Custom hearing protection options?

[Experimentalist]

I've recently come to the realization my ear canals are significantly smaller than average. After spending a number of hours on the range my ear canals are quite sore from the pressure of the foam ear inserts I wear in tandem with the over-ear protection.

I'm also interested in the advantages of situational awareness afforded by electronic hearing protection.

A bit of internet searching reveals these: https://proears.com/product/pro-fit-series/

They offer a NRR of 29, less than the 33 NRR of my current foamies. But if custom fit makes for a more comfortable day with better situational awareness perhaps the trade-offs are worthwhile.

I'm curious to know if anyone has experience with custom ear protection. Was it worth the effort and expense?

Thanks in advance.

 

[handjam]

You can get custom fit ear plugs from an audiologist that have changeable NRR based on the filter you insert into them. Then wear them with electronic over the ear protection. You can customize the NRR of the system in 10db increments.

I think that’s a better system than a dedicated electronic in ear system that has a fixed NRR

 

[Experimentalist]

Interesting, I was not aware of this option, thanks for pointing it out.

I think I'll consult an audiologist in either case. I like the electronic option for the in-ear protection in case I decide to run just the in-ears. Sometimes the over-ear muffs press hard against the glasses earpieces hard and long enough that this too gets uncomfortable (I wear prescription lenses).

I know I know. I could just toughen the F-up. I have endured for decades honestly, just thought if I can make things more comfortable then why not?

 

[cali_jazz]

Check out some of the softer around-the-ears replacements for ear muffs, big improvement for me.

As far as your hearing goes, there's never a reason to "toughen the F-up". Protect it or lose it, don't listen to anyone who would criticize you for ear pro.

 

[Toshiro Mifune]

I have small ear canals. They make foam plugs for us. Look for the “Slim Fit” from Mack’s. I buy them at amazon in a 50 pack.

 

[doggman61]

I tried the axil wireless ear buds. they are ok if you're on the tablet scoring a stage but was not comfortable for all day wear. ended up going to cheap corded plugs or plugs and muffs if someone in the squad is shooting open. usually muffs give me a headache by mid day because of glasses like what you were saying.

 

[Deleted member 16735]

I've recently come to the realization my ear canals are significantly smaller than average. After spending a number of hours on the range my ear canals are quite sore from the pressure of the foam ear inserts I wear in tandem with the over-ear protection.

I'm also interested in the advantages of situational awareness afforded by electronic hearing protection.

A bit of internet searching reveals these: https://proears.com/product/pro-fit-series/

They offer a NRR of 29, less than the 33 NRR of my current foamies. But if custom fit makes for a more comfortable day with better situational awareness perhaps the trade-offs are worthwhile.

I'm curious to know if anyone has experience with custom ear protection. Was it worth the effort and expense?

Thanks in advance.

I can second the Macks, my ear canals wont hold any kind of ear bud but the Macks Ultra Soft work for me. They squish down a ton and don't get sore and I've worn them through 7 hour rifle matches under muffs. It's worth trying before spending 1000$ on ear buds I would think.

 

[Jon F]

I have pair of passive plugs made by PlugUp. It’s run by a lady in FL who focuses on plugs for motorcyclists. She sends you an ear-mold kit, you squirt the gunk in your ears and mail them back. She will make a set and send them back. It’s a good price and work well.

In Ear Speakers, Custom Earplugs and Bluetooth Molds for Jawbone, Plantronics, iPhone in ear speaker- PlugUp.com

 

[Experimentalist]

Thank you all very much. You've given options I wasn't even aware of.

I'm going to try out the Macks slim fit earplugs and see how that goes. Depending on things in the future I *may* still go down the custom route but for now you've saved me a lot of money.

"Honey... I'm ordering more ammo..."

 

[Warpspeed]

I have tried just about everything except the super high dollar stuff.

I use the cheap foam ones called "spark plugs" by Moldex. NRR 33 and they are just about the only thing I can wear and not have a headache after 3 rounds of trap. And they are cheap. I have a handful of the packs in my range bag all the time.

The only non-disposable ones that have worked for me as well as those are made by Flare that are made from titanium and have a foam tip and they just work. As good as the Spark Plugs.

I do like the OTTO Noizebarrier electronic ones for USPSA / Steel Challenge but use a tip called a Skull Screw. I recently found out that you can get a custom ear insert for them. Not cheap but it's my only real complaint about the OTTO is the fit. The Skull Screws seal well but don't stay put.

 

[SlayingMantis]

I have tried just about everything except the super high dollar stuff.

I use the cheap foam ones called "spark plugs" by Moldex. NRR 33 and they are just about the only thing I can wear and not have a headache after 3 rounds of trap. And they are cheap. I have a handful of the packs in my range bag all the time.

The only non-disposable ones that have worked for me as well as those are made by Flare that are made from titanium and have a foam tip and they just work. As good as the Spark Plugs.

I do like the OTTO Noizebarrier electronic ones for USPSA / Steel Challenge but use a tip called a Skull Screw. I recently found out that you can get a custom ear insert for them. Not cheap but it's my only real complaint about the OTTO is the fit. The Skull Screws seal well but don't stay put.

+1 for the Otto noizebarriers. I also swapped the tops out but for "comply memory foam" tips.
Super comfortable. I can wear them all day without having to take them out. Can hear great and don't feel like my ear holes are gaping at the end of the day.

 

[Z Arms LLC]

I've recently come to the realization my ear canals are significantly smaller than average. After spending a number of hours on the range my ear canals are quite sore from the pressure of the foam ear inserts I wear in tandem with the over-ear protection.

I'm also interested in the advantages of situational awareness afforded by electronic hearing protection.

A bit of internet searching reveals these: https://proears.com/product/pro-fit-series/

They offer a NRR of 29, less than the 33 NRR of my current foamies. But if custom fit makes for a more comfortable day with better situational awareness perhaps the trade-offs are worthwhile.

I'm curious to know if anyone has experience with custom ear protection. Was it worth the effort and expense?

Thanks in advance.

My uncle has a set of SportEAR hearing protection. They ship the custom molding materials to your door. The best part is if you have a bit of hearing loss they also work as normal hearing aids and can be listed under your insurance, it's what my uncle did for his.

 

[etaylor]

Does anyone know if there is anyone local in the San Diego or OC area that makes custom ear plugs? I had a set if insta-mold ones made years ago at the crossroads of the west gun show by Don Willie at sound shield, but am not sure if he is still in business. I am needing to get new ones created around my axil gs earbuds and so far not really fiinding anyone online.

 

[dlouie87]

I have a pair of custom Sounder Phantoms. One of the best investments I've made in this hobby. The fit is perfect since it's molded by an audiologist and the sound is clear through the tech. I dont need to wear over the ears even new open shooters. I went through my insurance and used my FSA to help with he purchase.

 

[petargray]

A lot of folks at my local range like Flashbang Industries. I’m planning to get some from them soon

 

[darkdagger]

Check out Flashbang-apparel.com. They make custom ear protection. They are molded to your ear canal. I have two paid and love them.