Hearing protection

[Square Wheels]

I had these for my 9mm, they work just fine. 

Clearly, the AR15 is a LOT louder, especially inside.  I've only shot it twice, and while I like the gun, it is way too loud.

Today I added these under the above, they didn't help.

I know a suppressor would help, but that's adding a lot of money.  Plus, I tried one gun at my range that was suppressed, and it blew back a lot of gas in my face, I hated it.  They said it was partly related to the suppressor and partly the gun.

I plan to shoot it outside in a few weeks.

Are there better hearing protection options?

Thanks

[FrankD]

They aint cheap but I love my sordin pro-x neckband muffs.  Hearing protection is one of those things that I feel if you skimp out on could cost you permanent damage in the long run.  have also had decent luck doubling up with howard leight impact sports with foam plugs underneath.

[Jeb48]

I double up when I am shooting next to someone with a very loud caliber but never tried it inside, usually there is a barrier between and never felt the need.  The non active over the ear protection have a better DB rating and if you check there are a few  in ear plugs with a better rating.  You would be surprised how much an extra 3-6 db will help.

Edited Wednesday at 01:58 AM by Jeb48

[TN_Raven]

If shooting indoors, I double up with Ear Buddy foam plugs and Axil Trakr Electronic over the ear. I have used that combo with my M14 Scout in .308 and it seems sufficient. 
That being said, I usually shoot that rifle outdoors since the indoor range I use only goes out to 50 yards. So mostly shooting 9mm and .357 mag/.38 spl indoors.

The key with the foam plugs is to make sure they are fully compressed before inserting them well into the ear canal.

[BigK]

Good advice above about not skimping. I hate shooting indoors, but when I do, I leave the electronic ear pro and the silicone plugs at home. The foam plugs that you roll up and let expand are the best in-ear protection I've found and passive over-the-ear cans beat all but the super expensive electronic ear muffs. I'd double up with both if there's rifles and indoors involved.

[deerslayer]

I have had great luck with custom molded ear plugs.  Several smaller companies make them, but it has to be done in person (usually at a gun show or a big match).  I forget what brand mine are but there is a local lady who makes the same thing.  Those combined with some 25 reduction electronic muffs usually work well on the rare occasion I shoot indoors.  I once had an ENT nurse tell me they could also make some.  That may be an option for you.  

[Alleycat72]

LOL 

I keep hearing pro on when shooting suppressed.  Only time I don't is if it's all subsonic and suppressed. I use a second set on ranges. The guy with the 338 Lapua will always bypasses 10 empty tables just to sit next to me. 

[deerslayer]

11 minutes ago, Alleycat72 said:

The guy with the 338 Lapua will always bypasses 10 empty tables just to sit next to me. 

THIS.

And of course he has a muzzle brake. 

[btq96r]

After going to a civilian audiologist for the first time three years after being in the military I started taking hearing protection seriously.  For the last 10+ years I've doubled up by using SureFire EP7 and a set of Peltor Tactical 6s.

 

 

[Thearmededucator]

Outside makes a big difference.
 

The in-ear foamies are the best rated. 
 

I use AXIL XCOR for most of my shooting. 

[Grayfox54]

WHUT??????? 

[BigK]

10 hours ago, Thearmededucator said:

Outside makes a big difference.
 

The in-ear foamies are the best rated. 
 

I use AXIL XCOR for most of my shooting. 

I use the corded AXIL GS Extreme ear buds, which are really good too, but that cord behind your ear and around the back of your neck is a little complicated to put on. Since you can use foamies for both, I regret not ponying up for the XCORs instead.

Edited Friday at 04:52 AM by BigK

[papa61]

I've tried different plugs over the years along with a few muffs. The foamies with muffs are the way to go if you are highly sensitive or shooting big bore indoors. WOULD SOMEONE PLEASE ANSWER THE PHONE?!!

BTW, Harleys with straight pipes are bad too.

[deerslayer]

Here are the ones I have:

https://premearhearing.com/products/passive-protection/

This guy travels around the southeast, but others make basically the same thing.  

Mine are the passive molded ones, but they also have electronic plugs.  I carry a small bottle of baby oil in my range bag and put a drop or two on each before putting them in.  The baby oil keeps the inside of my ears from getting scrubbed and scratched and makes a better seal when inserted.  I have gotten the occasional funny look.  Others use sunscreen or just spit to do the same thing.  I read somewhere that saliva can lead to ear infections, so I never did that.  

I learned years ago that the filtered passive plugs are trash.  

If I am going to be near some jerk with a Win Mag and a brake, I throw a pair of Peltor Sport Tactical 100 electronic muffs over the plugs.  Same thing for indoors.  

Edited yesterday at 01:55 PM by deerslayer

[deerslayer]

On 6/24/2025 at 3:06 PM, Square Wheels said:

I had these for my 9mm, they work just fine. 

Clearly, the AR15 is a LOT louder, especially inside.  I've only shot it twice, and while I like the gun, it is way too loud.

Today I added these under the above, they didn't help.

I know a suppressor would help, but that's adding a lot of money.  Plus, I tried one gun at my range that was suppressed, and it blew back a lot of gas in my face, I hated it.  They said it was partly related to the suppressor and partly the gun.

I plan to shoot it outside in a few weeks.

Are there better hearing protection options?

Thanks

Be careful with those orange cone-style plugs.  I had the tip of one break off in my ear once.  That ended in a trip to the ENT guy.  

[deerslayer]

I also have some of these https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/1026014377?pid=596785&utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=20985075595&utm_content=ag-autoag0000_cmpn-20985075595_sku-59678512345&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20985103897&gbraid=0AAAAAD-kRFSZhnZXHxfMAForco-SPzccX&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI24-2mOWWjgMV7SZECB23QjplEAQYASABEgJJV_D_BwE

They work well and are the ultimate in protection with the ability to hold a normal conversation when combined with my Peltor 100s.  Unfortunately, they are uncomfortable (for me) after only an hour or two.  

[10-Ring]

In ear foam is hard to beat, but you have to wear them correctly (roll and insert into ear canal), and almost no one does. 

[Unbrim]

I use AXIL XCOR for most  shooting.