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Upland hunting hearing protection

Matthew57

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Joined
Aug 12, 2021
Messages
219
Location
Spokane, WA
What are you upland hunters using for hearing protection? After developing tinnitus a few years ago, my days of hunting without hearing protection are over. I’ve used Walkers ear muffs last year and this season but looking to upgrade. Willing to spend the money to get something of good quality. I was looking at the Otto Noizebarrier, anyone tried that?
 
My audiologist took a custom mold of my ears and ordered these for me. Not cheap ($200ish) but they're worth it. I can have a normal conversation with them in.

I listened to a meateater podcast recently with an audiologist discussing similar customs with filters...I think that's the route I want to go.


How long have you had yours from phonak? What happens if you lose one...can they remake only one from existing mold?
 
I've been using some Orvis branded ear plugs that appear to be the same or similar to the Comfort model of those Phonak plugs.

Orvis Adaptive Hearing Protection

They seem to work well enough for me, I haven't tried any electronic protection yet. I can still hear quail scurrying around in the brush and taking flight, so they do allow a reasonable amount of sound through when not shooting.
 
I listened to a meateater podcast recently with an audiologist discussing similar customs with filters...I think that's the route I want to go.


How long have you had yours from phonak? What happens if you lose one...can they remake only one from existing mold?
I think if you lose one you're starting over from scratch. I doubt Phonak keeps the impression of your ear canal on file but I didn't ask. I'm almost 2 years in with mine, they seem to be holding up well. I use them mostly for skeet and trap shooting. When rifle shooting at the range I do double up and put ear muffs over the top just for added protection.

Interestingly, when the audiologist takes an impression of your ear canal they squirt an expanding foam / puddy in that sets up in a minute. If you want to experience absolute silence, that one minute is it. Amazing how well that foam blocks out all sound.
 
SITKA Gear Optifade Cover

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