hearing protection

[John Cheese]

Does anybody have any experience with them? Thx guys.....

[HoboWithAK]

Get Tac-7s. Tac 6s have lots of static.

[Michael RVR]

Peltors are good, couldn't tell you which version we've got tho. :|

[molsen]

Get Tac-7s. Tac 6s have lots of static.
Tac7s are also a lot bigger, which will interfere when using a rifle. I know from experience.

[John Cheese]

does the tac 7-s fit under a helmet like the 6-s?

[molsen]

does the tac 7-s fit under a helmet like the 6-s?
No, the Tac7s won't fit underneath a helmet. They didn't fit underneath mine, anyways.

[HoboWithAK]

I've never used mine under a helmet. Have you ever used the 6s Molson, and do you like them (db reduction/ audio wise) compared to the 7s?

[ofpeditor]

i used the 6s under a TC2001 for approx 6 months. overall solid product and i personally have had no issues. i have read feedback that high dB impulses can cause the audio to cut out for a fraction of a second post-impulse. take that with a grain of salt and do some research into it because i have not experienced that particular problem first hand.

also look into the sordin line of hearing protection. among the guys they're talking like these are the heat.

[HoboWithAK]

Hey guys, i'm looking for some hearing protection for range work and the occasional hunting trip. I am curious how you have all faired with the electronic type. I am specifically looking at Peltor Tac6s, but all feedback from similar products is welcomed. Also, do you think a 19db sound reduction is sufficient for firearm noise? I know this topic has been discussed in the past, but I haven't really gotten any worthwhile feedback (specifically on the Tac 6s.) Thanks for the input.

[Initiative]

I have had Peltor electronic hearing protection for two years, and I love it. No problems at all. :)

[Laconian]

I use electronic Peltors but I'm not sure of the model. I like 'em a lot, but I still use both plugs and muffs on the range.

[ibstolidude]

what, I cant hear you?

[Jippo]

People I know have been well impressed by Sordin protectors, especially the pro model. Gunsmith I know described his Peltor's useless while hunting, and on the other hand said how impressed he was about the Sordins ability to magnify the smallest sound of movement.

I know a guy who shot .50BMG with them without problems, so the sound reduction shouldn't be a problem.

I have been looking at these things for couple of years now, and I'm getting a pair of Sordin's this spring.

But all the above goes only for the military Pro model, not other.


-jippo

[Germaine]

Normal ear plugs work for me (the little orange ones from work), and they seem to do a good job, even with the big guns firing

[949]

I am using the Peltor ComTac since two years and i have no problems using an M240 with them... :P

[HoboWithAK]

Thing is, i'm going on a Turkey hunt, and a pair of ComTacs will cost me as much as my Nova i'll be hunting with. Tac 6s are really all I can afford right now, unless someone is selling used pairs.

Edit- Anyone have a link to online retailers selling Sordins?

[Durandal]

Edit- Anyone have a link to online retailers selling Sordins?

Not too sure where you live...I am assuming the U.S....

With that said....Google is an amazing thing. ;)

[HoboWithAK]

Couldn't find anything on Froogle/Google that was in English. Maybe i'm just a bad search engine user.

[b33f]

I know we had a related thread some time ago but this is an equipment-specific question:
Would the use of equipment like this be practical and/or allowed (for military duty)?

http://www.actiongear.com/cgi-bin/tame.exe/military/level4.tam?M5COPY.ctx=26969&M5.ctx=26969&mailcall=milcomRPA03

[Luno]

I can only talk for the Swedish army and I use a similar model called protector PELTOR Sound Trap and those are specially made to fit under the helmet :D
http://img184.echo.cx/img184/5376/propeltorsoundtrap2ox.jpg

[Supe]

I think it's great that most modern Defence forces are incorporating hearing protection as standard piece of equipment into units. I note that many pics these days show soldiers with foam earplugs. (at least on exercises/target range)

[CQB_Operator]

I use to wear this one , and I am very satisfied with it!!
Peltor COMTAC

http://www.lightfighter.com/ProductImages/Peltor/PEL-COMTAC-web.jpg

[Zero The Hero]

A question for you guys who have seen action in the sandbox or A-stan or wherever:
Do you use any sort of hearing protection when going into a hot operation? Earplugs? Sound amplifying hearing protectors? Anything?

How about during CQB training and shooting practise?

[ibstolidude]

A question for you guys who have seen action in the sandbox or A-stan or wherever:
Do you use any sort of hearing protection when going into a hot operation? Earplugs? Sound amplifying hearing protectors? Anything?

How about during CQB training and shooting practise?
carry hearing protection with you. It isn't heavy. Use it when ever the opportunity permits or you will regret it later.

[sickofpretenders]

This thread is in the wrong spot probably but depending on the situation you can get a set of the peltor reactive muffs (for $50 on sale) and keep them on. The block out the loud bangs well and you can hear conversation fine. Turn the volume up and you can hear better than normal. They are slim enough to fit under a helmet and pack up pretty small.

For CQB I recommend using the little yellow ones in the non radio ear as well, especially if you are blowing doors.

[Flagg]

Whenever the giant jar of little orange foam earplugs packets get passed around I always grab a handful.

I put them in my J-hat pocket, in my DPM shirt pockets, in my Smock pockets, in my wet weather pockets, if I'm wearing gloves I put a pair under my glove on top of my hand, etc.

Having said that.....they usually fall out of my ears after a couple of bounds...so having a couple packets handy is good to have to replace when they fall out.

As a right handed shooter, I always try to keep at LEAST my right ear plugged so I get at least some hearing protection and can hopefully still hear fire control orders("one way range" only for me).

As Stoli mentioned ear protection is quite important.....it's my understanding that like your liver when damaged by drinking your ears do NOT recover when damaged by excessive noise.

[saigonsmuggler]

when i was hunting in utah, i could barely hear my shots due to concentration, tunnel vision and all, and a little of "buck fever" to boot. Still I am sure damage still occurs, just that my brain is not registering the loudness of the shots.

[wiking]

The largest single physical damage WW2 veterans (and veterans of most any war in history) is hearing damage. Practically every vet has it on some level, from lowered hearing, to the constant ringing (what's the medical term again?) to sevear loss of hearing atleast later in life.

But that's modern day battle, think what the US civil war vets and all wars before that, who stood in regiments of 100's of men firing in unison suffered. 5-6-7-800 muskets going of at once.

[Strider]

Yeah you're hearing is a very precious thing. Once it's gone it doesn't return. However the Liver does recover from alcohol. ;)

[HoboWithAK]

The largest single physical damage WW2 veterans (and veterans of most any war in history) is hearing damage. Practically every vet has it on some level, from lowered hearing, to the constant ringing (what's the medical term again?) to sevear loss of hearing atleast later in life.

But that's modern day battle, think what the US civil war vets and all wars before that, who stood in regiments of 100's of men firing in unison suffered. 5-6-7-800 muskets going of at once.

Tinnitus?

Don't wear earplugs in place of muffs if you don't have to, especially with larger ordinance. The ear plugs can't protect what goes through your skin, only what goes through your ear canal. I understand that it's easier to wear plugs than muffs under helmets and they are easier to put in and take out, but the thin ones work. I have a set of Peltor T6s, and while they don't even hit 25 db reduced, they give me better protection than a 32db set of earplugs.

[Pook2]

I cannot stress it enough. I have 20% hearing loss and Tennitus from shooting, playing in bands, and other loud noises. Tennitus is uncurable and can literally drive you crazy. If you dont know what Tennitus is, it is a constant high pitched ringing, 24/7. My ear doctor had a good friend who was shot and killed by a deranged Tennitus sufferer. Now that I am in a military environment, it is very hard for me to hear commands coming from my right side. I get yelled at a lot for it because I didn't tell anyone.


ALWAYS WEAR EAR PROTECTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[wiking]

I cannot stress it enough. I have 20% hearing loss and Tennitus from shooting, playing in bands, and other loud noises. Tennitus is uncurable and can literally drive you crazy. If you dont know what Tennitus is, it is a constant high pitched ringing, 24/7. My ear doctor had a good friend who was shot and killed by a deranged Tennitus sufferer. Now that I am in a military environment, it is very hard for me to hear commands coming from my right side. I get yelled at a lot for it because I didn't tell anyone.


ALWAYS WEAR EAR PROTECTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My Grandfather has it from lots of firing of AA guns when he was in the navy in the 50's.

[Tracker 23A]

When your on operation, and your life depends on you hearing as much around you as possible, YOU DON'T WEAR HEARING PROTECTION, it is that simple. Especially for infantry or any other combat troops conducting patrols, etc.

When you are on training exercises/range you always wear hearing protection.

[khukuri]

Depends what cind of protection, In swedish army we use active.

You actually hear better with them. You can hear people sneaking up on you which you wouldnt do otherwise. And squadleader doesnt need to scream out the commands as high.:) always were them if you got that cind.

[khukuri]

remove this plz

[Seraphim]

Longest time I had ringing in my ears was 3-4days and my hearing didnt return to "normal" for a full week.

[khukuri]

I damaged my hearing in my left one:P but no ringing

[BadKarma26]

Sordins. nough said.

[Sierrakitten]

Go spend a few bucks and buy a "good" pair with baffles. Any gun or hunting store should be able to help.
My last five years in, I played a lot of opfor and cadre, setting off numerous gbs's and playing with psyops. Foamies and muffs will lower decibles but don't protect against the concusion. At least that was what I was told when they told me why I had a hearing loss when I got out.
As posted before, when you need to hear, you need to hear, don't wear anything that is going to put you at risk.
Hearing damage is cumulative(that means it adds up over time:)) and you don't notice till it's there and you ain't never gonna get back what's all ready gone.

[jswift872]

When I was doing 4 man and 2 man stacks this summer in the "kill houses" I went in a few times without hearing protection, needless to say, there was some ringing afterwards. Also did the rundown with the c7 with no hearing protection, that wasn't AS bad though... Be smart, wear the gear..

[uTu]

my earplugs kept falling out at live fire ex last weekend & damn it's frustrating having bad hearing still. will stock up next time that's for sure

[Para]

When I was a lad I lived through Blitz and that was rather noisy, I was then in forces and had been around some enormous explosions. Along with countless firefights, yet my hearing is still okay, the only thing that really used to pain my ears was flying in unpressurised aircraft when they they made a rapid descent.

[Tracker 23A]

I wanted to know from experienced people (not any "In my opinion"), which model they think is better and why.

I am looking at purchasing either the Peltor 'ComTac',

http://img437.imageshack.us/img437/6726/peltorcomtac1hf.th.jpg (http://img437.imageshack.us/my.php?image=peltorcomtac1hf.jpg)

or the Sordin 'Supreme Pro'.

http://img437.imageshack.us/img437/7921/753023001zo.th.jpg (http://img437.imageshack.us/my.php?image=753023001zo.jpg)

What, in your opinion would be the better purchase?

[SMGLee]

Can't go wrong with neither...

Sardin has longer battery life.

I ran Lithium in my ComTac and it has served me well.

I am looking to upgrade to the next gen Com-tac with the slimer profile that would fit my MICH better.

[Tracker 23A]

Can't go wrong with neither...

Sardin has longer battery life.

I ran Lithium in my ComTac and it has served me well.

I am looking to upgrade to the next gen Com-tac with the slimer profile that would fit my MICH better.

which model is that? slimmer would be better, I need it to be able to fit comfortably under my helmet

[WoodChipper]

OMGrofl .....................

[SMGLee]

which model is that? slimmer would be better, I need it to be able to fit comfortably under my helmet

It would also depends on your helmet...

I am going to try the 2nd gen Com-Tac for comfort.

[WoodChipper]

I'm not laughing at you. Alot of money for your application. Are they practical, What about a radio headset?

[Tracker 23A]

It would also depends on your helmet...

I am going to try the 2nd gen Com-Tac for comfort.

It is the CGF Gallet; the same company that makes the MICH helmet. Canadian model.

Here is a link to it: http://www.militarymorons.com/equipment/headwear.html

[sgtfcm]

peltor tactical 7

http://www.telcom-hh.de/produkte/Tactical/tactical_300x225.jpg

[HoboWithAK]

peltor tactical 7

http://www.telcom-hh.de/produkte/Tactical/tactical_300x225.jpg

You can't wear those under a helmet. Tac 6s are cheaper, slimmer and have a longer battery life.

[SMGLee]

It is the CGF Gallet; the same company that makes the MICH helmet. Canadian model.

Here is a link to it: http://www.militarymorons.com/equipment/headwear.html

Same helmet basically. head crusher.

The Com-Tac 2nd Gen will probably work, but I am not going to know until after teh Shot Show.

[Jippo]

I have Sordin Supreme Pro's, and I made a comparison with Peltor year ago when purchasing them. Peltors were slightly cheaper, but Sordins had superior sound technology with almost no cutting out when in loud noise and better sensitivety. They are actually useful whilst hunting, as they reproduce the sound very well.

I can recommend them to anyone who needs hearing protection with which you need to also hear very well.


-jippo

[sgtfcm]

You can't wear those under a helmet. Tac 6s are cheaper, slimmer and have a longer battery life.


oh, i didnt know he wanted to wear them under the helmet.I use the tac 7 at shooting range and for dynamic shooting. If he has to wear them with an helmet,i think your choice is right. AS for the battery life,I'm quite satisfied with it,it lasts long time anyway.

http://www.midwesttactical.com/assets/images/PELTOR/PELTAC6.jpg

[Carbine]

We had Peltor Comtacs in the service. They faired very well, even in -20 degree celsius weather. I used rechargeable NiMh batteries in mine and they would last for over three days if left constantly on. Durin the 5 months I used mine, none of the Comtacs we had in our company failed.

Just make sure you clean the padding every once in a while or it will get mouldy. They will fit under most kevlar helmets, but can get a little uncomfortable after a while.

[Tracker 23A]

I have Sordin Supreme Pro's, and I made a comparison with Peltor year ago when purchasing them. Peltors were slightly cheaper, but Sordins had superior sound technology with almost no cutting out when in loud noise and better sensitivety. They are actually useful whilst hunting, as they reproduce the sound very well.

I can recommend them to anyone who needs hearing protection with which you need to also hear very well.


-jippo

when comparing the two, was one more slender than the other for use under a helmet and did one have better hearing protection as a stand alone set of ear protectors when turned off?

[Jippo]

I have not used them with helmet so this is just educated guess, but I should think that Sordins will fit without problems as they are slim. They do have quite thick part that goes over your head, and I would guess that it will hurt after extended use if it is between your head and helmet padding.

When comparing noise reduction, just by estimate they are more or less equal to slim basic model Peltors I have as my no. 2 protection in case if I have a friend in the range.



Sordin has the reduction figures at their page, so you can compare the models.

http://www.sordin.se/EN/default.asp

http://www.peltor.se/index_communication.htm


-jippo

[Chuck6d]

I own both. IMHO I find the Sordin's a better fit, but the Comtacs have better sound quality.

[Tracker 23A]

I own both. IMHO I find the Sordin's a better fit, but the Comtacs have better sound quality.

Based on your experience with both, and had to choose only one of them, which would it be and why?

[sct1886]

Try Earshot, about $120, compatible with 2.5mm. two Nuclear Weapons Eng. and a Doctor made them. Very clear. Tel.#785-675-3917

[Chuck6d]

Based on your experience with both, and had to choose only one of them, which would it be and why?

The Peltors. Better sound quality and if your using them for work, they have the comms input.

[Tracker 23A]

The Peltors. Better sound quality and if your using them for work, they have the comms input.

thanks for the info.

[Jippo]

Sordins have comms input with 3.5mm jack too, are you sure you have supreme pro's. I'm asking because they are based on completely different technology as the basic model and have very different sound quality. They look the same, but have completely different internals.


-jippo

[Michael RVR]

I've only used peltors and haven't had any problems with them. :)

[Carbine]

I tried the comtacs with the Finnish Nokia VIRVE radio attached to the comm port and it performed OK, though sound quality was quite bad.

Also, at least for me on the Peltors the rubber insulation of the wires would press against my head pretty bad if I didn't fold it to to run from the outside of the head band.

[Kekkonen]

I tried the comtacs with the Finnish Nokia VIRVE radio attached to the comm port and it performed OK, though sound quality was quite bad.

For me the sound quality of "my" Comtac's was excellent until moisture somehow managed to get inside one of the earphones, after that it was like having tinnitus when having them on, but they still worked. Perhaps your problem was with Virve rather rather than the Comtac's? Seems like there have been some major problems with Virve.


Virve petti Konginkankaalla

Tuomas Karvonen
Julkaistu 04/06/2004 kello: 16:52

Viranomaisradioverkko Virve ei venynyt pelastushenkilökunnan tarpeisiin Konginkankaan suuronnettomuudessa maaliskuussa. Tämä on yksi havainto, jonka Onnettomuustutkintakeskus tekee tapauksesta julkaisemassaan väliraportissa.

- Virve toimi hyvin tehtävänannossa ja matkalla onnettomuuspaikalle. Kun onnettomuuspaikalle alkoi saapua lisää yksiköitä, radioliikenne puuroutui, eikä onnettomuuspaikalle ensiksi tullut palomestari saanut yhteyttä enää helposti kehenkään. Samoin kohteeseen matkalla olleella V15-yksikön esimiehellä oli vaikeuksia saada yhteyttä Äänekosken päivystävään palomestariin, raportissa todetaan.

Sorry for the Finnish quote for you non-Finnish understanding people out there.

[WoodChipper]

http://img390.imageshack.us/img390/576/ep2012116fy.th.jpg (http://img390.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ep2012116fy.jpg)

[CQB_Operator]

I'm very satisfied with my Peltor!!!!!http://store1.yimg.com/I/botach_1807_77967093

[Carbine]

Kekkonen, it could indeed just have been the VIRVE acting up. I only tried it very briefly, so perhaps I was in some unexplainable area with low coverage.

[azsarge]

The Peltors. Better sound quality and if your using them for work, they have the comms input.

+1

I use COMTAC IIs for work and shooting (and shooting at work), and find them to be of much better clarity than my buddies' Sordins.

I also have the TAC 6s, and they are fine for stand alone earpro. I got the COMTACs because of the dual U-173 jacks.

The COMTAC IIs may be the lower profile model than the original COMTACs, but they are huge copared to the sordins at the base of the earcup. Regardless, the fit fine under an ACH and PASGT, although with the latter, you damn near have to remove the leather headband to get them to fit.

[Chuck6d]

Sordins have comms input with 3.5mm jack too, are you sure you have supreme pro's. I'm asking because they are based on completely different technology as the basic model and have very different sound quality. They look the same, but have completely different internals.


-jippo


My mistake mine do have that jack.

[vinny_121_ND]

K, I have a question for the troops in Iraq. When conducting operations in a enclosed environment, has anyone actually permanently lost their hearing because they didn't wear hearing protection?

Not all troops have suppressors and we had this discussion a while back. I'm just curious, because some LE guys have complained cause some have permanently lost their hearing, and I just want to know from the guys who do a lot of shooting each day.

V

[ibstolidude]

K, I have a question for the troops in Iraq. When conducting operations in a enclosed environment, has anyone actually permanently lost their hearing because they didn't wear hearing protection?

Not all troops have suppressors and we had this discussion a while back. I'm just curious, because some LE guys have complained cause some have permanently lost their hearing, and I just want to know from the guys who do a lot of shooting each day.

V
What?? Speak up....

Yes, I have known several to suffer hearing loss - but I am not qualified to make the distinction over why - shooting v/s ied's, etc.

[ZeroZ]

wow, that sucks, just sucks...period

[TURBOIS417]

I have extreme hearing loss in my left ear. I'm a left handed shooter and threw a few frags up close without any hearing protection. All of the jarheads I know (whom I served with) suffer from some sort of hearing loss, constant ringing or related problem.

[TURBOIS417]

K, I have a question for the troops in Iraq. When conducting operations in a enclosed environment, has anyone actually permanently lost their hearing because they didn't wear hearing protection?

Not all troops have suppressors and we had this discussion a while back. I'm just curious, because some LE guys have complained cause some have permanently lost their hearing, and I just want to know from the guys who do a lot of shooting each day.

V

I now try and protect my ears as best of posible. Plugs and muffs when at the range. I've tried peltors but they giving me a funny/dizzy feeling at the end of the day. The squelch of radios is also an ass kicker.

[vinny_121_ND]

K, now what about installing suppressors to your weapons? It may be 4 or 5 inches longer, but at least you have some peace of mind. I don't want to get flamed, but I think this is an issue that needs to be addressed for the safety of everybody. A guy who cant hear anymore might pose as a liability

[TacoDelRio]

It sucks being deaf. Left ear here is toast, and high frequency, whatever the hell that is.

I don't think most soldiers use suppressors because they aren't really widely issued. If they were, I'm sure more soldiers would use them, unless they felt the suppressors added too much length to the rifle/carbine/etc.

[vinny_121_ND]

really sorry to hear that. I remember my kid cousen shot a toy ,tiny shotgun (blue color to be exact) right beside my ear and i couldn't hear very well for like a night.

I hope the audiologist can fix u back up. Ears and eyes are delicate, u only get a pair.

[vinny_121_ND]

couldn't a soldier just buy a kac or a surefire suppressor? They're military ... unless the military doesn't allow these personal installments?

[TacoDelRio]

couldn't a soldier just buy a kac or a surefire suppressor? They're military ... unless the military doesn't allow these personal installments?

Price, paperwork (as in, paperwork from hell), etc. I don't know how many units would authorise random use of sound suppressors.

[digrar]

It's hard to supress a MG, grenade or an arty shell.

[Seraphim]

It's hard to supress a MG, grenade or an arty shell.

Dang, if only I could find that pic of that arty with the huge supressor thingy.

[USMC Tanker]

Maybe it's just me, but the use of subsonic 5.56 doesn't appeal to me.

We got issued these really great plugs in Iraq, half yellow-half OD green...made by AO Safety. Yellow side in for outdoors/general noise reduction and the green side for intense/indoor noise reduction.

Really great piece of gear.

[Seraphim]

Maybe it's just me, but the use of subsonic 5.56 doesn't appeal to me.

We got issued these really great plugs in Iraq, half yellow-half OD green...made by AO Safety. Yellow side in for outdoors/general noise reduction and the green side for intense/indoor noise reduction.

Really great piece of gear.

Generally they stick to M855 round.

[Limeyfellow]

Its one of the bad things about being in combat. I know quite a number of people who lost hearing from fighting in warzones.

About the only good thing right now is they are in trials for an electronic device that can be inserted inside the ear that restores almost all your hearing. My cousin was one of those under trial and for the first time can hear things like his baby. I am sure the military could adopt the technology to repair damage done in the service. The only problem is its an expensive operation in the £100000 range I believe he said. Maybe some hope there in the next 10 years.

[gilgoul]

That is one thing they should tell you when you enlist.
I don't know a single person who was engaged in intense shooting who didn't loose hearing to some point. I eve knew a dude who was afflicted with a permanent buzz from an ear plug falling during a shooting session at the range.

[Apogee]

Upfront, I've not been to combat. But i've trained with alot of dudes who've spent large amounts of times deployed and a good number of them suffered from partial hearing loss. From my understanding, the Army is saying that hearing loss due to loud noise is no longer a cliamable disability because we are issued hearing protect. But you have to balance the pro's of wearing that hearing protection with the ability to hear whats going on around you and possible hear a small noise that saves your life, before the battle begins. Theres really no good solution in the status quo, at least from what I can see.

[Tuco]

Maybe it's just me, but the use of subsonic 5.56 doesn't appeal to me.

Subsonic ammo is not necessary, the most important and dangerous waves are from the blast of the gases expanding off the barrel, not from the bullet supersonic krach.

http://www.aseutra.fi/english/product/AU%20CQB-QM.avi
Ase Ultra, Finland.

Between, I do agree ear plugs are very good and simple, overall protection.

[jsb]

autoplastic Otoplastieken
get some off these things .
they work great and you can put insert in them and they wil block the extra sound levels.

[kosse]

But you have to balance the pro's of wearing that hearing protection with the ability to hear whats going on around you and possible hear a small noise that saves your life, before the battle begins.
I take it that they don't issue electronic hearing protectors? We used them a lot in conscript service and at least my hearing got even better with them on than normally. I'd get my own if I ever had to go to war.

[Pete031]

we used peltors overseas. Worked well.

[ABNINF]

My buddy would wear his "combat arms" earplugs (the reversable ones). He said it was kinda pointless, because the overpressure from the IED's sometimes sucked them out. We grew up shooting together since before high school, so I know he knows how to put earplugs in. He used to have great hearing, now he's lost like 20%

[ibstolidude]

My buddy would wear his "combat arms" earplugs (the reversable ones). He said it was kinda pointless, because the overpressure from the IED's sometimes sucked them out. We grew up shooting together since before high school, so I know he knows how to put earplugs in. He used to have great hearing, now he's lost like 20%
Real men use 9mm rounds.

[vinny_121_ND]

Its one of the bad things about being in combat. I know quite a number of people who lost hearing from fighting in warzones.

About the only good thing right now is they are in trials for an electronic device that can be inserted inside the ear that restores almost all your hearing. My cousin was one of those under trial and for the first time can hear things like his baby. I am sure the military could adopt the technology to repair damage done in the service. The only problem is its an expensive operation in the £100000 range I believe he said. Maybe some hope there in the next 10 years.

That's expensive. The research that went into developing it must have been really expensive. I hope everybody wears good earplugs.

[ABNINF]

Real men use 9mm rounds.

rofl that's great

[Jippo]

I'd rather use empty shells than live rounds. :)


-jippo

[ibstolidude]

I'd rather use empty shells than live rounds. :)
-jippo
......wuss.

[Jippo]

What can I say! :D


-jippo

[I'mOnlyHalfPolish]

just another complaint/move to bring the military back to carrying swords and shields............................................damn crusaders.............

[BronzeBow]

http://www-nehc.med.navy.mil/downloads/occmed/hctoolbox/Toolbox_files/Combat%20Arms%20Earplug%20-%20Navy.doc

[James]

I like Peltor hearing protection. They allow you to hear normal conversation, yet cut off loud sounds. They also fit comfortably under a helmet.

http://www.peltor.com/peltor.com/comm_detail.cfm?prod_family=Tactical%206/Sound%20Tra&ind_prod_num=MT15H67FB001

[Jippo]

Peltors are in use in Finnish army, and they much better than previous solutions. But the training staff is issued with Sordin's which are more advanced technologically.

It is also worth noting that most radios can be connected directly to the protectors making them headphones as well.

Good stuff...


-jippo

[Lazarou]

Peltors are great, but the magnetic interference makes compass and aiming circle needles go wild.

[Jippo]

Peltors are great, but the magnetic interference makes compass and aiming circle needles go wild.

Really??? They can't be that strong. Are you saying that compass in your hand doesn't work when you have headphones on your head?


-jippo

[kosse]

Really??? They can't be that strong. Are you saying that compass in your hand doesn't work when you have headphones on your head?


-jippo
At least käsisuuntakehä (http://tietokannat.mil.fi/kalustoesittely/media/1086936616_06.kasisuuntakeha_6000m68.jpg) does not..learnt that the hard way when we where going to quick mortar positions and I had them already on. Being tired to death it took some time to figure out what was the problem and at that point it wasn't so quick any more..

Then again käsisuuntakehäs go crazy from just about anything metal or electric nearby. But these Peltor's ****ed them up worse than anything. Made mine give opposite directions so I think they'll mess up compasses too as the working principle is the same :)

[Lazarou]

^^

My point exactly. :)

[gaijinsamurai]

This is something I really wish we had available to us when I was in. I still have partial hearing loss in my left ear from Gulf War I.
Of course, years of riding dirtbikes, shooting, being around chainsaws, and Led Zeppelin didn't help either.

[akmarksman]

I always wore a earplug in my left ear..it was more sensitive to sounds..even as a contractor,I carred a few of the rubber and foam type earplugs.(and the 14" CAR-15s are not quiet)
I always took the time to put another earplug in after the first driveby IED didn't like the color of my earplug..(and I used to get ribbed by the rest of the guys in my unit for bringing "..a sh*tload of earplugs"

I have some hearing loss in my right ear..I forget the percentage,but my left ear is fine.
I wish the Army would look into the Surefire suppressors..those things are nice..expensive,but durable. (but the KAC cans work..and that's what matters)

[vinny_121_ND]

I always wore a earplug in my left ear..it was more sensitive to sounds..even as a contractor,I carred a few of the rubber and foam type earplugs.(and the 14" CAR-15s are not quiet)
I always took the time to put another earplug in after the first driveby IED didn't like the color of my earplug..(and I used to get ribbed by the rest of the guys in my unit for bringing "..a sh*tload of earplugs"

I have some hearing loss in my right ear..I forget the percentage,but my left ear is fine.
I wish the Army would look into the Surefire suppressors..those things are nice..expensive,but durable. (but the KAC cans work..and that's what matters)

I know they're pricy, but the defence budget has gone crazy.

[sprky777]

Dang, if only I could find that pic of that arty with the huge supressor thingy.
Is this it?

[Jurpula]

I've ****ed up my left ear with shooting, and playing in rock bands doesn't help either. These days I use protection when available, but not when hunting, i wish that Santa could bring me a pair of new Peltors...

[BrianT]

We get issued Sordins. I've been right around the corner from breach charges and have been fine. And you can hear everything in the environment fine.

[akmarksman]

oh..1 bad thing about some of the earplugs ..usually it's the rubber type..in the event that your too close to a IED,the pressure could cause the plug to pop out..and I mean POP..

or I had a foam one wedge itself in my ear..
of course I looked kinda like a @ss..pointing at my ear and flailing my arms about like a monkey..and it took almost 10 seconds to pull the dam_ thing out..had to be careful with the leatherman.

[James]

Peltors are great, but the magnetic interference makes compass and aiming circle needles go wild.

I generally don't worry about land navigation when i've got earpro on.

[kosse]

I generally don't worry about land navigation when i've got earpro on.
I don't know what earpro are but it's enough to have the peltors with you. They don't have to be on your ears nor turned on. That really sucks about them.

[Storstark]

I don't know what earpro are but it's enough to have the peltors with you. They don't have to be on your ears nor turned on. That really sucks about them.

I have never heard of any problems with Peltor (Comtac) and compasses.

And I had no problems using std. issue Silva and Suonto's while using the Comtac's.

I also searched a bit on google, nothing on any problems. The Peltor Comtac's are Mil Spec, and _should_ not interfere with a compass.

[kosse]

I have never heard of any problems with Peltor (Comtac) and compasses.
And I had no problems using std. issue Silva and Suonto's while using the Comtac's.
I also searched a bit on google, nothing on any problems. The Peltor Comtac's are Mil Spec, and _should_ not interfere with a compass.

I mainly used another instrument than compass but it had the same working principle (only it could measure directions much more accurately). I think it was more sensitive to electromagnetic interference. But it's kind of navigation equipment too ;-)

[Sloppy Joe2]

I don't know what earpro are but it's enough to have the peltors with you. They don't have to be on your ears nor turned on. That really sucks about them.earpro= ear protection. when i got hit frickin i had a combat earplugs and a head set on didnt do a thing to help. still had ringing, probably could have been worse though.

[Storstark]

I mainly used another instrument than compass but it had the same working principle (only it could measure directions much more accurately). I think it was more sensitive to electromagnetic interference. But it's kind of navigation equipment too ;-)

Was it Peltor Comtacs? The Comtac's are equiped with magnetically shielded speakers, as they are made with the option to plug-in a headset.

If it was Comtac's you used, they may be different than the ones used in Sweden, as no info about problems can be found. And there are a lot of Comtac users in Sweden, as all personel since -00 or so have been had the issued.

http://www.finnrappel.fi/comtac.htm

[kosse]

Was it Peltor Comtacs? The Comtac's are equiped with magnetically shielded speakers, as they are made with the option to plug-in a headset.

If it was Comtac's you used, they may be different than the ones used in Sweden, as no info about problems can be found. And there are a lot of Comtac users in Sweden, as all personel since -00 or so have been had the issued.

http://www.finnrappel.fi/comtac.htm
Hard to tell. They looked like Comtac but Peltor has a lot of similar models..Trapper, Sound trap, Sport trap. The ones we used for sure weren't shielded. They could have also been old model or something (didn't look very new but then again nothing looks after it's been used a few years by conscripts). We didn't use microphones with them.

[Geezah]

I just purchased a set of these to try them out, they look to be quite impressive and the price is not bad at all, $14.94 shipped.

EP3 Sonic Defenders (http://www.surefire.com/pdfs/EP3_tech_copy.pdf)

Just giving those that may need allot more hearing protection than myself a heads up.

[USMC29]

How do they preform?

[ZeroZ]

intresting, and if they work like they said it could be pretty useful, but there was something strange, it reduces ALL sound, even voices. idk if it works out it could save a lot of eardrums and vicariously, lives.

[Straker]

Look interesting, kind of like a better replacement for the foamies that I find myself wearing all the time now (Can't exactly get away with wearing peltors for my day job, would make me look a bit strange :)) bet they don't ship direct to the UK. However, have you found them cutting out all frequencies a bit annoying, especially speech?

Secondly, aren't they just small enough to loose all the time?

[XIE]

I love them both at the range and in field environment where a contact is a foregone conclusion.....

Better noise reduction than foamies yet better ability to hear ambient noise(ie, hold a conversation without shouting).

[Geezah]

Look interesting, kind of like a better replacement for the foamies that I find myself wearing all the time now (Can't exactly get away with wearing peltors for my day job, would make me look a bit strange :)) bet they don't ship direct to the UK. However, have you found them cutting out all frequencies a bit annoying, especially speech?

Secondly, aren't they just small enough to loose all the time?

Mine haven't turned up yet but I'm sure they must work.

Also, they sell them in the UK, found this;)
Link (http://www.nightgear.co.uk/c/194/SureFire_Accessories)

[XIE]

Straker, these dont cut our frequencies. Have a look at the info on them and see how they work, rather simple thing.

[Straker]

Straker, these dont cut our frequencies. Have a look at the info on them and see how they work, rather simple thing.

Understood, that was kind of my point, I just didn't express myself very clearly. I was wondering whether they cut out normal speech to a level that is
annoying in normal conversation.

Geezah thanks for the link, although I'm not loving the price mark up :slap:. Might consider them although I'm pretty sure I'll end up losing an earpiece for £10 a go :oops:.

[Geezah]

I just remembered this thread and thought I would respond. I wore them down to Knob Creek pretty much the whole day, I even wore them on the journey home as my brother thought it would be ok to play Pat Benatar as loud as possible.
They seem to cut out the sharp noises and I was abit apprehensive about using them with my .308, but they work just fine.
Anyway, I've found that they perform quite well outside, and I've even been able to hold a conversation on my cell phone with them in. I've been told that they don't work that great inside but I doubt I'll be using them inside anytime soon. For the money and preserving your hearing abit longer, they are well worth the money.

[XIE]

I recently used them on a exercise that utilised battlefield sound simulators (ie, C4 charges replicating artillery) and they were more than satisfactory at coping with the sound developed by them at ranges of +/- 50m.

EP-3s would be recommended by me to all.

[Mr.Vegas]

Hey Guys. I cant deide on what earmuffs to get. I'm looking at either the Peltor Sound Trap Slim Line, or just regular foam plugs like I usually use. Any advice? Oh and I will be using these on the range only. Thanks.

[22.5degrees]

The soundtraps are nice. The only down side I see to using muffs9I run the Sordin supreme pro's) is the heat and sweat buildup when worn for extended periods in hot weather. Other than that, I can't complain. Oh, they require batteries where plugs don't. You also can't hear as well with just plugs.

I'd say this is a comfort issue. If you're on an outdoor range the plugs will be fine. Indoor, I'd run both plugs and muffs.

22.5

[Mr.Vegas]

Thanks 22.5 that helped a lot.

[James]

Hey Guys. I cant deide on what earmuffs to get. I'm looking at either the Peltor Sound Trap Slim Line, or just regular foam plugs like I usually use. Any advice? Oh and I will be using these on the range only. Thanks.

Start by calling them "Hearing Protection" or "Earpro". Earmuffs are fuzzy and pink.

[Hispeed1]

Peltor Tactical 6-S compact ear protection are very good. But normally I just use those little gray foam Peltor foam ear plugs.

[Sabre]

I'll second 22.5 and james.

Is it indoor or outdoor? By range do you mean stood/knealt/sat/lying or running/crawling/sprinting with 60 lbs of kit and sweat hanging off you with radio headsets taken into the equation?

If it's the former, then fully enclosed ear def is probably better. If it's the latter, then ear plugs work best as they don't make your ears sweat, they go under radio headsets (no one listens in to the radio anyway!) and there's less chance of them becoming dislodged during movement.

If indoors, use both. It may be a pain, but even partial hearing loss is a disability. No point in harming yourself needlessly.

Oh, and for earmuffs, these come with a free set of tactical shooting mitts:

http://www.webstorespro.com/images/dora_AMDoraEarMuffsGloveSet.jpg p-)

[Laconian]

I have a pair of Peltor rubber plugs that are green/yellow - green end for indoor use, yellow for outdoor (or vice versa). These are great. Like has been said though, if indoor, use both plugs and the full covered ear pro.

Most ranges I have been to lately, gov't and civilian wanted both types anyway, indoors or out.

[KillerBD]

Start by calling them "Hearing Protection" or "Earpro". Earmuffs are fuzzy and pink.

x2, title of thread had my confused just a bit...

[James]

I've used the Peltor sound canceling kind that fit under a helmet both indoors and outdoors, and they're great. They're called "Peltor Tactical 6-5".

[ABNINF]

I've used the Peltor sound canceling kind that fit under a helmet both indoors and outdoors, and they're great. They're called "Peltor Tactical 6-5".

x2, got the wife and I 2 pair. Love them.

[Mr.Vegas]

x2, got the wife and I 2 pair. Love them.

Cool. Those are the ones I was looking at so I think I will go pick them up tomorrow. Thanks for the help everybody.

[Durandal]

Hey Guys. I cant deide on what earmuffs to get. I'm looking at either the Peltor Sound Trap Slim Line, or just regular foam plugs like I usually use. Any advice? Oh and I will be using these on the range only. Thanks.

They work fine and fall into the lower price range for "ears". I have the wrap around kind so you can wear a hat at the same time without issues.

I've had mine for a little over six months now and shoot regularly, attended several outdoor winter shoots, and accidentally left them on overnight. I am still on the original batteries I put in.

I am VERY happy with them.

[Geezah]

I quite like the Surefire Sonic Defenders.

Might want to check them out??

[Mr.Vegas]

I quite like the Surefire Sonic Defenders.

Might want to check them out??


Are those the little in-ear ones?

[Geezah]

Are those the little in-ear ones?

Yes, I really like mine and will buy more when needed.

[One Shot Tactical Supply]

Take a look at the Sensgards. They sell up here for around $30 and you can carry on a conversation with them in. No batteries needed.

Not recommended for indoors though.

[HVU]

Anybody had some experiences with this hearing protection? I'm considering buying one.

Does it reduce noise more than the regular yellow foam plugs? surefire.com states that it reduces all sounds above 80 dB to below 80 dB.. Is this really true, or a marketing trick? Its primary usage will be in firing range/the field.

[bertfivesix]

I've used these over the past several months of training and range days.

Using just the main attenuating aperture, they block less noise than standard foam plugs or full coverage muffs.

With the port plugs in, they're about the same as foam plugs.

In both modes, they provided adequate hearing protection for all situations on the range except during drills where my ears were about a foot to the side of someone's muzzle. Then it became a little uncomfortable (well above 80dB). Bear in mind, this was without the port plugs in, so those might have made a difference. Not sure how foam plugs would compare in that instance...

In my experience, they work as advertised at allowing non-acute noises through the baffles while moderating loud impulses. Ambient noise is reduced somewhat, with normal speech being hard to pick out at times against the usual range noises, wind, etc.. Early on, I found myself partially dislodging one plug so I could pick up all of the conversation. Shouting was easy to hear, however.

Physically, they feel comfortable, though if you leave them in all day your ear might get itchy.

My main complaint is the lack of a tether between the plugs. Every once in a while I'll knock/drop one out onto the ground and have to put a dirty plug back in my ear. Overall, I like mine and they are my main earpro for shooting. It's a good compromise between electronic muffs and foam plugs.

[Seraphim]

Use the search.

[HVU]

Use the search.

Did, but found only one post regarding this specific product.

[Geezah]

Found this-Surefire-EP3 Sonic Defenders (http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?t=102959)

I love them, I keep them in the car at all times. I used them down at Knob Creek in October at the machine gun shoot and they work just fine.

[SMGLee]

Found this-Surefire-EP3 Sonic Defenders (http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?t=102959)

I love them, I keep them in the car at all times. I used them down at Knob Creek in October at the machine gun shoot and they work just fine.

I love my as well.....and I also keep one in the car, I sometime wear it when I am some places that the music is way too loud....

standalone, I use it out doors and out doors only, or i use it with my Com-tac both indoo and out doors

as for out doors, since wearing the headset all day long is hot and uncomfortable, so during breaks, I took off the headset, but in case someone pop off a few rounds down range, at least I have some protection.

I also wear italone in out doors situations wear only pistols utilized.

Indoors, it is just that much more protection against earing damage.

[Roy Batty]

I wore mine on a "transition shotgun/pistol" range for work last month and I loved them. They work a real treat.

[Fauxban]

Saw these in BQM a while ago & bought 'em 'cause they were sized.

My earplug of choice is Sonic II earvalves, but I can rarely find the small size.
The pillroller demands I use wax, which works best, but don't like the mess, sweat, dirt, & lack of commo. Foamies are a last resort, EUO.

These Surefires worked almost as well as the SIIs when plugged, didn't care for the open performance much. Comfort took a bit of getting used too, but I judged 'em acceptable. Commo wasn't as clear as SIIs in either mode, but not that bad.

First use was with IIIin rifle, & later, SMLE, 7.62, .40, & 9, no complaints at any sound or pressure level. I will use these in future, absent SIIs.

[Otter9309]

Surefire is a stand-up company, I have had great customer service from them and use their products everyday. I doubt they are pulling a marketing trick.

Surefire does offer a better solution four hearing protection though.
http://www.surefire.com/maxexp/main/co_disp/displ/carfnbr/438/sesent/00

S.

[DE_Six]

I wore mine on a "transition shotgun/pistol" range for work last month and I loved them. They work a real treat.

Do you know of a canadian store that would carry them and sells over the 'net? My googling turned up with nil.

[Roy Batty]

Do you know of a canadian store that would carry them and sells over the 'net? My googling turned up with nil.

http://www.cpgear.com/default.asp?mn=1.19.56&f=pd&pid=541

cheers

[DE_Six]

http://www.cpgear.com/default.asp?mn=1.19.56&f=pd&pid=541

cheers

Thanks bud! :)

[Catch22]

Just to join the oppinion poll, recently got them Earpros and they worked absolutely OK (open mode, with inner plugs removed) for sidearm shooting indoors, for shotgun and rifle I'd rather use them with muffs togheter (indoors as Chen suggested). For me they're comfy enough to stay all the time in, I've almost forget that I have plugs in my ears - so I don't see a real need to have a cord between them as bert mentioned.

[bertfivesix]

My need for a cord stems from them getting knocked loose while slinging/unslinging a rifle, wiping my face, or shouldering a rifle in an unconventional stance (****e/side/shooting under low cover, etc). Granted, they were probably a little less tacky thanks to the covering of dust from the initial roll in the dirt courtesy of my clumsiness.

[HGRazorR]

http://chppm-www.apgea.army.mil/documents/fact/51-004-0204.pdf

Here's something more on it.

The issue with the combat earplugs popping out from overpressure - fine let them, I'd rather have a little foam pop out my ear and have to pick up a new pair from the 4 shop then have substantial hearing loss.

They work well, don't know why troopers just don't want to use them. Chart shows some impressive results with regards to their use and sound detection.

But, I'm guilty as I never wore them deployed lol - thinking back on it, I should have =)

[KEEPER0311]

My left ear is duller then it used to be, eapro falling out during live fire.

[vinny_121_ND]

My left ear is duller then it used to be, eapro falling out during live fire.

From a medical science background, you need to get better earpro. Once your hearing degrades, it's permanent. It can only get worse, never better.

Anything over 83 dB, it's too loud. I avoid going to dance clubs because of that.

[GG]

Hard to tell. They looked like Comtac but Peltor has a lot of similar models..Trapper, Sound trap, Sport trap. The ones we used for sure weren't shielded. They could have also been old model or something (didn't look very new but then again nothing looks after it's been used a few years by conscripts). We didn't use microphones with them.


Comtac is a Peltor model.

[Sloppy Joe2]

From a medical science background, you need to get better earpro. Once your hearing degrades, it's permanent. It can only get worse, never better.

Anything over 83 dB, it's too loud. I avoid going to dance clubs because of that. you do know that even a HMMWV is louder then that and especially a Bradley.

finally got my Hearing test results back from the VA, 40% loss in left ear and 30% lost in my right ear.

[vinny_121_ND]

you do know that even a HMMWV is louder then that and especially a Bradley.

finally got my Hearing test results back from the VA, 40% loss in left ear and 30% lost in my right ear.

That I didn't know. What treatment plan are they proposing?

Here's the latest article I read about.




American soldiers lose hearing in war with insurgents and terrorists

Hearing damage is the no. 1 disability in the war on terrorism and the Iraq war, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Soldiers and Marines caught in roadside bombings and firefights in Iraq and Afghanistan are coming home in epidemic numbers with permanent hearing loss and ringing in their ears.

About 60 percent of American troops exposed to bomb blasts suffer from permanent hearing damage, and 49 percent suffer from tinnitus, according to data compiled by military audiologists.

Roadside bombs, commonly used by insurgents and terrorists in Iraq, are a major cause of hearing damage. The blasts from roadside bombs cause such instantaneous changes in air pressure that eardrums of the soldiers under attack may perforate and bones in their inner ear may break.

The unpredictability of ambushes and other engagements often leaves the soldiers without enough warning to employ their military-issued hearing protection. Some soldiers refuse to use earplugs, as they fear this will affect their hearing and combat awareness to such a degree as to putting themselves and their fellow soldiers in increased danger.

Even the best hearing protection may only offer partial protection in light of the weaponry employed in modern combat. Just the noise of a moving tank can be hearing damaging when soldiers fail to use earplugs. The noise level of a moving tank is about 80-85 dB, while noise levels from explosions or firefights may reach as high as 180 dB. No hearing protection offers reliable protection against such noise levels, as the best protection provides noise reduction of up to 25 dB.

The high number of hearing injuries in American soldiers was unanticipated by military medical specialists and outside experts. The U.S. military has responded by taking various precautions in order to better protect the hearing of the soldiers.

http://www.hear-it.org/page.dsp?page=5709

[Pappy]

That I didn't know. What treatment plan are they proposing?



Hahaha, the Army propose a treatment plan? =P For hearing loss, if it's great enough and you're in a combat MOS, then you either reclass or leave the Army. And when you do leave the Army they'll give you some cash for the disability, but that's it. They don't treat sh!t in the Army. Everybody jokes about Army medics saying "Oh you broke your leg? Here's some IBUPROFEN, and make sure to drink water." Well, I broke my collar bone to some extent during combatives and the TMC refused to do Xrays. They just gave me IBUPROFEN and a profile for no pushups for 24 hours. They said to come back in a week if it was still painful. Every time I came back they said it wasn't an emergency and to try again tomorrow. After a few tries I just gave up. There are a bunch of guys in my Company who have injuries from the deployment and the Army isn't doing anything to fix them, just cover up the symptoms. For the most part, the Army doesn't like to actually fix medical problems.

[vinny_121_ND]

Hahaha, the Army propose a treatment plan? =P

[...]

After a few tries I just gave up. There are a bunch of guys in my Company who have injuries from the deployment and the Army isn't doing anything to fix them, just cover up the symptoms. For the most part, the Army doesn't like to actually fix medical problems.

I'm sorry .. WHAT? That doesn't make sense. President Bush made it a priority to to fix up VA for better care for soldiers. I heard him live on cnn say that.

[gafkiwi]

I managed to get our unit to pay for some TCI liberator II headsets as we were Hummvee mounted. We used them over the normal crew station head sets since the amplified normal noise and dulled down the loud stuff, best of all they plugged staight into our PRR radios so we could debuss and still have comms. They could get hot at times but what doesnt in an Afgan summer eh.
We were looking at ordering more with a y junction put into them with a separate plug to utilise the vehicle crew station but ran out of time before we rotated home, so we passed that onto our new guys.
End of the day my hearing is a hell of alot better than it wouldve been without them!!!

[Pappy]

I'm sorry .. WHAT? That doesn't make sense. President Bush made it a priority to to fix up VA for better care for soldiers. I heard him live on cnn say that.

The VA might be better now, but these guys are still Active Duty. There are also the Warrior Transition Battalions that supposedly do alot too. But at the BCT level, at least in my observations, the care of soldiers is piss poor.

To stay slightly on topic, I started out the deployment wearing those yellow and green ear plugs. They were pretty good, but I couldn't effectively hear the other guys in the Humvee from my turret. I ended up ditching them and am lucky that I think I'm one of the only guys in my Company who hasn't been hit or been near an IED. I've shot plenty of 240s and M2s without earpro but they're nothing compared to IEDs and RPGs blowing up near you, as evidenced by my minimal hearing loss from the deployment.

[Sloppy Joe2]

Hahaha, the Army propose a treatment plan? =P For hearing loss, if it's great enough and you're in a combat MOS, then you either reclass or leave the Army. And when you do leave the Army they'll give you some cash for the disability, but that's it. They don't treat sh!t in the Army. Everybody jokes about Army medics saying "Oh you broke your leg? Here's some IBUPROFEN, and make sure to drink water." Well, I broke my collar bone to some extent during combatives and the TMC refused to do Xrays. They just gave me IBUPROFEN and a profile for no pushups for 24 hours. They said to come back in a week if it was still painful. Every time I came back they said it wasn't an emergency and to try again tomorrow. After a few tries I just gave up. There are a bunch of guys in my Company who have injuries from the deployment and the Army isn't doing anything to fix them, just cover up the symptoms. For the most part, the Army doesn't like to actually fix medical problems.too true, unless life, limb or eyesight the treatment plan is drink water p-)


The VA might be better now, but these guys are still Active Duty. There are also the Warrior Transition Battalions that supposedly do alot too. But at the BCT level, at least in my observations, the care of soldiers is piss poor.

To stay slightly on topic, I started out the deployment wearing those yellow and green ear plugs. They were pretty good, but I couldn't effectively hear the other guys in the Humvee from my turret. I ended up ditching them and am lucky that I think I'm one of the only guys in my Company who hasn't been hit or been near an IED. I've shot plenty of 240s and M2s without earpro but they're nothing compared to IEDs and RPGs blowing up near you, as evidenced by my minimal hearing loss from the deployment. the WTUs suck, i spent nearly a year in one and it was a nightmare. i hope as time progresses they can get those cluster****s under control.

the VA as much as they try are overloaded with Vets, regardless of severity of the various injuries i have i still get appointments at least one month apart from the last, some times longer. i thought the Army medical system was frusturating :|

to answer your question vinny, the VA will throw some hearing aids at me and give me 10 or 20% disability. thats it.

[brainplay]

I've seen somethings that looked like a cross between Peltors and a regular earplug. A few looked like bulky earplugs and other looked like hearing aids that looped over the ear. Anyone ever tried them? How well do they work and what problems did you run into with them?

[LineDoggie]

When I thought of it,used the issue Combat Ear Plugs(Green & Yellow). Usually I had a PRR Headset in One ear and a SINGARS in the other ear while My Gunner was yelling at me, and the driver asking me where to position.

[gafkiwi]

When I thought of it,used the issue Combat Ear Plugs(Green & Yellow). Usually I had a PRR Headset in One ear and a SINGARS in the other ear while My Gunner was yelling at me, and the driver asking me where to position.

Did you guys have access to dual PRRs? With a second cable running out the base of the PRR to another rasdio so the comms would all run into the same head set, and the PRR has separate PRR (internal) and MBITR/SINGAR(external) pretzel switches. With this set up combined with the liberator headsets we kinda found it gave us the best allround internal/external comms and hearing protection.

[vinny_121_ND]

Roadside bombs taking toll on troops’ hearing

VA seeing increase in veterans reporting hearing loss

By Anita Powell (powella@estripes.osd.mil), Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Sunday, October 29, 2006

BAGHDAD — Spc. Anthony DeLeon made it through the four roadside bombs without a scratch.
The inside of his right ear, however, was not so lucky.
During his recent yearlong tour of duty north of Baghdad, the 20-year-old Texan picked up an increasingly common badge of experience from the war in Iraq: hearing damage.

“It just rings all the time,” he said, turning his head slightly so that his left ear — the good one — tilts toward the speaker.
“The first week I got here, was my first (roadside bomb),” said DeLeon, who was with the 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division of Fort Campbell, Ky. “[My hearing] got a little better. But then the second one hit, the third one hit, the fourth one hit.”
While loud noise has been part of military life since muskets and cannons were part of the arsenal, Iraq is proving one of the noisiest battlegrounds yet. Roadside bombs — the signature of the country’s insurgency — regularly hit patrols, popping eardrums in their wake.

Also, more soldiers are being exposed to noise: According to a 2004 study by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 82 percent of soldiers in Iraq engaged in combat, versus an average of 15 percent in other wars.
According to Veterans Affairs data, major hearing loss disability cases held steady through the late 1990s. The number rose markedly from nearly 40,000 cases in 2002 to about 50,000 in 2005, the latest year for which data was available.
In 2005, Veterans Affairs spent nearly $800,000 treating major hearing loss — a nearly 20 percent jump from 2004. Over half of that money was spent on members of the Army.

Medics say roadside bombs regularly rob soldiers’ hearing in Iraq.

“We’ve had quite a number who have been hit by [roadside bombs],” said Capt. Rodney Dycus, a physician’s assistant who served a year at a clinic near Beiji, north of Baghdad. “And quite a few of them have some temporary hearing loss.”
Dycus said that in his experience, as many as 30 percent of people who are exposed to bombs suffer some form of hearing loss, temporary in most cases. All of those affected who have been seen at his clinic were returned to duty, he said.
Treatment can include temporary hearing aids and surgery.

While many soldiers shrug off their hearing loss, military medical officials say hearing loss is a serious issue.
Capt. David McIlwain, the lone American military audiologist in Iraq, operates out of a small hearing booth at the 10th Combat Support Hospital in Baghdad’s Green Zone. Once a month, he said, he sees a servicemember who has sustained significant hearing loss. He has recommended the medical discharge of two soldiers for hearing reasons.
“Hearing is the most important survival sense for soldiers,” he said. “In the Army, good hearing can mean the difference between life and death.”

He said he’s saddened by the impact of roadside bombs on unprotected eardrums — and by the fact that few take precautions.
Many combat-arms soldiers say they won’t wear their issued two-tone combat earplugs because they interfere with their ability to hear background noises or communicate with one another on the radio.
The consequences of that, McIlwain said, can be serious.
“You’re talking about 19-year-olds who can hear worse than my grandfather,” he said. “Hearing problems are to a large extent preventable. For the most part, a $5 pair of earplugs can prevent a great amount of it. … People I have seen here, those who did have the (issued) earplugs in, did not suffer ruptured eardrums.”
Some soldiers have been equipped with headsets that let them communicate with one another in vehicles, yet help protect them from loud noises such as bomb blasts.

Even soldiers who don’t regularly hear blasts are at risk, McIlwain said. Typically, he said, a career soldier — one who never deploys — will lose 6 percent of his hearing during his career.
“Loud noise equals hearing loss,” he said. “Period. No doubt about it.”
He said servicemembers need to be attentive to the danger and take precautions.
“When you lose your hearing, there’s no pain, no blood,” he said. “And it can happen gradually. What you’re exposed to today might not show up for 10 years.”
The military should do more to educate soldiers before they deploy about using earplugs, according to an article by hearing specialists with the U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine in the December 2005 issue of American Journal of Audiology.

The specialists also said unit commanders should be better informed about how to protect and evaluate their troops’ hearing and ensure that all blast victims be referred to audiologists for evaluation.
For soldiers like DeLeon, living with his loss is a daily adjustment.
“I’m pretty sure I won’t hear the same as I used to,” he said, adding that he’s sure he’ll be able to remain in the military. “I’ve grown used to that.”

But like many soldiers, he said he’s grateful that his run-ins with roadside bombs have taken so little from him.
“It’s a lot better than losing my leg,” he said.



Recent numbers
Veterans’ hearing loss disability cases in 2005:
Army: 51,621
Air Force: 12,477
Navy: 18,135
Marine Corps: 7,308
Source: U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs
Facts on hearing loss
• If a soldier has been exposed to an explosion, the hearing loss may be temporary. The symptoms, including mild hearing loss, dizziness and ringing in the ears, can last for several days. Too many incidents such as this will result in permanent hearing loss years later.
• If the eardrum is ruptured, it will heal on its own if the ear is kept clean and dry. About 10 percent of the surface area will heal per month. Soldiers with eardrum perforations should not place anything in the ear and be very careful not to let water get into the ear until the perforation is completely healed.
• If the rupture is very large, a specialist may use surgery to repair it and then monitor the healing process. Hearing aids are not dispensed for ruptured eardrums because the prescription would change as the eardrum heals.
For more information on eardrum perforations, see www.emedicine.com (http://www.emedicine.com/), or www.earsurgery.org/tympan.html (http://www.earsurgery.org/tympan.html)

http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=40128&archive=true

[Survival Bill]

I am interested to know what kind of hearing protection the guys are using in Iraq.

[Lasse]

"the guys" is a wide term. Who are "the guys" you are talking about?
I guess most use the ones that are issued.

[Migs]

:|
omgwtflol

[GLax]

nobody i know wheres it... nobody really wears eyepro unless someone important who might cry about it is around

[Hippo]

smells suspiciously like airsoft

sage

[PhillyMobster]

unless you believe in voluntarily surrendering one of your senses, no one wears that crap.

[LineDoggie]

These are the Issued

http://chppm-www.apgea.army.mil/hcp/CAEbginfo.html

I never wore them, except at the range or spotting for the the Barrett

[Scrim]

In Artillery at least, we were issued the very best.
http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/picture.php?albumid=587&pictureid=14117

[Geezah]

I suggested the Surefire EarPros to my neighbour whos son-in-law is in Afghanistan.

[Power_serj]

I am interested to know what kind of hearing protection the guys are using in Iraq.

I was told that no one in combat wears them.

[Mofreaka]

In Artillery at least, we were issued the very best.
http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/picture.php?albumid=587&pictureid=14117
Hah, yah. Well don't alot of people wear eyepro though? I can understand the lack of ear pro, these things suck, and they dull your senses.

[CH4RL13]

http://images.channeladvisor.com/Sell/SSProfiles/73000106/Images/3/ipod-nano-2-lanyard.jpg

Don't judge me!

[Peanut]

smells suspiciously like airsoft

sage

smells suspiciously like 4chan

[Ali Baba]

smells suspiciously like 4chan


Violation of Rule Number 1.


Attention. Violator shall have rule 34 invoked on him.

[BrianT]

Peltors or Sordins always.

[Valkyries]

I suggested the Surefire EarPros to my neighbour whos son-in-law is in Afghanistan.


Ive got a pair of the EP3's, but if people are moving around a lot, I would recommend the EP4's

[Virus]

Peltors or Sordins always.

True quality right there. I myself bought a peltor comtac, as it makes firing mortars much more comfortable :D. But the only ear pro that was worn in my experience, was the BOSE headsets in the uparmored HWMV's....other than that....blowin in the wind my friend :D

[Bisley_Bob]

I just recently bought a set of Surefire Sonic EP3 plugs on recommendation of this thread. Used them for a 2 week exercise in Scotland doing both live and blank fire. In some situations like having a chorley grenade going off in a building and lying next to a GPMG I didn't feel they were quite enough. However, they were so comfortable and I wouldn't have been wearing the issue foam plugs in some of the situations where I could wear these things so even if they didn't reduce the noise to a safe level in some situations, at least they reduced the volume over what I would have been getting without any earpro in.

[Paveway]

May I ask what are the differences between the battery operated ones and the regular muffs? What do the battery operated ones do?

[Bacon]

Battery powered usually clip or dampen a sound that is above a certain decibel and also increase the sound of lower decibels. While no battery ones are just regular ear pro.

[Soldat_Américain]

Army says new earplugs will save your hearing
http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/picture.php?albumid=987&pictureid=16002
By Gina Cavallaro - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Sep 8, 2009 5:27:28 EDT
A next-generation earplug designed to make it easier for troops to protect their eardrums will soon hit the war zone.

The challenge for leaders is getting every soldier to wear the plugs.

The new Combat Arms Earplug is made of the same washable plastic as the current earplug and has the same “triple flange” construction to keep it in place.

But instead of removing the plug to operate a dial that regulates the amount of sound entering the ear canal, the new earplug uses a rocker switch that is operated without removing the earplug.

Soldiers can adjust the rocker with a quick “click” depending on the amount of protection they need. When it’s in the open or “weapons fire” position, sound can travel through the sound channel filter into the ear.

For noisy environments that don’t require an acute listening capability, such as around helicopters, troop carriers or generators, the rocker can be switched to the closed or “constant protection” position.

Hearing protection has been standard issue for combat forces since 2002, but even so, one in four soldiers returning home report hearing loss, dizziness or ringing in the ears, according to Army audiologists.

The conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan are the first in which soldiers have gone to war with hearing protection.

The current model of the flanged earplug, fielded in 2002, has been modified three times based on feedback from soldiers. Other options, such as Peltor communications headsets, have been introduced for vehicle and other specialty use to minimize hearing loss.

Hearing tests for redeploying soldiers became mandatory in January as part of an effort to collect detailed data on the problem.

Blown eardrums — usually small tears that can eventually heal on their own — are the most common hearing injury in the war zone, according to Army audiologists. Larger tears can require surgery, in which a skin graft or a patch is used to cover the perforation.

The effect of a roadside blast on the eardrum is “like taking a mallet to a snare drum and putting a giant hole in it,” Maj. John Merkley, Army Hearing Program Manager for U.S. Army Europe said. “That eardrum is going to work as well as that snare drum would.”

There are 13 hearing test clinics in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and Qatar, said Merkley, who was in charge of the Iraq clinics for 15 months in 2006 and 2007.

“Near the end of my tour, I was seeing eight to 10 soldiers a day,” he said. “A couple of guys who had been in blasts, their only injuries were blown eardrums. I know of two leaders who were taken out of the fight because of blown eardrums.”

Most of the soldiers he treated, he said, had been injured while dismounted and had taken their communications headsets off before getting out of their vehicles, without placing earplugs in their ears.

Loud noises such as those from improvised explosive devices — the top cause for hearing loss in Iraq and Afghanistan — can cause conductive hearing loss, sensory neuro hearing loss or tinnitus, Merkley said.

Damaged eardrums and other hearing loss ailments top the list of complaints at the ear, nose and throat walk-in clinics at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan, according to medical officials, who said troops in the combat zone often prefer not to use ear protection.

Hearing protection is mandatory in Iraq and Afghanistan, but soldiers don’t always follow that instruction, the audiologists said, because they’re concerned about losing situational awareness on the battlefield.

“The most common reason is they’re scared they’re going to miss that cue that would lead them to the enemy, that soft sound that would let them know where the enemy is,” said Capt. Jillyen Curry-Mathis, who heads the Army’s hearing program at Fort Jackson, S.C.

During the wars, the Army has kept up an effort to improve ear protection options, looking for ones that soldiers will want to use.

The Army’s chief audiologist said more soldiers will wear the CAE if they understand its capability, and that will require an adjustment in mindset.

“The key to success is training,” said Col. Kathy Gates, audiology consultant to the Army surgeon general. “They need an opportunity to train with the CAE prior to going into combat so they can feel confident using it. They don’t go into battle without training on their [weapons] and we shouldn’t expect them to go to battle without ear pro.”

The ear protection could be used in pre-deployment training at home stations or at the Army’s combat training centers at Fort Irwin, Calif.; Fort Polk, La.; and Grafenwoehr, Germany, where the major collective training events take place.

Soldiers who wear the CAE properly, Gates said, don’t show any hearing loss or injury.

The fourth generation earplug is entering the Army distribution system, she said, and is not yet available through the Rapid Fielding Initiative but will be available for future deployments.

Until then, soldiers can still get the “dial” version of the CAE through RFI.

Gates said she is working with the Army Training and Doctrine Command on a program to issue the CAE to all basic trainees so they can start getting used to wearing ear protection on a regular basis.

“All basic training sites provide hearing education and hearing protection fitting classes, where they are fitted with triple flange hearing protection, and we are in the process of changing the standard issue to Combat Arms Earplug,” Gates said. http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/09/army_ear_protection_090509w/

[Trenk]

it doesn´t solve anything... it still affects your hearing capacity, and you can´t afford that on dismounted patrol even in smallest scale

[TehSuig]

For the dismounted infantryman, Peltors are the answer. They are not that expensive compared to the other things the government buys for every soldier.
Although, I could see people not wanting to wear them in hot weather.

I went into a firefight once in Afghanistan and didn't put in earplugs and swore to never do it again. I only have about half the hearing I used to have in my left ear because of it. After that, I put in my issued yellow/brown earplugs whenever the **** started to fly and never had any problems hearing my MBITR or people around me. Everyone's yelling anyway.

[SilentType]

May I ask what are the differences between the battery operated ones and the regular muffs? What do the battery operated ones do?

Think of them as speakers on your ears with little microphones. You can adjust the volume up or down and they automatically adjust themselves down when the noise gets above a certain volume level.

The other great thing about some of them is that they not only act as hearing protection and amplification, but can also be used to hook into radios for communication.

I really enjoy my COMTAC IIs and for the cost they're worth every penny. I have slight hearing damage in my left ear so I take what's left of my hearing pretty seriously.

[Blackburn]

x2
i have never been in a firefight and can't hear half as good on my right ear as before,
just because of training and range shooting.
its my fault, and i was just f'ckin stupid, so gotta pay the price.

[crazyman]

I'm in essentially the same boat as blackburn. I used surefires' ear pro in Iraq this last tour most of the time...but the times I didn't have cost me a fair bit of the hearing in my right ear. Lesson learned for me.

[Geezah]

I'm in essentially the same boat as blackburn. I used surefires' ear pro in Iraq this last tour most of the time...but the times I didn't have cost me a fair bit of the hearing in my right ear. Lesson learned for me.

Did you find that the Surefire Ear Pros work well in the field?

I use them at the range for recreational shooting and love them.

[Knight216]

Forgive me as I've used the search function, and although I suspect it's been discussed a few times before, I can't seem to find any posts regarding it...If there are some, toss a link up, I'll just shut up and say thank you and go about reading up.

I'm looking to replace my current hearing protection with some of these "electronic" hearing protection types, but I don't really have a clue as to what to look for. I've been reading mixed reviews on the Peltor T6s, and those were the kind of item I was considering.

Now, I'm not one of the BTDT types, and most of my usage will be for shooting various weapons on both indoor and outdoor ranges, where it would be helpful to hear instructions being spoken. But, I'm sure if it can survive the rigors of actual military training, it'll most definately survive a life in the range bag for me.

So, are there any advantages or disadvantages to the electronic ear protection, or maybe something else along the lines of my requirements I may want to consider?

[brainplay]

Peltor Tac 6's are fairly affordable and they'll do fine for what you have in mind. The upside is everything you mentioned. I don't need to reinforce how much LOUDER it gets when firing in closed or even semi-enclosed spaces (even in open air surrounded by barriers it's louder). It's a sensible and cheaper solution than suppressing all of your weapons. If you go "tactical" and start wearing a helmet, they'll generally fit well under an ACH or MICH.

The downside is that it's not perfect. While they do a decent job you'll still have issues with pinpointing where a sound originated from unless it's fairly close. They're somewhat sensitive and will block out sounds from a berm or two over that isn't loud to you but triggers the block anyway. Also, it's pretty surreal if someone is shouting at your and the shouts sound like a stutter as they're blocked by rounds firing.

Oh yeah, the knobs on mine were pretty easy to manipulate. Too easy to the point that throwing them in the range bag might produce some weird results if you don't check them the next time they're used.

Either way, just remember, hearing NEVER comes back. Once it's gone it's gone. Quarks or not, the Tac 6's were some money well spent and beat old fashioned ear plugs.

[Beowulf]

Hearing protection is for pussies.

So i use Peltors, otherwise the surefire earplugs.

[Chulo]

Hearing protection is for pussies.

So i use Peltors, otherwise the surefire earplugs.
9mm FMJ .

[flanker7]

"when I had hearing there were no earplugs, now that there are earplugs I don't have hearing"
or
"when I had knees there were no knee pads...." :-)

[Elemental666]

Oh I'll show you some motherf*cking hearing protection.

I PRESENT TO YOU: IDF's High Speed 007 SF Mega Standard Issue Ear Plugs. In short: IDFHS007SFMSIEP.

http://i43.tinypic.com/r0s561.jpg

They do a sh!tty job and tend to pop off your ear in the most critical moments. Overall score 10/10.

[GorkoSan]

I recommend you go for some quality electronic ear muffs. I use MSA Sordin Pro-X... I prefer them over Peltor, but Peltor is just as good, just a personal preference. If you get the chance to test them, try them on, so you see which ones work better for you.

[Knight216]

Dayum, there's a huge price difference between the Peltors and the Sordins...

I know this may seem like an obvious question, but I take it these electronic guys still work as passive hearing protection when the batteries fail?

[Migs]

http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/3090/rleeermey1.jpg (http://img535.imageshack.us/i/rleeermey1.jpg/)
Hearing protection at it's finest.

[Lasse]

Dayum, there's a huge price difference between the Peltors and the Sordins...

I know this may seem like an obvious question, but I take it these electronic guys still work as passive hearing protection when the batteries fail?Yes. It's a "microphone" on the outside and a "speaker" on the inside, and not some tunnel with noice reducing ****. They are safe to use both with and without batteries.

[Young-kiwi]

It very much Depends on what you are using them for.

I mostly shoot pistols, and when I do, it is often in an enclosed environment. So I went to the TAC7.
I also do a lot of the Range officer work for IPSC shooters. (comps are loud)

FYI :
Watch out for what you buy, notice the big cups are good with pistol, good with AR15 with scope. Not at good without scope.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c110/young-kiwi/RiverCityOpenfeb084.jpg

Good :
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c110/young-kiwi/AR15SP1-Propoint.jpg

Bad: They get knocked.
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c110/young-kiwi/DNY-Argent-shooting.jpg

[PathFindeR[BE]]

Bought these a couple weeks ago and used it last week on the range where we were firing with our AIFV's (Oerlikon C25mm and 7.62 Coax), they did the job. Especially for their price in comparison with Peltors !
http://www.cabelas.com/p-0044358228573a.shtml

+ they fit under a helmet

[Andreas]

I am thinking about getting myself some active hearing protection.
I see prices vary a lot from around 80$ to 350$

They will have to fit under a MICH, being able to hook up to coms is not really a must.
If anyone has some input i would appreciate it.

Cheers

[StuRat]

We use Peltors in the Aussie army, they fit under helmets and I've never had a problem with them.

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/5347/peltorcomtac.jpg (http://img199.imageshack.us/i/peltorcomtac.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[HollywoodMarine]

Try this... it wont cost you anything. ;)

http://i497.photobucket.com/albums/rr338/jcking2100/christmas07033.jpg

[StuRat]

Get a kid to follow you around and stick his fingers in your ears. I like it :p

[Virus]

Peltor Tac6s if no need of coms, fits under ACH types, and also at a reasonable price of 52$ or so online. I'm not sure if MSA makes a sordin in a non-commo/cheaper model, and also have never used the MSA's. Only used the Bose and Peltor.

[T3ngu]

Peltors are a solid brand. Whilst i don't have the active ones, they are commonly used at a lot of sites i go to albeit not for military purposes.

Wow, i just worked out my generic Peltor hunting units are worth $70. I treat them like dirt as they were work issue, maybe i should take care of them.

[Sneeker]

How dose the system work exactly? Do you get total noise cut off above 80db's or so or dose it just shut down the stuff over 80db and enhance everything else? Im also on the hunt for active noise headsets.

[StuRat]

How dose the system work exactly? Do you get total noise cut off above 80db's or so or dose it just shut down the stuff over 80db and enhance everything else? Im also on the hunt for active noise headsets.

The ones I posted- you can turn up and down the volume with the buttons on the side and cuts out loud noises (not sure about dB)


So its a proper fit with the ACH, and any comfort or discomfort issue's? Been wanting to pick up a decent set of muffs that fit under the ACH and not drive me nuts or put the foam plugs along for double duty.

Haven't worn them with a helmet for a while, the actual muff parts fit under no problem, but I think the helmet doesn't have much room for the band on top of your head and may push it into your head.

[HK in AK]

Okay where is the picture of R. Lee Ermey with the empty shells in his ears..............

[StuRat]

http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/5343/nc11.jpg (http://img580.imageshack.us/i/nc11.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)


................

[goose36]

good to go under ACH with eye pro, like all things that u wear, after a few hours they get a bit uncomfy. i wear a ear piece under them too and it works just fine.

[Jippo]

I have had Sordin Supreme's for quite a few years now. At the time they were superior to Peltors by a long shot. Army has Peltor's (which model, don't know) and they are at least pretty bad. Difference is that whilst Peltors simply cut off when there is sound (you can't hear anything), the Sordin's would actually filter the sound and only cut highest peaks. I also think they have better sound quality, but that is subjective.

There were quite a few head bands breaking originally, but importer replaced the broken plastic parts no questions asked. Nowadays they seem to be holding up better, I haven't broken ne in ages.

Next ones I will get are Sordins.

[gafkiwi]

Although its a fair bit out of your price range, I managed to get our S4 to sgn off and buy my team TCI Liberator II's whilst deployed. They replaced our PRR head sets as well and had the option of an overthe head type harness or around the back type. Excellent quality .......But pricey, I wouldnt have payed for them myself

[Cstafford]

I use Howard Leight Impact Sport earmuffs. They are pretty cheap but they work like a charm. They are pretty comfortable as well. I dont know if they will fit under a helmet.... but they have a AUX port:p

[ZoneOne]

I use the Peltor Tactical 6 for a while but after some training in the rain my right ear doesn't work and I haven't had the time to send them in.

I also use the Sordin Dual Net headset and they work great. I actually like the ease of battery change on the Sordins compared to the Peltors because of just simply unscrewing a cap and replacing 2 triple a's as opposed to taking off the entire ear cup for the Peltors.

If it's Military I'd say get one w/ a com hook up because if your wearing an headset and your going to carry a radio, why wouldn't you just make both of them work together?

[Andreas]

Thanks for the input guys.. It pretty much sums up what I have been reading online..
Peltor tac 6= Cheap and works but cuts sound in a less clever way than expensive models
MSA/Sordin= More expensive, more clever and with coms functionality..

I think I might start out with some cheap peltors and perhaps upgrade along the way.. Its not like im going to deploy and im just in uniform part time..

Cheers

[Lasse]

Quite a few of the MSA Sordins have AUX in, cheapest I've seen in Norway was about 1000kr.

[greendzflash]

lucky us we just getting issued ours. good old UK is paying for them too!!

each individual has to have moulds taken of the ear canal and have 4 sets made specific for them.

over a £1000 for the fitting and about £100 each per set. and they can be linked into radio head sets too.

at least we're getting the kit right for a change..... too many soldiers coming back from AFG with hearing problems.

[Catch22]

lucky us we just getting issued ours. good old UK is paying for them too!!

each individual has to have moulds taken of the ear canal and have 4 sets made specific for them.

over a £1000 for the fitting and about £100 each per set. and they can be linked into radio head sets too.

at least we're getting the kit right for a change..... too many soldiers coming back from AFG with hearing problems.

Who's the manufacturer? NACRE prehaps with their QuietPro? http://nacre.no/quietpro-pluss.asp

[greendzflash]

no, i forget now...... they are something to do with our radios.........

something co ?

[Virus]

lucky us we just getting issued ours. good old UK is paying for them too!!

each individual has to have moulds taken of the ear canal and have 4 sets made specific for them.

over a £1000 for the fitting and about £100 each per set. and they can be linked into radio head sets too.

at least we're getting the kit right for a change..... too many soldiers coming back from AFG with hearing problems.

That's some good **** there dude.

[greendzflash]

That's some good **** there dude.

they are made by Racal Accoustics. here is a link to the write up:

http://www.soldiermod.com/volume-2/racal-acoustics.html

[lt tahoe]

Andreas--if you're even considering the Tac6s, go with the Howard Leights as mentioned before. I have used both for non-comms earpro, and the Tac6s suck compared to the HLs. If you're going comms, or at least need military durability, Sordins are the way to go.

[Cougar79]

Just bought me some Peltor Sport Tac last Week, and tested them on the Range for two days now. Recommended.

Cougar

[Catch22]

If you can afford it go for Peltor Comtac's II or III, or slightly cheaper Sordin Supreme Pro. I got Comtacs, my friend Sordins - hard to tell which one's better.

[Andreas]

I counted the pro's and con's and went with something affordable to start out with. Ordered a pair of Peltor tac 6.
they cost me 497NOK witch equates to a 6 pack of pints and a 20-pack of cigs from the store and two pints on the town..

If I was loaded I would have gone for MSA sordin right of the bat..

Btw MODS: This thread could be merged with any coms threads to be a sticky on coms and hearing protection.
Yeah I know we have s ****load of stickys

Cheers

[Andreas]

Got my Peltor tac6 this week, seems pretty good. A bit fidgety to get the batteries installed, but otherwise pretty much what I expected for the money i spent..

Pretty funny turning them up to max and snapping my fingers at my hips and then moving my arms up towards my head until you hear the Peltor's "muffle" the snapping sound..

[Müller]

Whenever you feel like upgrading I suggest getting a pair of MSA Sordin Rangers (with dual comms) if you will be rockin' more than one commo system, otherwise just get the 1 comm version. I have not tried the Peltor ComTacs for enough time to comment on the comfort of them vs the comfort of the Sordins, btu as far as the sordins goes (I own the supreme pro X ones, which are the ranger ones without any comms; since I run a bowman headset under instead) they're bloody brilliant. Waterproof, excellent sound. Hell even plugging in an MP3player using 3.5mm AUX cable gave excellent sound back. Sound which was even compareable to my Sennheiser headset (top grade there too, which says alot about the sordins' sound).

I love the fact that they just cut off the highest sound peaks as opposed to how the peltors just cut off all sound when high enough db is reached.

Just my 0.02

[Virus]

Well I just bought a TCI Liberator 1 for pretty damn cheap from botach tactical (google it if you want). Normal they are a pretty pricey headset, and while they might not be as good as the TCI Liberator 2 or comtac 2/ACH series, it serves my purpose. And the price was pretty good for the whole setup. Normally the commo kits cost 500-700, yet they sell em for 249$.

edit: I also want to put out that a lot of people have had problems with Botach, and that they aren't exactly reliable, yet I took the plunge. So I just want to say, peruse at your own risk with them. But I will say I received exactly what I ordered when I was supposed to.

[Andreas]

A tad besides the point, but I just realized that people have been able to hear my bull**** many times on the range when I havent realized they have been using active hearing protection haha...

[Lasse]

I counted the pro's and con's and went with something affordable to start out with. Ordered a pair of Peltor tac 6.
they cost me 497NOK witch equates to a 6 pack of pints and a 20-pack of cigs from the store and two pints on the town..You forgot to tell them that this is almost $80!

Where did you get them from?

[Andreas]

You forgot to tell them that this is almost $80!

Where did you get them from?

Only place i waste my monies... eGay

[ABU 3OMAR]

http://www.censdigital.com/home.html

try this link.

my previous job was a hearing aid specialist and i have been around allot of shooters with hearing loss due to the use of unsuitable noise protection.
this is one of the cheapest kind of digital noise protection.
am not advertising for them. but i use smiler protection myself.

[Paveway]

http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/3090/rleeermey1.jpg (http://img535.imageshack.us/i/rleeermey1.jpg/)
Hearing protection at it's finest.
Is that the Gunny?

[Mein Teil]

Is that the Gunny?

Yep.................