"...Then why wear it?..." because they WILL protect your hearing that is why. That is THE most important reason to use them and is their primary job, not just increasing your hearing capability. I have 2 of the GEIIs and use them just about ALL the time, including while bowhunting. They DO take some getting used to for sure. I agree, they are lacking as far as being able to hear in specific directions, but at least I am on alert and ready to find the source rather than missing the animal or being surprised all of the sudden.

I bought them to replace muffs (standard) while shooting a big rifle of mine that has a muzzlebrake. But now I carry them all the time. The only other thing I plan on doing with them that I haven't done yet (I have had them for 5 years now) is having the custom ear pieces molded for them because they actually work better than the foam buds. I use one during turkey hunting just to hear long ranges and to get a better feel for how much the birds gobbled everywhere each morning. I can also hear them drumming 2 or3 times farther whilethey come in. Another "secret" I like touse them for while turkey hunting is listening for hens with a tom. I have killed more than one tom because I knew to shut up and justsneak in or at least keep from hammering him and causing the hens to carry him in the opposite direction from me.

I love em,
RA