In-ear or behind-ear muzzle blast protection

[floyd1350]

actual sound reduction of 30db plugs is 30db. i took a hearing test with earplugs in. had to retake because change from last test was 30db across the board

 

[mykeal]

Why would you use a-weighted instead of c-weighted decibels? A-weighting is only valid for low levels or pure tones.

 

[Billnpatti]

The manufacturers use the A scale because it more closely represents the response of the human ear to sound.

 

[Billnpatti]

Hearing tests use pure tones so you may actually get the full 30 dB reduction but the real world sounds consist of many different frequencies and, therefore, OSHA recommends using half the published NRR for ear plugs. I'll look up the reference and post for you it later when I have time.

 

[VEARL]

At 66 yrs of age and already have hearing loss. To much gun fire from the military and law enforcement. ( Way before they thought to much about hearing loss)
I do use ear plugs. they help some, but feel they are hampering my hearing while hunting.
Maybe I can let my wife shoot the rifle after I load, aim and stick my fingers in my ears, :rotf:

 

[Billnpatti]

Another reason for using the A weighted scale is that the A scale is what the OSHA hearing protection standard 1910.95 uses and recommends.

 

[Billnpatti]

"OSHA's experience and the published scientific literature have shown that laboratory-obtained real ear attenuation for HPDs can seldom be achieved in the workplace. To adjust for workplace conditions, OSHA strongly recommends applying a 50% correction factor when estimating field attenuation. This is especially important when considering whether engineering controls are to be implemented."

This is why I said to take half the published NRR for ear plugs as the actual NRR. http://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/noise/hcp/attenuation_estimation.html It is an excerpt from Appendix IV c of the OSHA hearing protection standard 29CFR.1910.95 (j)(2)

 

[Billnpatti]

This site may give you some useful info. http://www.google.com/search?sourc...8&rlz=1T4GGNI_enUS437US438&q=nrr+for+shooting

 

[hanshi]

Since all my hunting loads are well above the speed of sound (1400fps to 1950fps) I always use both plugs and muffs at the range. In the woods I don't wear hearing protection; one or two shots won't make any difference. If a lot of shooting is planned I'll wear the sonic ear valves which still permits woods sounds to be heard. I have a sharp hearing loss and (tinnitus which has gotten worse over the years probably due to certain prescribed drugs). I don't want to take any more chances than I have to.

 

[Flash Pan Dan]

I got some advice from someone I knew and trusted many years ago about Sonic Ear valves. He told me that the valve in the Sonic Ear closed due to the concussion of the shot not the sound, and because the sound travels faster than the concussion, the valve was not protecting from the initial sound impulse. Is this correct?

 

[hanshi]

Don't know for sure. I do know the sounds of gunshots were muffled by them. My ears didn't ring, either.