Custom Ear Plugs? Worth the money?

TheDoubleShot · 10-10-2006, 08:20 PM

Anyone have any experience using custom molded ear plugs?

NOTE: I'm talking about the kind of ear plugs an certified clincial audiologist builds using your ear as a mold with some quick curing "rubber like" compound that is poured in your ear. I've seen them advertised for about $40.

Thanks.

Deleted User · 10-10-2006, 09:05 PM

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BlackLab · 10-10-2006, 09:54 PM

Never used them, a couple guys my oldman new did. They seemed to enjoy them. Heck for $40 bucks might be worth it if you shoot alot.

trailer · 10-11-2006, 05:26 AM

Never used them either but for $40 bucks I"™d get a set. Probably allot more comfortable too...

rcgerchow · 10-11-2006, 06:15 AM

I don't know how old you are but spend as much money as you can afford on hearing protection. I have used the custom molded ear plugs for years and they are very nice. I recently become aware that I should have used better hearing protection and am looking at electronic ear muffs. Whatever style you use make sure that it reduces noise level to the acceptable levels, you should be looking at someting that reduces noise either by itself or in combination to 85 dcbs. I have a friend who just this year went through a horrible period of tinnistis (ringing in the ears) and takes medication for it everyday. Days of duck hunting, clay shooting and rifle shots in a blind will take it's toll.

statjunk · 10-11-2006, 06:15 AM

I had a pair made for me because I know someone that makes them and got them dirt cheap. They didn't work for rifles. As far as I know they work well for skeet and trap. I took them to the range and just the sound of guys rifles around me sounded loud. When I fired my 300WM my right ear was ringing for about 5 min. I switched back to the muffs.

Tom

ipscshooter · 10-11-2006, 06:32 AM

I've got a set and they're great. Definitely worth the money. Not sure why you'd need a "certified audiologist" though. We used to have a guy that would come out to sporting clays matches and make them for you on the spot.

Kind of weird... Sporting Clays shooters almost all wear them. IPSC shooters don't use them at all, just regular earmuffs.

8mm/06 · 10-11-2006, 04:31 PM

I have never used custom molded ear plugs and so will not dis them. If they work well then they are obviously a viable choice. I'm all for the best protection you can get yourself.
I am terribly cheap, but have extremely good hearing and I plan to keep it that way.
I always wear just a plain old pair of foam ear puffs AND muffs over them.
This combination is only a slight hassle, and generally protects me for anything at the range. I usually only remove the muffs when I check my target or when cease fire is called and leave in the foam puffs, but even if I have to use my bare ears for conversation then I only pull one puff.
It's a cheap and medically sound way to protect your hearing. Once you damage your hearing it ain't coming back....ever. And it is insidious the way the damage will take years to catch up with you.
Plug them ears folks! Eyes and ears will fail with age anyway, don't help it along.

heeze gutshot shortee · 10-11-2006, 05:17 PM

rcgerchow and 8mm/06 are rite.. protect your hearing..once its gone you cant get it back...can you hear me???? Hell, I wear em when Im mowing, weed wackin, chainsawin etc..

Rebel Hog · 10-11-2006, 05:38 PM

I have been using Lee Sonics for over 25yrs. I believe that they are not made anymore, but Cabellas sells a simular pair. Youcan hear normal conversation and the valves close at any sound above 90db's.