Ear Protection 101

Which Ear Protection is best?
Jonny takes us through thte various options on the market.
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[@SirBoDen]

Don’t store ear muffs with the pads touching. Flip them so the backs are touching. Airflow is important so they can dry out.

[@TheSoundOfTwang]

My 2 cents.. Machinist by trade, so have tried all options through the years. Passive over ears: fast on and off, usually blocks more sound than electronic versions, cheap, get quite warm. Electronic over ears: good ones are expensive, gel pads are an option that makes them fit better and make them less hot and seal better over eye protection, volume can be turned up to give you better hearing than without, eats batteries rather fast so bring spares. Single use in-ears: blocks most sound, takes longest to insert, some models make your ears hurt if worn for a while, can actually be used several times, cheap, don't take up alot of space, easy to bring along, easy to forget. "Mushroom" in-ears: fast mounting, pretty cheap, doesn't block quite as much sound as single use, a hassle to clean, easy to drop/lose because they are bouncy. Custom-cast in-ear: most comfortable, some types are easy to mount, some are difficult (depends on your ear shape and suface quality), can look small/discreet only covering your ear hole, valves can be swapped for different dampening, valves regular cleaning, digital versions are available for $$$, don't last forever, only fit you proper for 5-10 years because your ears change shape!

[@borjastick]

In about 2003 I was at the NEC motorcycle show and had a pair of made to measure ear plugs made. The guy inserted a sleeve and then expanding foam or gel which then set to the exact shape and size of my ear canal etc and hey ho ten days later they arrived. They came with the original mold and in a nice little zip up pocket pouch. I think they cost me about £70 which at the time was quite an investment. But I still use them for shooting all those years later and they are still in near perfect as new shape. A great investment and they really work.

[@globalfallout7249]

Thanks John. I use the sure fire 4s great soft silicone defenders and for the price brilliant. Just a good clean before and after jobs a good one. Thanks for the heads up on ear defence.

[@realvictim]

I tend to use Shooters Aid Sonics - ~£20. Seem to work OK and you can hold a conversation, though they are not the most comfortable. Thoughts on these ?

[@0ldg00ner]

Jonny. I am using the £12.99 Christmas tree type plugs with the filters. They are good for noise reduction but a bit uncomfortable but bearable. The main problem I have with them is wind noise which seems amplified. Before I commit to custom fit plugs, have you found this a problem with them?

[@talexander7217]

My factory-working dad taught me how to properly insert the foam and or flanged plugs into the ears: roll the plug as small as possible, lift up on your outer ear, insert plug.

[@77rockcity]

Excellent, next lesson: Buttering toast. 😝

[@alan988]

If you use plugs ,try the M3 ear classic , they are a much better fit than the more spongy plug that you come across now in the disposable type. As you mentioned ,most people do not push them properly into the ear canal , the M3 type are much stiffer and will push with the finger without bending , once they expand they cut out a large proportion of the noise . A drawback to the ear defender type that you did not mention is; for some people when they turn their head the muscle in their neck will lift the ear muff and break the seal around the ear .

[@buttheyreinvestmentsdear3132]

I use the Scott Zone 3 ear protectors I was issued for working on a Typhoon Eurofighter line. Peltor would do the same job. As I was using them in Saudi Arabia you should have no problem with heat in the UK. If you’re wearing a hat just make sure it’s pushed up a bit around your ears to let the protectors seal against your ears. Also, any glasses worn would have to have wire, aviator type, arms. One of the members of the club texted everyone on Saturday to ask if we had seen one of his very expensive in ear sound suppressors. No one had. Very expensive loss.

[@bluestonemusic1764]

I've been gigging in rock bands for almost 30 years and have recently taken up clay pigeon shooting... I can wholeheartedly recommend getting some custom fit in-ear plugs made. I use ACS because you can swap the valves for anything you want - from total block, through 'impulse' for shooting, down to attenuation for stage use. I've also bought a pair of generic ACS Impulse Pro plugs that come in a little metal keyring canister and live on my car keys. The ACS custom fit plugs look a lot easier to insert/remove than those pink ones in the video 👍

[@pbgd3]

My suggestion. Good percussive type in ears for shooting. The home hot water formed types that are around 80 bucks no electrics work well. Replace periodically. Bring electric muffs cheap are fine. when not shooting use the electric muffs and turn up the volume when youre running the traps. When off the line Ill pop out the in ear and pop on the electronic and turn them down.

[@Rockpool6911]

Which set would be best ? to cut out the noise of all the possibly? American crows and chickadee's you seem to be dubbing on to your otherwise excellent Game and Boar shooting videos !! Some very nice camera work, well done keep it up!

[@DrBreezeAir]

3M Peltor are working nicely for me.

[@RichardEnglander]

I have them, they are good, just too bulky/fat - catch stock on mount - and hot in summer.

[@JB-ls5pq]

in the outdoors, i prefer to have a very thin bicycling (sportish type of material that wicks sweat) balaclava under under my earmuffs. even in the summer, it allows my ears to breathe. they still get warm/hot, but not itchy, and humid, hearing protection is still, decent for outdoor shooting, on a clay field i simply wear plugs

[@Ryan-me9ge]

Great video. Wish I’d seen this two weeks ago when I did clay pigeon shooting for the first time and all they gave me were a couple of rubbish foam plugs. Ears have been ringing loud for two weeks now !

[@liveview1698]

The best pair for gas pressure washing?

[@thomasbyrne2879]

John is an epic name, because my pop who taught me how to shoot, his name was John, great video anyways lad

[@grahamedwards9920]

Great video John - I have a pair of the CFG’s and they work a treat. Could you something on Shooting Glasses. My instructor is very keen on skeet that eye protection is worn but the cost of dedicated shooting glasses on prescription is eye watering! (sorry) - and it seems a whole lot more complicated than hearing protection even if you can find someone who knows what they’re talking about. Keep up the good mate.

[@tgsoutdoors]

Graham Edwards kzbin.info/www/bejne/amWQfquqhtONorM

[@RichardEnglander]

@Graham Edwards The cost for prescription shooting glasses (and polarising fishing ones too for that matter) is a joke. We are being shamelessly scalped, its disgusting it really is. Sister-in-law is an optician and the profit margins are huge.

[@CecilT]

I have electronic cfg one bit of advice when you lost your hearing it does not come back

[@user-ti3xg1xb7d]

I own customer fitted electronic hunting plugs allowing to raise sound level, so I want to mention two things: 1) ears grow slightly even for adults, so we can not use them for 10 years like it is said at the video end. I was told that I would have to take new measurements and re-do them in 3-5 years at most or protection will be not as good; 2) electronic plugs suffer from (strong) wind, I would not wear them in such conditions as they create noise that can not be cancelled out. But I got a warning from the seller about this before my purchase. Overall electronic plugs are good, but quite expensive. I happen to rarely use them because of wind and the fact that sound quality is not always good in hunting conditions, i.e. sounds are somehow muffled even when I raise sound level.

[@Path2Peak]

Great vid, I used to use the cheap ones for work and shooting. Roll them and insert deep into ear. However be careful removing them, I've twice pulled them out anf it can create a vacuum in your ear and pull your ear drum back over. Not nice equals swollen ear drum and dizziness room spins. Steroid drops and if very unlucky perforated ear drum. So be careful removing those cheap ones.

[@timbracken1516]

How do you rate the noise attenuation with the filtered custom plugs? Ie, does having the filter reduce their effectiveness compared with standard plugs? Great video as always, thanks for your high quality content

[@customfitguards]

Hi Tim, Thanks for watching the video, I can confirm that a filtered plug will still enable you to be protected to level which protects your hearing. The filter is built to react on impulse when gun shot goes off, this will also allow to still maintain your awareness beforehand which is great. I have linked the product which Jonny uses: www.customfitguards.co.uk/cf-duo - Please feel free to Call or Email us for any extra information and also a special discount code for seeing us on The Gun Shop...

[@GGRichards]

@@customfitguards Hi there i have a question for you I have had some plugs made both from CENS and EMTEC and I find there’s always a slight gap in them either at the bottom or at the top edge of them and I notice when I press the earplug into the gap while a vacuum cleaner is going it blacks the noise so is that a problem with the plugs or are they meant to let a bit of noise in. I want to go back shooting but I don’t want to risk anything. I considered foam plugs and earmuffs. Also I must mention I’ve had several impressions done and also several pairs made they just don’t feel tight in my ear they don’t feel that loose either. Maybe I’m being overly protective and expecting too much, would like to hear your opinion on this. I must mention I am wearing them right as well. I have some tinnitus and don’t want to make it worse (not from shooting) and just want to protect my hearing as I’m only 19.

[@customfitguards]

@@GGRichards Hey George, thanks for the message! It's hard for us to comment on your current plugs, but have you had open jaw impressions made at all? Please drop us an email we'll be happy to discuss!

[@GGRichards]

@@customfitguards Hi yes I’ll tell u my story quickly, so basically when I was shooting as a young teenager I used EMTEC and obviously they were fine because I shot lots with them and never had any problems, however I became way more protective and paranoid about my tinnitus which I got from another incident not shooting related and I therefore I got some others made from them I had impressions done by them normally and they felt loose and I also had them done with my jaw open, I’m not going to lie some of those could be in my head but they just don’t feel right and I’m not risking it one bit. I notice when I’m running a tap and I move my jaw around certain frequencies of the tap get through, Ik this sound getting through most likely isn’t the high frequency noise from a gun but I really couldn’t tell. But it’s like on the right one I have the bottom bit of the plug sticks out and all it takes is me to put my finger and push it up and the noise gets in it’s not flush with my ear and it doesn’t feel tight I was considering foam plugs as I feel they give me more of a sense of security in the sound reduction and then I’d have to wear some ear muffs on top for the bowl of the ear protection. But yeah I’ve had impressions made from two different places one being EMTEC the other being a practice impression sort of place, I must mention on the left earplug as well at the top there’s like a gap u can’t see the gap in the mirror that well but when wearing it it feels like there’s a gap and when I open jaw or move jaw around I noticed when running a tap sound was leaking in because when I opened jaw the sound got in I then put finger over the top of ear plug between my ear and the plug and the sound was then blocked. As I say I’m probably overthinking it but I just can’t bring myself to shoot with something that doesn’t feel tight and safe. But yes I’ve had open jaw, also had CENS make me some from the impressions I got from the practice they all seem to let some noise in when moving jaw around and that really doesn’t sit well with me.

[@GGRichards]

@@customfitguards oh sorry I’ll send an email like u said my bad.

[@750vfrman]

As an old boy, with tinnitus, manageable, I am extremely cautious as to ear protection. I also ride a motorcycle, noise damage on a par with shooting. My face/head/ear shape must be strange, as any form of over ear defender fouls the combe on gun mount. I have expensive bespoke fitted in ear with valve, plugs, good for shooting, useless when under a motorbike helmet. Without question and I have tried most on the UK market, the pink foam inexpensive Howard Leight Max plugs are supreme. Downside, unable to hear a conversation. As to fitting, not only must they be rolled as small as possible, but dampen the ear canal, (licked finger!) and with opposite hand over head pull your ear upwards. This straightens the canal allowing max insertion. Finally, keep a small amount of pressure, holding the plug in place as it expands. With this method (they can be difficult to remove) a 12 gauge blast is but a dull thump. Finally, watch what the MotoGP boys use.

[@richardgallagher647]

with using electronic ear muffs, is there a split second that your ear is exposed to loud noise before the protection kicks in?

[@tgsoutdoors]

It’s extremely quick. Quick enough that it doesn’t affect the protection value

[@parrisgeorge9708]

I've used electronic hearing protectors for the last 20+ years and especially with a shotgun they work very well. I still have my original pair of Peltor hearing protectors that I keep in my gear bag as backup. I've since updated to a newer model Peltor's that have a higher NRR for when I'm instructing on the pistol and rifle range. I augment these with in ear hearing protection for when there's multiple shooters on the line.

[@ShootingAndReloading]

Absolutely not - you have the full protection of a standard muff all the time. The electronics are just relaying the outside sounds through a small speaker and of course they do not relay the power of the gunshot.

[@b123767195]

Noobs’ question. Can these ear muffs serve as head phone for music or phone calls? I’m just finding solution to shut down the noice of traffic in my apartment, but cheap ANC headphones can only provide near 20dB noise suppression.

[@jameshogg601]

Yes they do

[@dcrump]

Thanks bro

[@ThePippin89]

One other downside of in ear plugs is that sound can be absorbed through the bones around your ear which in ear plugs offer no protection for. Over ear defenders cover the bones so protect from that too. That being said I always use in ear plugs because they are so much more user friendly!

[@tgsoutdoors]

The convenience factor of plugs does outweigh the downsides for sure

[@petermitchell9551]

had aset from cfg about 3 years now

[@customfitguards]

A proud #TeamCFG member! Peter you are indeed of legendary status!

[@Retired-Tom]

Was wearing 3m Peltor, just ordered CFGs, fitting on Sunday 👍

[@TreborTnemorf]

@Andy How are they?

[@Retired-Tom]

@@TreborTnemorf Still awaiting arrival unfortunately

[@ShootingAndReloading]

You want to try in-ear, custom molded, electronic plugs - CENS etc. Not quite the same sound quality as the very best electronic over-ear jobs, but close. Best of all worlds (if you exclude price).

[@tgsoutdoors]

I have tried a pair - everything but the price is appealing

[@ShootingAndReloading]

@@tgsoutdoors For our shooting, we all pay hundreds of pounds on boots, coats, glasses and goodness knows what shooting accessories. Other than a gun and something to make it go bang, the only other absolutely essential shooting item is hearing protection. To me, being fully protected, comfortable and able to enjoy a full conversation while on a shoot makes the in-ear electronic jobbies worth every penny. Even more so while stalking or such, where the amplification of natural sounds all helps.

[@tgsoutdoors]

To be honest, my next set will likely be electronic. It’s just nicer to test the custom moulded market with a £100 pair to see how they felt. It is nice to not hear your neighbours whinging about you shooting their birds though.

[@customfitguards]

I wonder who you will get them from Jonny Big Ears...

[@tgsoutdoors]

@@customfitguards There is only one man who can defile my ears x

[@chrisprussell]

Had I worn ear protection in the over forty years I been shooting I doubt very much I would be sat here now wearing two hearing aids.

[@jaggass]

I should wear ear protection when i use angle grinder's. After i've finished using one i go a bit deaf until my hearing comes back.

[@Omfgwhtavid]

you really should, you'll never get that back

[@jaggass]

@@Omfgwhtavid My ears don't ring after loud noise but yes i should wear ear defenders in future.

[@elyeyi369]

@@jaggass always my friend. Tinnitus can leave a man suicidal

[@RichardEnglander]

I tried to order some CFG just now, sadly discount code doesn't work, and bizarrely you can't get them in 2 different colours making right and left more obvious.

[@tgsoutdoors]

This code changed to TGS10 unfortunately. All plugs come colour coded on the inside - red = right

[@RichardEnglander]

@@tgsoutdoors ah right ok thanks Been watching a few of your videos since finding you a couple of weeks ago. Good stuff. You have me wanting a basic yildiz pro with a Manuel Riccardo custom stock, seems to be the most gun I could get for my money. Dunno if to thank you or block you 🤷🏻😃🤦‍♂️🤣 Happy shooting

[@highlandrab19]

You roll the ear plug between your fingers then pull up on the top of your ear to open the ear canal and put the rolled ear plug in then keep a finger on it for 10 seconds while it expands. You'll have full protection after 40 seconds. How can people wear them wrong?? it even tells you on the bloody packet!

[@tgsoutdoors]

Shame some people just aren’t into reading instructions

[@edwardrhys7345]

MSA sordin supreme pro x

[@Meekmillan]

I just want my damn suppressor paperwork to go through

[@bunnybasheruk]

Or if all else fails, you could always stuff your ears full of grass like you did on one of your early videos Jon

[@tgsoutdoors]

The good old day! 😂

[@benclay8689]

Plugs are good and easy to fit in to your pocket but surely if your only firing a couple of shots then it isn't such a issue if u don't ware them

[@tgsoutdoors]

I used to say that, but slowly I have worn down my hearing to a point where a few shots without defenders will have mu ears ringing for 3 days.

[@caorach3354]

There are two ways to damage your hearing - one is related to a sudden impulse which can cause instant damage and the other is related to a "dose" of noise which takes place over time. The dividing line between these two damage mechanisms is at about 140dB(A) and your gun produces a sound pressure level somewhere in excess of 160dB(A), and perhaps as much as 185dB(A), meaning that each shot causes instant damage - there is no dose requirement at this sort of very high level so every time you pull the trigger you cause irreparable damage. Once you get below 140dB(A) then you are into the world of "dose" causing damage and because a rifle or gun shot is of very, very short duration so the actual "dose" can be relatively modest. So the simple answer is that even a single shot without adequate protection (some moderators will reduce some rifles below the 140dB(A) limit on their own, as will some hearing protection) is causing damage. If you've been shooting occasionally without protection then go and see an audiologist and get some tests done, with normal age related reduction in hearing etc. you might be in for a big shock in terms of the damage already done and the prognosis.

[@caorach3354]

@@tgsoutdoors You should get an audiologist to do some tests on your hearing and make a video, it would be one of the biggest contributions to shooting safety that anyone could make especially as you are already fairly certain you have some damage and you are obviously young etc. Try and get someone who understands shooting, impulse noise, and is willing to talk on camera and you'd have a really valuable youtube video.

[@garywills8089]

Hi JC, what's the discount code for CFG please?

[@tgsoutdoors]

TGS15

[@tgsoutdoors]

Going for duos?

[@garywills8089]

Thank you. Going for passive hopefully 👍

[@RichardEnglander]

@@tgsoutdoors that doesn't work unfortunately 😪 just tried it

[@matthewfunnell139]

Which CFGs do you use?

[@tgsoutdoors]

Switch and Autos

[@matthewfunnell139]

@@tgsoutdoors thank you! Ordered!

[@richardbarnham2750]

Why the change of heart Johnny the last few shooting videos have shown you not wearing any protection! For years I used electronic muffs but did not realise that the end of my adjustable comb was knocking on the muffs and lifting them of my ears. I have recently bought electronic plugs but now have cold ears!

[@tgsoutdoors]

😂 my CFG are just that subtle mate. I never shoot a video without hearing protection - not worth the tinnitus, the comments or the bollocking if my wife sees it

[@andrewseamaster]

Don't lick them before you put them in! Wash your hands but then do that! Keep a small 'lip balm' size tin of vaseline for fitting and your ears will thank you 😁

[@tgsoutdoors]

😂 you do make a solid point.

[@gnistens]

Negative on plugs are that they offer no protection on bone conduction of sound. Muffs are better in terms of protection then plugs, hands down.

[@caorach3354]

Bone conduction only becomes a factor at the most extreme sound pressures and low frequencies and very few people are exposed to these, probably the only group of people potentially exposed to such conditions are tank crews or those operating the very largest artillery and even then there is some debate and no absolutes in the science. The "bone conduction" story is widespread, though I've no idea who spread it, but it is of no significance to anyone selecting hearing protection for shooting unless they are getting into a tank to do the actual shooting.

[@GGRichards]

@@caorach3354 so say outdoor clay pigeon shooting, could you just wear some NRR 32?

[@caorach3354]

@@GGRichards the key is to wear something that fits you and is comfortable and to ensure it is correctly fitted and worn at all times when you are exposed to the noise. After that get the highest attenuation you can but with impulse noise such as gun shots the actual level of protection you require is complex. Also be aware that you can't compare the snr and nrr figures. However I would suggest that most of the higher rated in ear plugs, or over ear muffs, should be adequate for clay shooting.

[@GGRichards]

@@caorach3354 yeah today I tried putting a NRR 29 3M classic in one ear and then a Howard Leight Laser Lite NRR 32, both in very far but I just find the Howard Leight to be painful which is strange cause everyone else seems to say they’re comfortable, I find with the Howard Leight u have to really put them in to get the affects of them more so than the 3Ms. But I was thinking of doubling up anyway cause of bone conduction. Also there was quite a drastic difference between the two types of earplugs which is why I might just use the Howard’s even if they are uncomfortable. I also don’t get why but earmuffs of similar NRR ratings never perceivably seem as good as the earplug equivalent.

[@Gobi-Wan]

TGS "If you have dirt or wax on your earplugs or hands dont use these" also TGS *SLURRRPPPP* *sticks in ears*

[@tgsoutdoors]

But it tastes so good

[@richardbarnham2750]

I will not report you to your wife but try looking at 12 min. 10secs into The Buttermilk Shoot or 12.02 inti Mini Driven at Minterne!

[@tgsoutdoors]

😂 😬

[@matthiasknutzen6061]

60% were using earplugs the wrong way! Were they deaf already? you notice when they're not in 🤦‍♂️

[@ogstopper]

Tinnitus is no fun. It's quite a buzz, though. I'll get me coat ...............

[@Path2Peak]

It's a squeal though

[@blooperbooper]

-100 gent points. I don't understand why it's acceptable to use language like that when you wouldn't say derogatory remarks anyone based on race, religion or other on camera.

[@tgsoutdoors]

Sorry to cause offence - it was obviously not intended that way.

[@matt3595]

Get over it Andy

[@browningmaxus5360]

Snowflake