Author Topic: Average lifetime for a set of hearing protection (earmuffs)?  (Read 1179 times)

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Offline noway

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Average lifetime for a set of hearing protection (earmuffs)?
« on: December 31, 2019, 03:59:43 PM »
I'm about to retire my third set of earmuffs in about five years. Two things generally happen: the ear-cups don't conform well to the side of my head, and the frame/harp/bow/whatever weakens. Also any foam rubber begins to deteriorate big time, usually on the microphone covers.

Is this about par for the course, or does anyone have a set that just keep on ticking? I replaced the foam cups on my Howard Leight electronic muffs with gel, but even those leave gaps.

Offline Here2learn

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Re: Average lifetime for a set of hearing protection (earmuffs)?
« Reply #1 on: January 01, 2020, 12:32:32 AM »
Have you tried gel cups?

Offline noway

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Re: Average lifetime for a set of hearing protection (earmuffs)?
« Reply #2 on: January 01, 2020, 08:01:03 AM »
I installed the gel cups on the HL muffs and they're better than the original foam cups. That being said, the tension on the frame doesn't hold them against my head well enough to form a good seal anymore, and by the end of a session they're sliding off my head. I generally wear ear plugs as well.

Just wondering what other folks' experience is.

Offline Rmach

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Re: Average lifetime for a set of hearing protection (earmuffs)?
« Reply #3 on: January 01, 2020, 10:53:08 AM »
I usually go to the indoor range four times a month, and my current headset is about three years old and still seals fine.  I wear glasses, and that makes the seal very important since the glasses interfere with attaining a good seal. 

https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Safety-Muffs-Decibel-Defense/dp/B01BEENYCQ/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?keywords=35db+noise+suppression+ear+muffs&qid=1577893938&s=sporting-goods&sr=8-1-fkmr0

Offline Phlyers13

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Re: Average lifetime for a set of hearing protection (earmuffs)?
« Reply #4 on: January 01, 2020, 01:16:30 PM »
Peltor sells replacement cups for their muffs. May be worth looking into.

Offline BG ARMORY

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Re: Average lifetime for a set of hearing protection (earmuffs)?
« Reply #5 on: January 01, 2020, 04:01:32 PM »
My howard Leights seem to go about 3 years or so before the speakers/electronics go bad