and any loud crack hurt; they went away.
The thing a lot of folks do not realize is that the mastoid bone around your ear, if left unprotected, transmits noise vibrations to your middle and inner ear which can lead to hearing loss; you not only have to protect from the sounds going IN the ear, but also around it

 

[O4L]

I’ve been using ear muffs for a long time: first Peltor and lately Walker electronic. The walkers are barely adequate on the outdoor range, but I like the fact that I can carry on a conversation and hear range commands with them. Recently, after reading good reviews, I ordered a pair of Walker Silencer Bluetooth earplugs. They are great for listening to music, not so much for sound suppression. I tried them one time and, after 6 rounds of .357 took them out and packed them away. They were almost as good as the old trick of using cigarette filters for emergency sound suppression.
So, are there any sound suppression earplugs that allow conversation but kick in an effective clipping feature with concussive (gunshot) sounds? In the interim I’m back to my electronic ear muffs with supplemental foam earplugs indoors.

I have been using these.

Amazon.com: Safariland in-Ear Impulse Hearing Protection, Black/Red, Medium/Large: Clothing

Buy Safariland in-Ear Impulse Hearing Protection, Black/Red, Medium/Large: Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

They work well for handguns indoors and rifles outdoors.

 

[RLW44]

Simple foam inserts usually have the best noise reduction numbers. Howard Leight Super Leight inserts are 33 NRR, one of the highest I have found. Even so, when shooting handguns I wear muffs over those.

 

[jeepnut]

For handgun competitions we limit the calibers to 22 up to 38 special and 45 ACP. The electronic earmuffs work great in this case. If using magnums or rifle loads I use a pair of custom made ear plugs (two part foam like Jonesy mentioned) and the muffs. The plugs and muffs help with the decibel reduction and the muffs help with pressure wave impact reduction. Will say the custom fitted ear plugs do make it hard to hear as they do an excellent job of fitment and noise reduction.