Passive ear plug query

Hi all, I’m after some advice about passive ear plugs. I’ve been shooting with Peltor over ear defenders quite happily for a while & have treated myself to some CFG passive ear plugs. The service has been really good & the plugs fit really comfortably but I’m finding the gunshot still sounds quite loud. I’ve returned the plugs which have now been double dipped in lacquer but gunshots still sound much louder than with ear defenders & im left with a slight ringing in my ears & a headache.

My question is, should I be expecting the same level of noise reduction with plugs as I get with over ears or is it just a different experience?

chesterse said:

I use both as suffer from tinnitus which I don’t want to make worse. I think I read somewhere that just using muffs might give you better protection than just plugs as there is a small bone outside the ear socket which helps receive sound and this is covered by muffs and not plugs.
Seriously if you can put up with not being able to hear anything go for double protection.

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Thanks for that, I might give the double-up a go. The missus already thinks I give her the deaf ‘un as it is, I don’t want to give her any more ammunition

Graham C. said:

Hi all, I’m after some advice about passive ear plugs. I’ve been shooting with Peltor over ear defenders quite happily for a while & have treated myself to some CFG passive ear plugs. The service has been really good & the plugs fit really comfortably but I’m finding the gunshot still sounds quite loud. I’ve returned the plugs which have now been double dipped in lacquer but gunshots still sound much louder than with ear defenders & im left with a slight ringing in my ears & a headache.

My question is, should I be expecting the same level of noise reduction with plugs as I get with over ears or is it just a different experience?

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No way. Much of the noise travels around the ears, then into the ears. Plugs are never going to do a great job compared to good earphones. I hate using them for this reason especially in close proximity to walls and roofs.

Will Hewland said:

No way. Much of the noise travels around the ears, then into the ears. Plugs are never going to do a great job compared to good earphones. I hate using them for this reason especially in close proximity to walls and roofs.

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Thanks for this Will, it makes sense, I’ve noticed how loud it is when I shoot in enclosed stands

Not shooting specific but just from visiting factories and such. I was always lead to believe that well fitted plugs (no creases etc) were better than muffs. Muffs have a larger contact area and so in theory, there is more chance for noise to get in. I guess the other point could be that muffs over the arms of glasses would make it more difficult to get a good seal.
I use the Peltors myself and find them really good but I was also considering getting some of the CFG's so it's a bit disappointing to hear your problems.

Hi thanks for you thoughts, I do get a little discomfort from the arms of my safety specs if I’ve been wearing the cans for a while, nothing major though. I certainly can’t fault the protection from the Peltors though. It’s confusing because all the reviews/YouTube videos I’ve seen rave about CFGs, CENS etc
I’m still working with CFG to get an acceptable product, I’ll keep you posted.

Hi one product I have used for several years are Emtec if in enclosed stands I always use plugs and Sordin muffs very effective .I do not like using muffs in hot weather as they are very hot if possible it is Emtec to keep cooler.

Graham C. said:

Hi thanks for you thoughts, I do get a little discomfort from the arms of my safety specs if I’ve been wearing the cans for a while, nothing major though. I certainly can’t fault the protection from the Peltors though. It’s confusing because all the reviews/YouTube videos I’ve seen rave about CFGs, CENS etc
I’m still working with CFG to get an acceptable product, I’ll keep you posted.

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Hello Graham, it wasn't discomfort from the arms that I was meaning. Just that muffs over the top of the arms could mean gaps for sound to get in where as plugs don't have that issue to contend with.

nohoper said:

Hi one product I have used for several years are Emtec if in enclosed stands I always use plugs and Sordin muffs very effective .I do not like using muffs in hot weather as they are very hot if possible it is Emtec to keep cooler.

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Brilliant, I’ll have a look. Thanks

SBL said:

Hello Graham, it wasn't discomfort from the arms that I was meaning. Just that muffs over the top of the arms could mean gaps for sound to get in where as plugs don't have that issue to contend with.

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Got it! I don’t think the arms leave much of a gap as the sound reduction still seems really good

I tried moulded plugs - but found the same, they didn't protect me as well as I thought. Slight ringing in the ears etc. I moved to MSA Sordin electronic with the gel pads. So comfortable I can wear them all day. They have a low profile, so don't get in the way of the stock. As a bonus - I can hear everything around me while they are on which means I never need to take them off and risk my hearing.

I have found another use for the moulded plugs - concerts. Some are just too loud and I don't want to damage my hearing any further. They muffle it enough to still enjoy.

Hey Aris, I’m starting to think electronic cans might be the way to go for all the reasons you mention.
Moulded plugs at concerts is a genius idea, I went to see The Who recently, they might be pushing 80 but my ears were still ringing the next day

Graham C. said:

Hi thanks for you thoughts, I do get a little discomfort from the arms of my safety specs if I’ve been wearing the cans for a while, nothing major though. I certainly can’t fault the protection from the Peltors though. It’s confusing because all the reviews/YouTube videos I’ve seen rave about CFGs, CENS etc
I’m still working with CFG to get an acceptable product, I’ll keep you posted.

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I have MSA Sordins, but I believe Peltor also do gel pads for their line-up. Makes a world of difference in terms of comfort in combination with glasses and better protection to boot.

As for rave reviews on youtube, you can't but wonder how they all just put in time and effort for naught but the pleasure of sharing and displaying all those brand names

Cheers Luke, seems lots of votes for Sordins. I’ll definitely have a look.

My opinion on ear plugs is that what you are hearing is bone conduction which ear muffs protect, as to weather it damages your hearing I don't know, needs someone in the industry to comment but the hse allow ear plugs for noisy environments so I whoud guess not, my cfgs are noisier than my sportacs but I don't experience any problems with headaches or ringing

I have had tinnitis caused by shooting without ear defenders around 50 years back, in the days when hairy chested men didn't trifle with such frippery. I now use Sportacs with simple foam ear plugs as well, however I can still feel the effects of shooting for days afterwards i.e. the tinnitis is worse.
To counteract this I have stuffed extra foam into the ear cups which helps a little although all this means that I may as well not bother with electronic ear defenders as the digital sound is barely audible.
I was wondering if passive ear plugs are better in terms of dB reduction than the simple foam ones that you can buy for 20 pence a pair but it seems from the comments above that the benefits are not great?

Ah the good old days eh? if you’re looking for maximum attenuation I’d have a look at custom fit solid earplugs, so no filter at all. CFG do these,

https://customfitguards.com/products/cf-block
But I’m sure other companies do their version.

I’m similar to Martin in that I’ve had really bad tinnitus since 2011. I was shooting sportrap with some really loud cheap cartridges at the end of which my ears started ringing and haven’t stopped since.
I do wear custom fitted plugs but with passive muffs on top and don’t mind about not hearing too much as I find this can be a distraction anyway.
I was wondering does anyone do passive earmuffs but with the gel inserts that might be an improvement for me?

Sordin or Swatcom are first class and the importer Talking Headsets will repair / service them out of warranty for a very reasonable cost . So you can buy and plan on a long life .

For gel seals for passive ear defenders look no further than eBay or AliExpress , they are pretty much universal fitting and China is where they’re all made anyhow .