Walkers game ears?

[lurcher]

Anyone use these? basically a hearing aid/foam plug with a compression circuit which helps dampen muzzle blast. I am having a serious issue with my ears ringing when hunting. My hunting often involves a combination of bush stalking and open country hunting over the course of a single hunt. If I spot an animal in the open and i have time to set up for the shot then I use foam ear plugs.


When in the bush I need to be able to hear so the plugs are a hindrance. I routinely wear a camouflage face net and would find earmuffs with a compression/hearing aid circuit too bulky (I use them for duck hunting and they work fine for that).

Can anyone comment on the effectiveness of the game ears?

[Len Backus]

I just bought a single one last week for the same reason as you. Haven't had it in the field yet but tried it on with a head/face mask. I feel it will work. Seems like the foam plug will fit well enough to protect the ears for the occasional hunting shot. I would not rely on them for shooting targets repeatedly. I bought one to start. It may be sufficient to just wear a plug in the other ear. For me, it is for stationary setups, coyotes, deer, etc. Not sure I would want to use only one ear for cruising like you do. My ears are still ringing from 2 shots just before Christmas. Probably permanent.

[Buffalobob]

I have used them as a pair for about 10 years. There are about five problems and about one good point.

First the good point.

If you can't hear, then they work very well to allow you to hear and they are frequency tunable to provide amplitude in the range you need it.

Disadvantages

1. You cannot wear a low hat nor long redneck hair as it will create feedback.
2. They are not waterproof and so must be protected from rain and the washing machine.
3. Even with a pair you lose directional locating ability although if you were not going to hear the animal in the first place you are ahead of the game.
4. I find I turn up the volume too high or else it is necessary for it to be too high and after four or five hours of hunting I have a temporary increase in hearing loss.
5. They do not like high winds and that will create a lot of background noise.

While it sounds like there are a lot of problems, if you have severe hearing loss then they are really good.

[Len Backus]

Jim

My motivation is for protection in hunting situations...stand or hide situations, really. I hear well, just don't want to be tempted to shoot at a deer unprotected.

I'll test those issues you mentioned before my 30 days are up. Thanks.

[esshup]

When talking to the other mfg.'s of hearing protection for shooting (specifically in-the-ear type) I was told that the clear tube lets excessive noise get to the eardrum. Specifically, I was told that the NRR was at the electronic device, not at the foam earplug.

With that said, I still haven't decided on a pair for hunting, which I will need to do this year.

Did you look at E.A.R. and ESP?

[Buffalobob]

I have custom fit molded ear plugs with custom fit molded tubes.

[esshup]

bbob:

Who's the mfg?