In-ear hearing protection

[Laelkhunter]

Another thumbs up for Otto Noizebarriers. They come in a small (cigarette pack size) case that is also the charger. You can charge them about 20 times before you recharge the case with a USB cord. They come with foam and silicone ear pieces (I like the foam best). All day comfort, and they have 2 settings, normal and enhanced. Enhanced setting allows me to hear my guide whisper to me and they are directional so you can tell which direction sounds are coming from. They provide excellent protection from muzzle blast (I shoot a braked .340 Weatherby). I've been using them several years now, and if something happened to them, I would not hesitate to buy another pair. They offer veteran and first responder discounts.

 

[LongWayAround]

Just ordered a pair of these to try too. Winner between these and the Amazon earbuds gets to stay I guess

They hold pretty well, but if you're moving around much I recommend wearing a beanie over them.

 

[BadDogPSD]

Do they sound "natural" when you're talking?

I wear them when shooting and sometimes when hunting. While maybe not natural, I'm not bothered by them when talking. But I don't really talk much when hunting & shooting.

 

[ichthus329]

I wear them when shooting and sometimes when hunting. While maybe not natural, I'm not bothered by them when talking. But I don't really talk much when hunting & shooting.

Got it. We're always cutting up in the duck blind

 

[mthayr]

I know any hearing device takes awhile to get used to, and it's not realistic to expect it to sound like your natural ear.... but how do the Silvers sound when you're having a conversation? When you speak, does it sound like talking with your ears plugged? I'm looking for a natural presentation but maybe that can't be found with cheaper hearing pro.

They are essentially medical-grade hearing aids that suppress sound over 95dB (by 24dB). Of note is that they also can amplify sounds under the cutoff threshold by up to 30dB (bc, like I said, they're basically hearing aids) which is useful for stand/still hunting. There is no echo or ear plugged ear feeling, zero, none, nada. The sound quality is decent, albeit a bit tinny.

 

[chemist]

Never used the soundgear.

Recently upgraded to the otto noizebarrier microm from the walkers. I consider it money well spent especially with respect to wind noise.

 

[idcuda]

I wear them when shooting and sometimes when hunting. While maybe not natural, I'm not bothered by them when talking. But I don't really talk much when hunting & shooting.

I got the Otto's to wear when bird hunting. They work pretty good but I miss some audible bird flushes and they don't sound natural when talking. It's like talking with my ears plugged. However, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks for me - they're comfortable, don't fall out, and protect my hearing.

 

[GRR95]

Yep and with good foam tips you forget you are wearing them at times.

I agree, the Otto seem to work best for me. I was also in the price range of ~$400.

It does take a second to get use to your voice. But compared to others i have used it is very minimal. (also aren't we suppose to be quiet while upland hunting??).

for me they fit very deep in my ear canal which stops them from falling out or getting snagged on sweatshirt hoods or brush.

Wind was a non factor surprisingly.

Battery life is awesome and the carrying case recharges them when they are stored. Used them 20+ days this year in the field and never recharged the case. I just leave the case in my vest so they are always on me, as i have a tendency to forget to put hearing protection in.

Only time I had issues was when hunting thick cover for ruffed grouse and trying to associate direction of the flush when not being able to see the bird (which is an issue with any hearing protection).

 

[Durran87]

I currently wear muffs. I wonder if I tell my Dr that I suffer from tinnitus if I can get a letter of medical necessity and use FSA funds?

 

[bluekiesalways]

Take a look at the Sound gear products (a division of Starkey). They make premium stuff and work great.