Ears for Kids

[hollandm]

My almost 12 year old grandson has requested new ears.  He says the one's he has don't keep out the noise.
Where I look they are almost always for adults and are sealed in plastic so you can't try them on.

He's an average to small size kid and shoots 22's 9mm, 20ga, & 223.

Any pointers would be appreciated.

[crusader rabbit]

Have ya tried the foam ones?  Squeeze 'em to make 'em small enough to go into the ear canal and they expand to keep out noise.  Some of the pharmacies also have ones made out of silicone wax--it's sorta like pushing a wad of gum into your ear, but not as sticky.  I've used 'em and they keep out most noise.  The need to be replaced after about 30 uses--maybe more if yer kid keeps his ears clean.

FWIW
Crusader

[Fatman]

You could also try these in the 'small' size. I have them and love them. They act progressively as the decibels increase - basically convert noise energy into heat energy.

http://www.opticsplanet.net/surefire-ep3-sonic-defender-earpieces.html

[Combat Diver]

Go to Remington's Store on line and they have junior eyes and earmuffs.

CD

[ellis4538]

Dillon Precision has Junior Ear and Eye protection advertised in their "Blue Press"  so I assume it is on their web site.

FWIW

Richard

[Sponsor]

[MikeBjerum]

Everything I have thought of has been mentioned except one -

Make sure they have as many "flex points" as possible and the highest decibel rating as possible. 

My favorite for me and kids have a hinge joint on the back of the ear piece, so the ear piece will always fit flat against the head.  I often am able to use adult size on five year olds, because they fit flat.  However, the jr. size is better, because the are lighter, and the head strap fits correctly.

I also like the 35db rating.  With this level of muffling the "fear factor" is almost eliminated.  Why let sound bother someone that is getting used to recoil.  I have a horrible flinch, and sound is part of it.  I developed it when I was young, and I can't completely get rid of it.

Thanks for thinking of what is best for the grandkids!

Good luck.

[philw]

I got my Daughter a set of Pelters

they also sell them in a few different colours

[hollandm]

Thanks for the ideas guys!

M58 - Could you tell me a brand name so I could see what you are talking about?

Thanks again

[MikeBjerum]

philw has it right there with the Pelter!  I think those are around 25db, which is good and shouldn't need secondary earplugs to soften sound.  Note the hinge points on the sides of the earcups and the slip joints in those hinges.  That is the key to a good, snug and comfortable fit!

Remington also has some nice ones with good sound reduction.

My favorite, I can't read the names on them any more, are black with a gold lightening bolt (most of the lightening bolts are worn off, but I can remember them) - they have a 35db rating!  I usually see them at almost any larger place that handles guns, but I haven't looked for any for a year.