I prefer to always double up but plugs only if shooting rifle outdoors. The stock slides the muff up off my ear after a couple of shots so I just quit trying to double up with rifle.
5 Likes
These are the ones I use. Terrific muffs, especially for the money.
3 Likes
Electronic ear muffs primarilyā¦ I use ear plugs as backups if my electronic muffs should happen to die. Speaking of which, I should put some fresh batteries in my range bag while itās on my mind! 
4 Likes
Canāt find any rating for these. Seem pretty thin so wondering about prfotection
1 Like
Been using them for years and get an annual hearing exam. Hasnāt caused any damage to my hearing.
The low profile helps when shooting long guns.
1 Like
Electronic ear muffs
1 Like
Long article just to find the rating of 22 nrr. If 85 decibels is safe how can 107 be safe when noise is above that? I understand that it has to be repeatative to do damage but how is this safe?
1 Like
Some people might want more protection, but after years of use Iāve had no hearing loss so in my opinion I see no danger at all
I was just referring to my experience with shooting that brand of ear pro with glasses.
2 Likes
Hereās something I posted back in January - it is also a whole 'nuther similar thread:
Also check this out:
Earplug & Noise Reduction Ratings Explained (coopersafety.com)
When I used the cheapie $15 muffs, I needed plugs for magnums and rifles. When I switched to the expensive $30 muffs, I never needed any supplementary plugsā¦ Although nowadays the expensive ones might be closer to $35. I do not own the electronic ones.
Downsidesā¦ 1. Bulky, so can interfere with cheek rests on traditional rifles. 2. Canāt have a conversation on the range with a buddy. After moving back to IL, I rarely do #1, and for #2, I save my buddy discussions for before or after the rangeā¦ although I could see the benefit of the electronic ones if at a training class.
1 Like
Definitely gonna check these out with the gel inserts. Iāve been using just plugs lately as Iām sure you know the muffs push the frames of the glasses into my temples. Was at the range today and plugs alone just aināt enough. Thanks for the information 
1 Like
Depends. If Iām outside and not many shooters around I just use ear plugs. If there are a lot of people shooting than I double up with electronic ear muffs and plugs. If Iām indoors I always double up. Just a personal preference cause Iām already hard of hearing and donāt want go go any more deaf.
1 Like
Huh? 
1 Like
Damage done by noise is a factor of the amount (decibels) and time. So (IIRC) for a short duration loud noise like a gunshot, the damage point is 140db. Whereas if you run a lawnmower or chainsaw for an hour at 85db that would be the damage point. Most firearms (unsuppressed) are between 150-160db
NRR does not directly mean āsubtract this number from the noiseā, there is some fuzzy math that approximates the sound reduction. It is (NRR - 7) / 2 = reduction, so 22NRR is actually (22-7) / 2 = 7.5db reduced. Another interesting tidbit is if you double up on protection you do not sum the two NRRs. You simply add 5 to the higher NRR value. NRR values only go from 0-33.
I suspect though, there is more than just math to it, as I used the Howard Leights (22NRR) for a good while and consider them adequate. They are super popular because they are among the cheapest electronic ear muffs and have a really slim profile.
IMO the Howard Leight Impact Sport is on the low side for indoor use. If everyone near me is using pistols, itās usually fine. However if someone has a rifle or some hand-canon I will double up with some ear plugs. If you are shooting outdoors itās likely fine.
I upgraded to some Peltor Sports at 26NRR and it was noticeably better at suppressing sound. Indoors, Iād only feel like I needed to double up if someone nearby was using a muzzle brake or something. However I ended up replacing those too since the muffs were really big and interfered with a good cheek-weld when shooting rifles. Currently Iām running Walkers XCEL which have slim profile and also 26NRR
4 Likes
All good. Best guess is 37 is still better than 22 or 26.
1 Like
I always double up indoors. Been surprised a few too many times by not noticing when someone new shows up with a rifle or larger pistol.
3 Likes
Ear muffs indoor, Ear plugs outdoor.
1 Like
Plugs in summer muffs in winter. Only ever shot indoors a couple of times.
Depends on what I"m doing. Claysāplugs.
Rifles? Both plugs and muffs.
Pistols? Muffs (sometimes plugs and muffs if there are AR pistols on the range).
Muff fan hereā¦