Earplugs

[Beanbomb]

I am always trying to be as authentic as possible, despite being being in a more mainstream unit. My question is this: are flesh colored earplugs considered farby? It's great living as the soldiers did, but being 16, I would like to keep my good hearing. I am curious if this is considered farby in the reenacting community. If earplugs are farby, is there some kind of period correct way to protect hearing?

[S.C.Capt]

Re: Earplugs

I have never had a problem with people wanting to keep their ears protected. I prefer to use cotton in my ears if I do wear any protection at all. It is enough to muffle many of the sounds but allows you to hear talking perfectly fine.

- - - Updated - - -

[LeftCoastYank]

Re: Earplugs

Those obnoxiously bright orange earplugs definitely jump out, but the flesh-colored foam ones are very desecrate and are, thus, a good compromise. At the end of the day, it's important to remember that Civil War re-enacting is just a hobby and keep things in perspective. We shouldn't jeopardize our long-term health or well being for the sake of accuracy. For instance, having watched my Grandfather die of skin cancer, one of the few modern items I *ALWAYS* keep in my knapsack is high SPF sunscreen and regularly reapply throughout the day. I find it easy enough to do so discreetly.

[Dbackfed]

Re: Earplugs

Hey Dave,

I went to send you a pm but your inbox is full. Would you send me a message.

Those obnoxiously bright orange earplugs definitely jump out, but the flesh-colored foam ones are very desecrate and are, thus, a good compromise. At the end of the day, it's important to remember that Civil War re-enacting is just a hobby and keep things in perspective. We shouldn't jeopardize our long-term health or well being for the sake of accuracy. For instance, having watched my Grandfather die of skin cancer, one of the few modern items I *ALWAYS* keep in my knapsack is high SPF sunscreen and regularly reapply throughout the day. I find it easy enough to do so discreetly.

[KPavia]

Re: Earplugs

I've always just taken the cartridge paper from my first round and stuffed it into my ears and my ears have always been good to go. In my experience, the muskets aren't loud enough to require real ear plugs. The cartridge paper blocks enough sound out to where I can hear everything and still not have my ears ringing at the end.

[Matthew Semple]

Re: Earplugs

Before the GREAT crash of 2005 of the AC Forums, there was shared documentation of cotton being used by the newest recruits in their ears. Do any of the members of the AC from before the 2005-2006 crashes have that post saved?

Matt

[a_williams63]

Re: Earplugs

I use Mack's Hear Plug musicians ear plugs that I picked up from (of all places) Urban Outfitters. They were only $15 or so, but are clear plastic and designed to allow you to hear conversations, but to muffle loud noises. Very easy to discretely slip into your ear after you load the first time, while still allowing you to hear the commands. Well worth it to protect your long-term hearing in my opinion.

[Eric Tipton]

Re: Earplugs

Obviously, safety is an important issue, but let's keep this to period-correct, documented methods. Thanks!

[LeftCoastYank]

Re: Earplugs

Hey Dave,

I went to send you a pm but your inbox is full. Would you send me a message.

Sorry about that. I cleared out some space.

[LeftCoastYank]

Re: Earplugs

A quick word of caution. Cotton balls, tissue wads, and other natural materials will only reduce noise levels by 5 to 10 decibels. That isn't much measured against the 140 decibels usually produced by a muzzle blast. For context, even modern foam earplugs only reduce noise levels by 30 decibels, which is why most industries use a combination of plugs and headphones.

[Silas]

Re: Earplugs

Burns : Say, "good night," Gracie.

Allen : "Good night Gracie."

This thread just closed. Thanks for enjoying the show, folks.

[Johnny Lloyd]

Re: Earplugs

"Therefore pass these Sirens by, and stop your men's ears with wax that none of them may hear;"- Homer, The Odyssey

http://genius.com/Homer-the-odyssey-book-12-annotated

Wax or cotton would work. I never know why people use modern earplugs. There is no need for them.