In April I used those exact devices in RSA, and will use then when I hunt again.

They also make a digital unit which I tried- much more expensive and very little improvement in performanc, I think.

Getting the volume adjusted on these is a bit tricky, I ignored the instructions and set the volume before putting them into my ear.

They are a bit uncomfortable at first, like any ear plug; suggest getting used to them at home a few hours at a time.

The sound reduction is not good enough for regular range use, but just fine for the few shots you fire when hunting.

Highly recommended!

I've suffered from tinitus for over 10 years, caused, the consultant says, by shooting rifles without hearing protection.

As I'm sure you are acutely aware hearing protection means hearing restriction and that isn't a good thing when stalking game.

However, in recent years technology has brought us several electronic devices that may just be the ticket for those that want hearing protection only when the gun goes bang. I've been doing a little research and this small device from EAR looks very interesting.



It's called the EAR Mini-Canal and their manufacturer's claim hearing protection without all the usual disadvantages.

I'm keen to protect my ears from further damage, but when my PH whispers something to me, I need to hear him. Has anyone tried this product or something similar in Africa?

Have a pretty good case of tinitis myself from many years of shooting everything from smallbore to 81mm mortars. Have never used hearing protection while hunting before, but recently tried out my guide's Walker Game Ear "The Quad 4", currently on sale @ Natchez Shooting Sports for $169.86.

You can hear things you did not hear without the muffs when you put them on and since each ear cup has 2 mikes (one pointed forward, one to the rear), they are stereophonic so that you can tell what direction a sound is coming from. That was one of my major concerns about hearing protection and is not a problem w/the Walkers.

Volume and frequency are easily adjustable for each ear w/knob located between the mikes (which are foam covered to reduce wind interference). Amplification up to 8 times is possible and the noise reduction is 24dB. I used mine at an indoor pistol range last week and they do the job as far as protection from muzzle blast.

I am looking forward to actually using them in the field on my next hunt.

Not sure how the muffs compare w/the plugs as to sound quality, directional ability and hearing protection. One advantage of the plugs would be in hot weather; the muffs will be warm, I am sure.

Regards,
hm

I suffer a lot of hearing damage, that goes with the game, big bore guns will damage hearing with or without a brake BTW....

I have a set of expensive digital hearing aids that a company gave me to test in Africa and they work extremely well, Last year I used them but the left aid went bad on me..Its fixed now and I will test them again in Africa this year, they work great on the range so far..

Mine are ESP elite digitals at about $2700. but they have less expensive ones that are suppose to work really well...