Ear Protection

[TexReb]

Gentlemen:

Need some insight on period ear protection. It appears that I suffered some hearing damage during the TAG event this year and while I can only blame myself I need some input as to a proper type of ear protection.

I realize that this has been discussed before on the AC but with the change in the site I thought it would be okay to get the input again.

And if I may take a moment to add my $.02, gents, wear ear protection. You might think it won't happen to you, but take it from me, it can and WILL happen.

Thanks for your imput!

Steve Johnston
Craddock's Ramrods
Los Viejos Muchachos

[major]

I have always promoted the use of ear and eye protection but there are some hard cores out their that think it would look too farby to use it. This way 30 years from now their grand kids can clime up on their knee and say (or shout), “Grandpa, tell us again how you lost your eye and hearing in the war”. I always use hearing and eye protection when shooting. You may never have an accident but it only needs to happen once.
Terry

[HOG.EYE.MAN]

I always use hearing and eye protection when shooting.

What kind of eye protection do you use while at reenactments Terry?

[pvt. tommy]

Steve,
I like to use some earplugs made by North Safety Products. They are called "Sonic 2" suppressors. They are flesh toned - depending, of course, on your skin color- so they aren't very noticeable, unlike those God awful neon orange abominations. They have an inner valve that is open normally, but closes when activated by a loud noise. That way, you can hear commands and normal conversation. The little valve can even be removed when the rubber outer cushion is worn out. Then you can order just the outer cushion from North and save some coin.
I got my pair at Wal-Mart for about $7.00. They are pretty easy to find in gun shops and safety catalogs.
I usually slip mine in just before we start firing and so far I don't know that anyone has even noticed I'm wearing them.
Protect your hearing at all costs!
I am,
Tommy Rollings
8th SCVI
Palmetto Battalion

[Michael McComas]

Everyone who's deaf, please raise your hand. 10% hearing loss in my right ear in my first three years of shooting. Percussion caps will damage your hearing faster than shooting modern rifles or handguns, because they're right there at your ear.

If you want good protection and an unobtrusive appearance, get some custom-made flesh colored silicon ear plugs. They go for $25-35, and you can usually find someone through your local gun shop or shooting range that will make them. A more cost-friendly alternative is swimmer's silicon ear plugs, available in a 4-pack from just about any drug store. They look like beeswax, and they will seal your ear quite well.

My audiologist recommended baffled earplugs for shooting. They're sort of christmas tree shaped earplugs made of soft rubber. They are very good at blocking sound. Where you've already suffered some hearing damage, you might just want to bite the bullet and get a pair. I've seen them in white, blue and red, but not fleshtone. Do what you have to do, it's hard to find new ears.

[major]

What kind of eye protection do you use while at reenactments Terry?

I wear glasses. The glasses that I wear are realy more suited to the 1920's than the 1860's but I feel it's worth the little bit of farbyness for the larger lenzes and the protection they provide. They are the kind that have the rap-around the ear side pieces. They stay on, provide a reasonable amount of protection and look kinda-like they belong in the era.
Terry

[b][Edit: Please sign your full name to every post. First names don't cut the mustard. Please get your signature file updated immediately - PC]

[Mofedshirker]

You know, you could just deal with the reduced hearing.

[Old Reb]

You know, fellows, but this may be too simplistic, but how about cotton in your ear
I am sure it is period, and it does help. Now don't shout at me, but I can't blame reenacting and musket fire on my impaired hearing. I blame other things, but not reenacting. Not wanting to make anyone angry, but try the cotton.

[major]

The trouble with cotton is that it doesn’t always stay in, it has a tendency to fall out. Or if the piece is too small it can wind its way into the ear channel and then it is hard to get out. But using cotton is better than using nothing at all.
Terry

[tarwater_mess]

I wear glasses. The glasses that I wear are realy more suited to the 1920's than the 1860's

WHAT?!?! I know he did not say that?