What's new in quality in-ear electronic hearing protection?

[gregkl]

I have tried several in-ear brands, electronic and custom molded. I have a weird left ear canal and all of them are either so hard to put in(the custom molded ones) or just don't fit tight enough to be of any great benefit for me. After trying the latest, greatest I ended up staying with on-ear models.

I did buy a jar of the "foamies". They actually work really well and reduce the sound as much or more than anything else. They do reduce being able to hear conversations though so they may not be the best if you were taking class. I think they would be fine for competition though.

 

[fullmetaljesus]

Anyone have any experience with these?

SIG SAUER - AXIL GS EXTREME IN-EAR ELECTRONIC HEARING PROTECTION - BT

Lose the heavy, obnoxious, and hot over-the-ear hearing protection for these in-ear wireless earbuds.

www.sigsauer.com

 

[gregkl]

Anyone have any experience with these?

SIG SAUER - AXIL GS EXTREME IN-EAR ELECTRONIC HEARING PROTECTION - BT

Lose the heavy, obnoxious, and hot over-the-ear hearing protection for these in-ear wireless earbuds.

www.sigsauer.com

Those were one of the several I tried. They didn't work for me, but again that's most likely due to my funky ear canal.

 

[Born2vette]

Anyone have any experience with these?

SIG SAUER - AXIL GS EXTREME IN-EAR ELECTRONIC HEARING PROTECTION - BT

Lose the heavy, obnoxious, and hot over-the-ear hearing protection for these in-ear wireless earbuds.

www.sigsauer.com

Looks like a more expensive, sig version of these which have gotten mixed/negative reviews.

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No personal experience.

I just got my wife and I some Axil gs extreme on a black friday special for $100 per set. My first in ear type protection. I was tired of over ear muffs messing with my cheek weld. Also wanted something I could use while hunting that wouldn't block ambient sound. I was disappointed the first time I used them, but kept trying the different tips they came with and finally found the ones that work for me. Now I am quite pleased with them so far.

I tried the lower end Axils with a wire connecting the sides. Maybe I got a bad set, maybe not. They had way too much background hiss for my liking. Went to the Otto's and gave the Axil to a friend that wanted to try electronic plugs.

More than one reviewer posted similar unfavorable reviews & then said they were offered $$ by the company to remove their negative reviews.

I did notice an annoying back ground static type noise with my Axil's if I turn the sound enhancement volume way up, but found that I certainly don't need them turned up that high. Even with them turned down as low as they will go, I still hear better than I can without them.

 

[Born2vette]

I have tried several in-ear brands, electronic and custom molded. I have a weird left ear canal and all of them are either so hard to put in(the custom molded ones) or just don't fit tight enough to be of any great benefit for me. After trying the latest, greatest I ended up staying with on-ear models.

I did buy a jar of the "foamies". They actually work really well and reduce the sound as much or more than anything else. They do reduce being able to hear conversations though so they may not be the best if you were taking class. I think they would be fine for competition though.

I have the same issue with the ear buds I have tried making me hesitant to spend the $$ to try one of these. My best fitting ear buds are an old pair of wired Bose, but still the right will not stay in place while running.

 

[DadSmith]

My audiologist told me to use in the ear plugs, and hearing muffs to protect the hearing I do have left which isn't much.

I usually just turn off my hearing aid and put muffs on.

Might go by an audiologists office or call one, and see what they recommend. Trust me you do not want to lose your hearing.

 

[Gunmetalgray]

Not that changing batteries would be a huge deal but simply putting the ear pieces away in a recharging storage case would be even easier, like the Otto's. As long as it works as advertised. The fact that it shows the level of charge for each earpiece is pretty slick too. No guessing at battery life.

 

[gmcttr]

... As long as it works as advertised...

The Otto's do indeed work as advertised.

 

[Gunmetalgray]

The Otto's do indeed work as advertised.

They are intriguing & have definite pluses. $360-ish (assuming 10% sale still on) is probably a case of 5K primers now a days, but that's a hell of a lot more appealing than those $2K ESP's.

Found a review on the Etymotic's but then realized they used the "air activated" hearing aide batteries that start discharging once the package is opened and will discharge even if removed. So for weekly range trips that means replacing batteries each & every trip. Deal breaker for me, on principle and convenience. Here's link if anyone interested;

Gear Review: Etymotic GunSport PRO Electronic Earplugs - The Truth About Guns

Electronic hearing protection is the solution to hearing range commands, conversation, and ambient sounds while simultaneously protecting from loud noises. Founded in 1983, Etymotic Research has been designing hearing aids and earphones almost as long as I’ve been alive, and is one of the few...

www.thetruthaboutguns.com

But, the article does give another thumbs up to using the Westone foam ear piece, as you previously mentioned.

 

[Gunmetalgray]

Anyone have any experience with these?

SIG SAUER - AXIL GS EXTREME IN-EAR ELECTRONIC HEARING PROTECTION - BT

Lose the heavy, obnoxious, and hot over-the-ear hearing protection for these in-ear wireless earbuds.

www.sigsauer.com

Before Christmas I was looking at them but couldn't find um in stock anywhere. All for the better though cause all that searching led to some so-so reviews and then some reviewers stating that the company (Ax, not Sig) was offering to pay them off to take down their neg reviews.

 

[DadSmith]

Anyone have any experience with these?

SIG SAUER - AXIL GS EXTREME IN-EAR ELECTRONIC HEARING PROTECTION - BT

Lose the heavy, obnoxious, and hot over-the-ear hearing protection for these in-ear wireless earbuds.

www.sigsauer.com

They have a 29dB rating that's about as high as you can get for that type of hearing protection. Foam plugs if properly used have 33dB.

If im shooting by myself I use foam plugs and muffs. For a combined total of 60dB reduction which my audiologist suggested I use years ago so I won't lose all my hearing.

 

[hANNAbONE]

Rough idea of the price?

...less than $400...

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