Question 1

how many decibles do these reduce?

Accepted Answer

It was a little difficult to tell what the accurate answer is to this question. I had the same one before I bought and tried to find out myself. The best I can tell, the noise reduction level is about 20 dB. It seems to be most effective for sound levels above 82 dB, either as continuous volume or impulse. That compares to 15 to 30 dB for well-fitted, deeply-inserted foam ear plugs, 15 to 40 dB for high quality, well-fitted, non-electronic ear muffs and 25 to 50 dB for wearing both ear plugs and non-electronic ear muffs. It appears that these muffs are adequate for the casual and occasional shooter. Noise damage is both cumulative and time sensitive, however, so if you are a serious shooter and have extended or frequent exposure to weapon noises or other noises for hours at a time and several times per week, you should consider the electronic muffs. Most Peltor muffs of the non-electronic variety provide 21 to 30 dB of noise reduction and it appears that most authorities agree that 20 to 30 dB is "effective" noise reducton. The Howard Leight 01523 set is, therefore, in the "effective" range but at the lower end. That's why you will find a frequent descriptions of these earmuffs as "good for the money." They aren't the best, but they aren't bad at this price. I'm sure you have found as I did that you can spend $50 to $100 and get no better protection with non-electronic muffs and if you want more noise reduction, you can get it for $100 to $500 or more. I have even seen ear plugs that can be custom made for over $1,000. You pay your money and you take your choice. I have used my 01523 model several times and I am satisfied and have no ringing in my ears after an hour of shooting with a Sig 9 mm and an AR 15 and a S&W .380. By the end of the hour, the muffs feel a bit heavy, my protective glasses frames are pressing hard enough into my scalp behind my ears to be uncomfortable and my ear muff pads are moist with perspiration, even in an air-conditioned range. I'm glad to take them off when I'm finished but I'm glad I wore tham, too, because I can still hear perfectly normally. One of these days, I may choose to spend $200 and get an electronic set of muffs with 40cB of protection but I may not get any more comfort or utility from those than I get from the ones I have.

Question 2

Has anyone used these in public places like malls/stores (rather than the shooting range)? I have trouble with sensory overload in crowded places. Thx

Accepted Answer

YES!!  I use these for that EXACT purpose, among many others.  I too have difficulty with not only sensory overload but also social anxiety in crowded places (even not so crowded places), and honestly I do not go to any public places without them.  If you use them by themselves, they will cut noise substantially.  But if you couple these with either NRR 33 earplugs (made by many different manufacturers) or small, audio earbuds, THAT is where the true solution lies.  I pack my MP3 player with 'white noise' and relaxing music (mostly chill-out instrumentals);  I put the earbuds in then I put these muffs over my ears.   I use the exact same setup at the gym, on walks, at school while studying, while doing any kind of shopping, while at fast-food joints, etc.  I am never without them.  They are inconspicuous enough to pretty much where anywhere, they just look like some form of headphones.  Portable peace, quiet and mental clarity WHEREVER you may go.

Question 3

Has anyone used these to help with the sound of barking dogs? Will they block that type of sound?

Accepted Answer

I sleep with these to block the sounds of my husband snoring and my dog walking around at night, and they've been a blessing. Folded up they're easy to store and take with me when I travel. They do not block out all noise; I doubt any "ear protection" will. But for their modest price and small profile, which makes it possible for me to sleep on my back in them, I'd say they're well worth trying.

Question 4

Does anyone know if these earmuffs have replacement cushions?

Accepted Answer

I don't know for sure, but if they did the replacement cushions would probably cost as much as a new pair of earmuffs. c.k.

Manufacturer	Howard Leight
Part number	R-01523
Item Weight	230 g
Product Dimensions	23.1 x 22.3 x 10 cm; 230 g
Item model number	R-01523
Size	One Size
Color	Black
Style	Ultraslim Folding (Nrr 23)
Material	Alloy Steel
Pattern	Solid
Item Package Quantity	1
Number Of Pieces	1
Included components	H/L Leightning Lof Muff Nrr23 Blk
Batteries Included?	No
Batteries Required?	Yes

Howard Leight by Honeywell Leightning L0F Folding Ultraslim Shooting Earmuff (R-01523), Black

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