Hearing protection

Zero_G · Post by **Zero_G** » Tue Aug 21, 2007 7:22 pm

From my aforementioned audiologist colleague:

There's no reason to think that noise muffs are "better" protectors with impulse noise due to this bone conduction concept. Keep in mind that attenuation limits are imposed by the flanking bone-conduction pathways, to INCLUDE transmission through the skull that's not covered by noise muffs (bone conduction can transfer throughout the skull, even from the contralateral [opposite] side, with nearly no attenuation via bone conduction), and noise can transfer directly through the devices themselves.

Moreover, the seals of the muffs might, in fact, be compromised by temples of eyeglasses, shape of wearer's head/TMJ... reducing the NRRs of the muffs... maybe less protection than a well-fitted set of earplugs!

Here are some links that might help explain details.
one simple.....http://www.e-a-r.com/pdf/hearingcons/earlog9.pdf
a more complex article.... http://www.e-a-r.com/pdf/hearingcons/limits2.pdf

Post by **Skiprr** » Tue Aug 21, 2007 8:00 pm

Wow. So that giant Nerf-ball helmet I wore when I first started IDPA made sense after all! And to think so many of you guys gave me grief over that...

Post by **Crossfire** » Tue Aug 21, 2007 8:05 pm

L8RG8R wrote:
The Marshal wrote:Something I was told, that I do not now how much fact it is, but I will repeat as it sound really good is this:

the bone right behind your ear is 'uncovered' with in-the-ear plugs. Yet this bone transmits a high amount of sound to the inner ear.

Therefore, using ear plugs, rather than ear muffs, does not prevent the sound transferance thru the bone behind the ear, which will still cause damage to the inner ear.

That said, I tend towards the muffs....
My CHL instructor said the same thing.

Probably because that is what DPS teaches. CHL instructors must wear over the ear protection when qualifying at the DPS range.

AEA · Post by **AEA** » Tue Aug 21, 2007 8:09 pm

I just stopped going to indoor ranges and I just bought a pair of Peltor 21NRR muffs for use on an outside range for 4.50 on eBay. I think these will be fine for an outdoor range.

I suspect that those that go to indoor ranges need more NRR rating and that is fine. I do not believe that anyone needs a pair of muffs that cost 250+ for anything!

CompVest · Post by **CompVest** » Wed Aug 22, 2007 7:22 am

I spend a LOT of time at the range and ear comfort is very important as well as hearing what is going on around me.

My custom ear plugs are worth every penny, for safety, comfort and freedom to wear whatever head gear I want.