Any recommendations for hearing protection for Infantry?

MAJ Jerry Murray — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 13:08:48 -0500

Are most just using issued protection? Thinking of a Christmas present.

Response by PFC David Foster made Nov 29 at 2021 1:14 PM

PFC David Foster — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 13:14:59 -0500

Do they still use the yellow ones that expand? Those are really good for blocking sound.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2021 1:20 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 13:20:26 -0500

Just the standard yellow foam ones that units dish out at ranges. Thus far, those have been the best and cheapest I have found

Response by MAJ Jerry Murray made Nov 29 at 2021 1:21 PM

MAJ Jerry Murray — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 13:21:47 -0500

I should have been more clear - I was thinking only for range use and not for tactical situations that involve communication issues (i.e., like issues TCAPS had ... "TCAPS has reached the end of its lifecycle due to its lack of interoperability with new radios entering the force."

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2021 1:41 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 13:41:31 -0500

The best ear pro you can buy your beloved Infantryman is a set of Peltors. They can range anywhere from $100 to $900 for the fancy ones that can hook into com systems with a mic. You can find some older used Comstat models for a decent price or the Sport models are between $100-$200. Ideally get a pair that have the Active microphone that allows you to hear someone speaking but block sound when there is shooting. Most of them will fit under the helmet and most units won't have an issue with the Soldier wearing them. They're perfect for Range Safety duties because you aren't deaf. If you look around there are much cheaper versions available as well, you could probably find a good set at Cabella's for under $100

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2021 2:01 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 14:01:52 -0500

Peltors

Response by PFC Steven Kleiner made Nov 29 at 2021 2:53 PM

PFC Steven Kleiner — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 14:53:44 -0500

As former Infantry & now working for an industrial supplier where I received more safety training in ballistic safety be sure that whatever you go with has a rating of at least 28NRR or higher. 28NRR is the OSHA standard for ballistic rating for ear plugs.

Response by SFC Randy Hellenbrand made Nov 29 at 2021 3:14 PM

SFC Randy Hellenbrand — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 15:14:27 -0500

What???????? I can't hear you.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Nov 30 at 2021 12:22 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 12:22:33 -0500

Tricky- never used them in combat, needed to be able to hear everything as a grunt. too much and you can die, don't block enough and you are deaf. Plus if it is not DOD approved, they may not let them wear them

Response by SSG Bob Robertson made Dec 1 at 2021 8:31 AM

SSG Bob Robertson — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 08:31:13 -0500

1976 we used ciggertte butts. They were really cheap then so it really wasn't a waste of two smokes.

Response by PFC Lisa McDonald made Dec 2 at 2021 10:12 AM

PFC Lisa McDonald — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 10:12:25 -0500

I honestly don't believe there is such a thing beyond using in a training environment to limit ear damage. Out in the field getting ambushed you aren't saying hey cease fire I need to get my ear protection in.

Response by SPC Preston O'Connor made Jan 1 at 2022 12:41 PM

SPC Preston O'Connor — Sat, 01 Jan 2022 12:41:21 -0500

I liked the surefire ear plugs. If I had to do it over I would still use the surefire plugs and spend my own money for peltors. I have not researched the best electronic ear pro because I am now retired but I can’t stress protecting your hearing enough. Do not discount vibration and bone conductivity for hearing damage. I spent many hours resting my face on a 240 on an MRAP. Now I have tinnitus and permanent hearing loss. The VA actually gave me free hearing aids.