From observing a friend who wears behind-the-ear hearing aids that also incorporate noise attenuation, I've concluded that shooting protection of this kind is the best that I might be able to afford for wearing when hunting.
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Here's what I understand from studying specifications sheets.

1. Electronic muff protectors can be among the least expensive protective devices to buy. But their NRR ratings (18-27) - the rating that quantifies noise attenuation for all protective devices - tend to be among the lowest, least protective of all.

2. Custom fitted in-ear devices are the most expensive, least intrusive, and tend to be the place where new technology enters the market first. NRR ratings (29-33) tend to be the highest of all devices, possibly because of sealing the ear canal better than occurs with non-fitted devices, possibly because of better noise attenuation technology. These also tend to be more temperamental to fit and wear.

3. The better behind-the-ear devices have NRR ratings (27-30) nearly as high as custom fitted in-ear devices at a fraction of the cost.

I've decided to buy a pair of behind-the-ear devices. Examining specifications does not inform me which brand or which specific behind-the-ear shooting protection is the most reliable. And that's what I need to know.
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Here's what I don't know.

1. How much better, if at all, are behind-the-ear devices incorporating digital technology compared with those using analog?

2. Assuming digital technology is in fact superior to analog, how much technology is "enough?" How many digital channels is adequate? How much sound enhancement is adequate? Which devices retain sound clarity effectively while enhancing?

3. My experience with warranties when judging electronic devices is that they are not reliable indicators of quality. Which behind-the-ear devices have demonstrated reliability and durability - that is, which devices work properly, and work for a long time?

i have The Walker Game Ears 2 that I combined with a pair of molded ear plugs.Works great.Shooting my 44 mag,35 Rem ,475 Linebaugh is no problem with these in plus I can hear game aproaching.I even wear them Bowhunting now.

If it's for hunting, it shouldn't be too bad, but a big part of hearing loss comes from the vibration of the bone directly behind the ear -- and for that, you need muffs, TMK.

quote:

Originally posted by Aglifter:
If it's for hunting, it shouldn't be too bad, but a big part of hearing loss comes from the vibration of the bone directly behind the ear -- and for that, you need muffs, TMK.

What is your source of information to make that statement?????

quote:

Originally posted by OLBIKER:


What is your source of information to make that statement?????

Medically known and proven :
Hearing loss occurs from both air conduction - (ear drum via the ear canal)
and bone conduction-- (especially the mastoid bone)

Covering the mastoid helps minimize the bone conduction loss.

I wear both in-ear and good over-ear at the range.

More info:
http://www.e-a-r.com/pdf/hearingcons/earlog13.pdf

quote:

Originally posted by DuggaBoye:

quote:

Originally posted by OLBIKER:


What is your source of information to make that statement?????

Medically known and proven :
Hearing loss occurs from both air conduction - (ear drum via the ear canal)
and bone conduction-- (especially the mastoid bone)

Covering the mastoid helps minimize the bone conduction loss.

I wear both in-ear and good over-ear at the range.

More info:
http://www.e-a-r.com/pdf/hearingcons/earlog13.pdf

Well since the question was which behind the ear protecters to buy,I answered using my experience with what I use.Those tests you refered me to,were with foam plugs and a solid muff.My set up is good for hunting.I wear them all the time hunting as you never know when a shot will come.I doubt anyone would wear a outfit like that all day(Plugs & muffs)I do however do that for shooting on the Range.I think for hunting The Molded earplug with your choice of electronics is the way to go..