Thread: Hearing protection

What do you guys use for hunting protection at the range vs on a hunt?
I am new to all of this, so I'm trying to figure out if I should wait a bit before fitting a suppressor and use earplugs in the meantime, or if I should invest in a good can earlier.

If I do get a suppressor earlier, what suppressors do you recommend?
I know a lot of people like DPT suppressors, so thought of getting the "CENTERFIRE OVER BARREL MODULAR WITH S/S BLAST BAFFLE MK2" for a 30-06, but not sure.
Can't send the link to the specific suppressor as I am too new and haven't made enough posts.

I live in Christchurch, but of course can get the barrel sent to DPT to get it threaded and a suppressor fitted.

A suppressor alone won’t make gunshots from supersonic ammunition hearing safe.
A suppressor is an extremely worth while investment.
Always protect your hearing when shooting on a range.
Hearing loss is cumulative.
Any idiot can loose their hearing by ignoring good advice.
Shooting high volume applications will result in more hearing loss than the odd shot unprotected hunting, but both will result in hearing damage.
Don’t dismiss good advice from those who have ignored it themselves.

I use a suppressed rifle and also wear electronic ear muffs when hunting as you can still hear animals etc, for me they actually improve my hearing. On a range or just plinking/target shooting I have a set of non electronic muffs that seem to fit me better so are better suited to long strings of shots.

Gunworks or Greystone are both excellent suppressors made right here in the Garden City.
Have both
Like both

I currently use just a suppressor when hunting as I'd be likely to only fire a single shot, but when funds allow I'll get some electronic muffs as well, because I want to be able to hear my grandkids talk.

At the range I use the best earmuffs I can because of guys with 300WM with muzzle brakes. Lol.
I had a very loud car as a youth so my hearing needs all the help it can get. You only get one set of eardrums

Identify your target beyond all doubt because you never miss (right?) and I'll be missed.

I have both DPT and gunworks suppressors..there isnt a lot between them in weight or sound reduction..the DPT doesnt come as far backwards but very similar amount forwards...nothing in it really,Amanda is awesome to deal with and just across town from you.
ear plugs and/or earmuffs for sighting in is a must..you will shoot better too.
suppressor and earplugs/earmuffs is ideal for sighting in.... PERSONALLY I dont worry about it up on the hill after game and havent yet found ideal solution when using shotgun on ducks...

Which electronic ear muffs have people used out when hunting in the bush or on farms? What were their experience with battery life, hearing themselves move, the terrain around them, and mobility when pushing through dense bush?

I'm undecided between (electronic/passive) ear muffs and multi-mode ear plugs

Not sure on my brand. Sure makes you aware how noisy you actually are tho. As long as you remember to turn them off my batteries have lasted a couple of years

Plus being a bit deaf first few times in the bush you start hearing sounds youve never heard before

I just have a suppressor when I'm hunting, I sometimes carry a set of earplugs to put in if I get the chance but am bad at forgetting to use them.

For targets (rifle and shotgun) and duck shooting I use a set of electronic earmuffs. If I don't want/need to hear others then I'll often use standard earmuffs and even plugs also.

The electric ones are a pair of Howard Leights, at the cheaper end for these type of earmuffs. This means the direction of where sounds are coming from isn't great and there is a slightly annoying background hiss if it's at all windy. But they blockout the gunshots well, while letting me hear birds and other people.

I find the same thing Dan..drives me nuts,can hear parries 2km away but have no idea where they are...mind you....my new bitch looks at anything with feathers and just locks her eyes on and doesnt blink..might be the answer.

Electronic earmuffs - Peltor or MSA and full-cup models not the slim line like the Peltor Sportac model (as these don't have as much protection from impulse noise like gunshots as the full-cup industrial style models - although having said that the slimline versions will still provide adequate protection for a small amount of firing and when using a suppressor as well).

The Peltor and MSA brands have much better control sensitivity, much better protection of the electronic components from sweat and water damage, longer battery life and better and quicker cut out and cut in for noise.

I'll add here that I use the Peltor Tactical full cup versions on the range as an RO - so behind big muzzle braked antisocial loudner equipped compensatory firearms and the full range of everything else. With the Tactical model earmuffs, the worst part of that role is the exposure to muzzle blast - when I was using the sportac Peltors I had to wear earplugs underneath for adequate noise reduction.

I agree with No.3 MSA all the way. Most comfortable by a country mile. At the absolute minimum get some foam ear plugs, cheap and easy. Put some in your day pack, range bag, glove box, you get the idea.
Ordinary ear muffs aren't that expensive and fine for sighting in and range shooting.
Get a suppressor and MSA ear muffs when finances allow.
That's my 2 cents worth.

The big full cup models are hopeless for cheek stock fit. I have used Sordin Supreme Pro slim for years. They are designed for reasonable cheek fit. Saw them first in pictures under the Yank special force helmets.
Mine need a new gel kit which I must get around to.
And yes I will on occassion wear ear plugs as well.
Electronic muffs, even the quality ones don't have particularly high ratings.

Tried initially wearing them over my hearing aids but ended up removing the aids anytime I wear the Sordins.

I use Howard Leights at the range as a rule. Hearing loss is cumulative and not all suppressors are hearing safe, especially over multiple shots. I find the Howards work well enough with fresh batteries but be a bit funny as they run out, worse case you can just turn them off and they work as regular muffs. I also carry foam plugs as back ups or if I forget the Howards, doh.

When hunting I just run suppressed. I have been using DPT suppressors they are great value for money and reasonably lightweight.

This chart is probably out of date now but is a good place to start.