hearing protection while hunting

A

akersrob

Member
hey guys.

Before someone says search the forum, I did and found nothing. I am looking for some ear buds/plugs (not the bulky muffs) to wear while hunting to protect my hearing. There are many out there. I bought some walker game ear, but was surprised when I could not hear normally conversation. I threw the package away, but it appears to be for gun range only. They do protect when I shoot, but cannot hear a conversation right beside me well.

So I am looking for a set of earbuds that shutdown on muzzle blast but I can hear normally while hunting. They do not have to have enhanced hearing capabilities, but I do want to be able have a normal conversation or hear the wings when birds jump up.

I have seen some pop up on my facebook feed, but a little shy of them. Some cost 30 bucks or so and I have seen some in the 160s.

Do you think they make something Iike I describle?
 
I have used Axil GSX 2's for deer hunting and was satisfied, not impressed but satisfied. Even at low settings I could hear each exhale and I wasn't puffing, then i put them through the washing machine🤦‍♂️. Axil replaced them since I had gotten the extended warranty but I think I got a refurb pair back, this pair doesn't seem to have the same ambient audio quality. They also have significant wind noise.
Even with these drawbacks I still got a good deal. I got an email and they are $100 a pair but that might be for returning customers.
FWIW Eric Forrester likes his Axil XCOR buds.
 
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I’ve been thrilled with $25 orvis ear plugs, but couldn’t find them the other day…found the same ear plug by googling “orvis hearing protection”
and they’re made by the same company for around $20-30 at midway supply and other online retailers…made by Axil.
 
I've already lost some of the higher tones, and remain concerned about hearing loss for years. Always wearing muffs at the range or clay shooting, but never in the field. Maybe there is an in-the-ear model that won't hurt my ears, but have not found it yet. However, I also like being able to hear that rooster flush beside or behind me...
 
CRP said:
I've already lost some of the higher tones, and remain concerned about hearing loss for years. Always wearing muffs at the range or clay shooting, but never in the field. Maybe there is an in-the-ear model that won't hurt my ears, but have not found it yet. However, I also like being able to hear that rooster flush beside or behind me...
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Any of these products that dampen the sound will allow for hearing the flush. I use the foam tips to reduce ear pain with the ottos. A pair of the foam tips generally last me 3+ months before I switch them out for fresh pair.
 
I have been wearing these (see link) for probably 3 years now. Can't hunt or shoot without them. I even wear them while turkey hunting, which requires you to hear pretty well. I had my scare with hearing damage (had to empty the gun in some really thick, short pine trees on a wounded turkey; my left ear still rings to this day). I have no issues hearing deer walking in the leaves, birds flushing, conversations, except when it is windy or you are far away from the other person. I usually do struggle to pinpoint a far off turkey gobble with the buds in, but its only a question of directionality on low or muffled sounds, not hearing it per se... so i typically wait 'til I have him pinpointed, then pop in the Axils in case I get to shoot him. If its windy, a beanie over top of the ears&buds cuts down on the wind noise I have found. After I have them in for a while it feels just like my natural hearing.

goaxil.com

GS Extreme 2.0

AXIL GS Extreme 2.0: 3-in-1 earbuds for shooting, featuring Bluetooth, noise isolation, and electronic protection. Comfortable, long-lasting, 25hr runtime.
goaxil.com goaxil.com
 
CRP said:
I believe my vet uses those Ottos. I'll have to check them out.
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There are 2 volume settings. When you put them in, you hold down on the button to turn them on. They will make a noise to let you know they are on. They are in regular volume mode after being turned on. Tapping the button on each will toggle them to higher volume mode. I use that mode. It isn't as loud as my over the ear Walker brand muffs, but I don't use those at full volume, as the rustling noises get too loud. Tapping the button again will toggle back to regular volume. When going to higher volume mode, the tone sound to signify it is changing modes will go up in pitch. When toggling back to normal mode, it will go down in pitch.

Word on the street is they provide more attenuation and less wind noise than the Axil GSX 2 product. I have not used the Axil, so can't give a comparison. Otto Noizebarriers are definitely more expensive.

The Ottos do not have Bluetooth. The Axil GSX 2 do have it.
 
More info on the Ottos... You keep them in a case. The case recharges them. You charge up the case when needed. You can go a long time without needing to charge the case. I think the earbuds will last a completely full day of pheasant hunting, on high mode, without being recharged, but I do put them in the case between stops, so that ensures it.
 
I've tried Axils. I've tried Walkers, including the newer version that is supposed to filter out wind noise. None worked in the field because of wind noise. They howl like banshees when the volume is up high enough to hear external sounds. I also found with the Axils and the newer Walker that the settings were by finger touch on the the ear piece with some little lady speaking very faintly, that I can't understand due to the wind howling telling me what setting I just adjusted to. Both brands work fine at the range. I wouldn't recommend either for field use. At my age it probably doesn't matter, but I'm back to "ringing ears" at the end of a successful day of hunting. I long ago learned to just to smile and shake my head yes when trying to have a normal conversation.
 
I bought some Earmor ear buds. They provide the same protection as the best muffs (30 dcb). They also Bluetooth to my phone which is pretty handy. Lastly they don’t fall out. I have gone through so many different hearing protection brands and they all had their issues. This one is comfy (I can wear them all day). They are easy to use and are rechargeable.
 
Drew said:
I bought some Earmor ear buds. They provide the same protection as the best muffs (30 dcb). They also Bluetooth to my phone which is pretty handy. Lastly they don’t fall out. I have gone through so many different hearing protection brands and they all had their issues. This one is comfy (I can wear them all day). They are easy to use and are rechargeable.
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Have you tried these in the wind? Seems like everyone is making this type of ear protection now, but I am reluctant to bite after my experience with Axil and Walker.
 
I have, they come with some foam wind interference reducers. They also provide several replacements. They do a pretty good job. I have used walkers and they absolutely suck in the wind.
 
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