Electronic Ear Plugs - Thoughts?

[jwb300]

I'm considering getting a set of electronic ear plugs. They are wildly expensive but I highly value my hearing and I don't want any further damage. Yeah I could just wear ear plugs all the time but I like to be able to hear what is going on around me when I'm stalking in the bush. Twice in the past few months I have shot deer where I've had zero time to do anything but raise the rifle and pull the trigger.

Does anyone have any recommendations or thoughts on these? I would love to hear from anyone who has used them.

These are the ones I am considering at the moment mainly because they aren't over $1000 and are water proof.

http://earinc.com/shop/markets/recreational/shothunt/

My concern is the relatively short 12 month warranty for a product of this cost...

Cheers,
JWB300

 

[Blockcaver]

My wife and I each have ESP (Brighton, CO) electronic plugs. We were doing a lot of birdhunting 15 years ago when we got these. They still work fine after 15 years of use......the first 9 years being used 50 or more days per year following the bird dogs.

The good:
- Longevity
- Fit in the ear canal since they are molded to your ear
- Sound suppression of the gunfire when hunting
- will amplify sounds if turned up, like a hearing aid, but probably not as good in the case of the 15 year old technology I have.
- Battery life is excellent if you remove them during periods of non-use

The bad:
- Wind noise is a problem when the winds are strong. I end up using the plugs turned off under those conditions
- Batteries run down if left in the units despite the units being turned off
- Cost of the units ($800 per pair in 2000.....we sold a couple of surplus shotguns to buy our plugs)
- They aren't as good at sound suppression for shooting sports as conventional foam plugs or ear muffs (in my opinion). I quit using them for trap, skeet, or sporting clays, and especially rifle range use, preferring a good muff (non-electronic). I did not get the noise suppression I wanted for shooting a hundred rounds or more, and especially in trap, from the adjacent gunfire.
- When I used them 8 or 10 days in a row my ears would get a bit sore.
-

 

[jwb300]

Thanks Blockcaver for the great review.

I thought they might not be as effective as foam plugs but as you say for range work or clays normal plugs are fine or ear muffs. I really just want them for a few shots every other weekend at game animals. If culling from a vehicle I use electronic muffs and a 223 so the blast isn't bad.

 

[Markdjr]

Based on the link you provided I would think these would be a better value.

http://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Research-ER125-GSP15BN-High-Definition-Electronic/dp/B00J5P8OGS

If you are willing to pay $1k or so there are a few options that will do a custom mold, for much better sound suppression.

 

[Mjm316]

Based on the link you provided I would think these would be a better value.

http://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Research-ER125-GSP15BN-High-Definition-Electronic/dp/B00J5P8OGS

If you are willing to pay $1k or so there are a few options that will do a custom mold, for much better sound suppression.

Do you have first hand experience with these?

 

[wyosteve]

I recently purchased a pair of ear plug style through Long Range Hunting which are Soundgear or Soundear. They had a special at the time of $350 per pair plus 40 batteries included. Normal price is $399 pair. I've been very pleased. They fit well and are comfortable. They have either an industrial or a hunting amplification level. I went with the hunting level since my left ear is really bad. I've worn them around the house and at the range and they amplify well, but 'shut off' to loud noises. One big positive is that the wind doesn't seem to be a problem. Battery life seems to be good as long as you remember to remove the batteries when not using them b/c they don't have an on/off switch. I also have an amplified set of ear muff style protectors which I've used a few years mainly for bird hunting. They were a lot cheaper and do the job to a certain degree, but wind noise is much greater. The biggest dislike with the muffs is that when walking/hiking, they cause and hold perspiration where the plastic part touches the head.

 

[jwb300]

Thanks wyosteve - I too find the muffs uncomfortable. The plugs you have sound good. Do you have any issues keeping them dry?

 

[Matt W.]

I checked out the link provided and the ones from the LRH Store. I understand the desire for electronic protection..

I'm debating some non-electronic ones. Anyone used the Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs? 31 NRR seems good! (link below)
http://amzn.to/1LN6dns

 

[Markdjr]

I don't personally, but you can find lots of reviews online. I think it sounds like they are pretty good, but probably like everything, you get what you pay for.

Do you have first hand experience with these?

 

[mullmann]

I have had ear problems my entire life and my ENT specialist recommended DefendEar by Westone.

https://www.westone.com/defendear/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=86&Itemid=107

They are pricey. I am still debating whether I will spend that amount of money. Seem like a good product with several different options.

 

[jwb300]

Thanks Mullmann - they seem very similar to these ones which might be worth a look. Look to be a very similar unit but maybe a little cheaper?

http://www.censdigital.com/proflex_hunter.html

 

[wyosteve]

jwb-- I haven't had any problems keeping the Soundgear plugs dry, but then, I haven't worn them in the rain. I don't think it would be a problem though since the electronic part is pretty much all in the ear canal. Fwiw, I was on the Long Range Hunting site yesterday and they have the Soundgear plugs on sale again w/ the extra batteries for $349.

 

[wyosteve]

Forgot to mention, the Soundgear plugs are made by Starkey which I understand is one of the top 'hearing aid' companies as well.

 

[jwb300]

Great thanks for the advice