Re: Best ear protection?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I understand. I have had Tinnitus since I was 18 thanks to Uncle Sam. I am keenly interested in preserving what I have left.
Cheap foam plugs are still some of the best protection available. However I have serious problems with the lack of situational awareness that they cause. When I am on the range alone, I do sometimes revert to plugs. They allow me to get deeper in the "bubble".
NRR isn't all it's cracked up to be. I have worn ear pro with higher NRR than others and to my ears that isn't correct. Part of it may have to do with my personal fit and part may have to do with manufacturers inflating their claims. I really don't have any way to validate that.
The best thing I can say is keep some plugs in your pocket. If you feel that it's too loud, then swap them out or double up. </div></div>
Yes... NRR is not always right. The plugs that I got screwed on had a high NRR, but did not create a proper seal in my ear canal. I had been using the cheapy CVS plugs, but recently switched to the Howard Leight Ultras. The Ultras are much better. I highly recommend them.
I also understand the situational awareness aspect as well. I put hearing protection on and I get a feeling of numbness. I think the Sordins and the Peltors are great for on duty Law Enforcement where you are not going to be in a firefight where 100+ rounds are going to be discharged. There, situational awareness is the determining factor.
For practice, range shooting, and competition, where 100's and if you count the surrounding fire, 1,000's of rounds are being discharged, the higher level of protection should be the deciding factor. I guess just like anything, you have to look at what you are really using the equipment for. I think for the majority of the folks on here, the level of protection should be the dominant criterion, but it really depends on the situation.
