Should we be using ear protection?

[TonyC]

Hey all, I was curious on people's opinions about how they feel about the use of ear protection. Although I feel that ear protection prevents our hearing sense to be utilized while hunting it protects us over time from hearing damage. So, is it worth it?

[MULEPACKHUNTER]

What?

[wildwoody]

What? What??

[bgshooter]

Yes for ear protection when shooting the rifle. Don't need it on when looking for the target.

[rossislider]

Yes. Last thing I do before shooting is put in the ear plugs. I don't wear them the rest of the time. When rifle hunting, it is very rare that I wouldn't have plenty of time to set up for my shot and get my hearing protection in.

[brian390]

I use ear protection when sighting in but not when hunting.

[Workman]

I Never have used them while hunting but im going to start this year. My ears were ringing for 4 days after I shot my buck last year. 300wsm with a muzzle break is no joke. The funny thing is I had ear plugs with me and about 15 minutes to put them in while laying there waiting for him to stand up.

[Eagle mountain ranch]

Yes..there is usually alot of time when you glass them up from a far and shoot.I always put them in but will leave one loose so I can still communicate with my spotter. Also if your the spotter at least for me it is mandatory cause not only does it help with hearing protection.It make you less likely to jump when calling shots.

[Smith2260]

Definitely wear ear pro. At my job we get an annual hearing test. I started putting in plugs before the shot about 4 years ago. I was told by the Doc that if my hearing test continued at the current trend I would have hearings aids within 10 years. I now have Tinnitis (ringing in the ears). That ringing sound never goes away, roosting birds in April or bugles in September, it is always there. I wish I knew 20 years ago what I know now. Keep in mind I am only in my 30's.

 

I will put my left plug in when I am going to set up and let the right one hang from my neck, then when it is time to shoot I simply slide the right one in without having to move from the rifle.

[Chris]

I'm barely 50 and now have hearing issues on both ears. I have only one thing to point to for blame ..... shooting

[5guyshunting]

I'm barely 50 and now have hearing issues on both ears. I have only one thing to point to for blame ..... shooting

I blame my wife for yelling at me. It could be the concrete saws though?

[QhunterAZ]

Left ear has about 25% hearing loss. Started using electronic hearing protection 2 years back. It help and the new stuff enhances sounds.

[4Falls]

WEAR IT!!!!

 

I have tinitus in my left ear so bad that there are days I swear I'd rather have no hearing at all. I wear ear protection at work always. Always when shooting and have them at the ready around my neck when hunting with firearms. Last rifle shot I took at an animal I had plenty of time to shove them in and shoot. I also get them in before my hunting partner is about to shoot. I only wish I'd have done it decades ago.

[Antmo23]

I wear them whenever I'm shooting these days. Even dove hunting. I bought some i saw on tv, kinda like a headband, works great and easy to use.

[muledeerarea33?]

Booze takes the ringing away at night. But while out hunting and it's quite except for your ear noise, it sucks!! I shot most my life without protection. The last 5 or so years I use it for shooting, work noise, power tool noise, every noise really. I look like a nerd but don't really care. I don't want to lose anymore.