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Post by "DoubleAction" on Mar 14, 2004 3:05:39 GMT -5
Some refer to the noise factor of shooting firearms in many ways; one is called Irreversible Hearing Loss or the lesser known, ringing in the ears. There are many excellent hearing protection devices available on the markets, but many would rather buy other things. One thing I have always done was double up on my hearing protection with the use of foam ear plugs and the outer mufflers. I twist the plugs until I can easily seat them in my ear canal before they have the opportunity to expand again. I have fired 44 magnums at an indoor range, using only the outer mufflers, the headache that followed was like a concusion. Never again; and I've been back many times to fire the magnum with no problem afterward.
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Post by Ricochet on Mar 14, 2004 9:39:20 GMT -5
Do you still double up on hearing protection at an outdoor range? I have found the mufflers to be adequate both indoor and outdoor, but I must admit I haven't fired a 44 magnum indoors. ;D
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Post by "DoubleAction" on Mar 14, 2004 11:51:37 GMT -5
Ricochet; I've developed the habit of having the inner plugs with me everytime I go shooting, even with the rimfires, indoors or out. Some years ago I took a plastic film canister, rimmed a hole in the bottom and top lid, I then took a strip of leather, inserted one end into the lid with a knot, and the other end to the bottom of the canister with another knot. I have two of these, one on my range bag, and the other on my utility vest to hold my foam ear plugs.
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Post by BlackDog on Mar 14, 2004 20:11:35 GMT -5
Ricochet; I've developed the habit of having the inner plugs with me everytime I go shooting, even with the rimfires, indoors or out. Me too. Even though I may only plan to shoot the 22 or the 9mm, the guy next to me might have a .44mag, a .357SIG, etc, etc. "Better to have it and not need it......" |
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Post by Mikolev on Mar 14, 2004 22:17:54 GMT -5
The first opportunity I had to shoot a 1911, as a kid, was offered to me by a kind shooter in the lane next to me. The range was indoors, but covered by a low tin roof over a concrete floor. I was so excited to shoot a 1911 that I forgot to put my earplugs in. OUCH! I swore then and there that I would always wear hearing protection.
Since then, I've broken that promise many times while in the military. Now, my hearing is probably about 50% due to guns and loud vehicles. Irreversible hearing loss is no joke. I thought it wouldn't happen to me, but it has, and I regret it.
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Post by klmhq on Mar 15, 2004 17:39:00 GMT -5
I have the ringing in the ear problems. It started from things other than firearms, though. I have been very careful since. I double up like DA does.
The worst thing was last weekend. I fired a Mini-14 with the cup of my ear cover resting against the stock. I thought I had been shot in the head.
If the indoor range does not have some kind of sound absorption on the walls, I won't go in. Even dirt or carpet is better than concrete.
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Fobos
Gold Member
Posts: 202
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Post by Fobos on Mar 17, 2004 0:16:57 GMT -5
I already have permanent hearing problems, but I have started doubling up with the plugs and the external muffs. It makes a difference even when I shoot outdoors.
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Post by garumn on Mar 17, 2004 1:44:35 GMT -5
I dont use any thing but my ear muffs that my father inlaw gave me. He was in the military and did work around jets so he got me a real good pair.
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Post by "DoubleAction" on Mar 17, 2004 1:52:09 GMT -5
Based on what people say the Government pays for a hammer, those have got to be about the best hearing protectors on the planet ;D.
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Fobos
Gold Member
Posts: 202
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Post by Fobos on Mar 17, 2004 13:04:59 GMT -5
Based on what people say the Government pays for a hammer, those have got to be about the best hearing protectors on the planet ;D. Assuming, of course, that the government gets good hammers when it wastes all that $$$.  |
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