Does anyone use hearing devices such as the Walker Game ears? I shot way to many guns in my youth without ample hearing protection and I’m paying the consequences now unfortunately. I’m looking for opinions on something to help while in the woods, anyone have any real world experience on these types of devices?

I bought a Walkers Game Ear back in the old days when Cabela's bargain bin was truly a bargain bin. Probably cost me $30 or so. That thing has been tremendous. I suffer from a 50% hearing loss and tinnitus back from my military days. Down side is they are not real directional. Upside you will hear things you haven't heard in years. Turkeys gobbling in the distance. That shuffling sound that deer make when they are walking through fallen leaves. They are tremendous. I also have a pair of Howard Leight sound enhancing ear muffs but I don't use them as much because they are bulky if you are packing and hot if it's a warm day. I always have the Walkers in my bino pack. I'm not using them a lot right now because my lease is right next to the Interstate and I'm not hunting Freightliners. 😊

I appreciate your insight, I wasn’t for sure if they actually helped very much.

I truly thank you for your service as well

Your welcome, sir. Good luck in your search. You will hear things you’ve forgotten in the field. Just be sure whatever you buy they are designed for hunting / shooting and have the loud noise shutoff.

I have Walkers game ears, 2 of them. I wear them for rifle hunting and archery elk hunting. For rifle season I wear 1 , during archery season I wear both.
While wearing only 1 of them it cam be hard to tell which direction sounds are coming from.
They work very well and have adjustments for sound level and frequency.
They come in very handy also while hunting with the spouse, my hearing impairment makes it impossible to hear whispers, with the Walker's I can hear whispers just fine.

Im ready to give them a try, I can’t hear whispers in the blind either so maybe I won’t get so many bad looks from her from me saying huh

I've used one Walkers game ear as a hearing aid for at least 10 years now. I'm very happy with it. Oh, I'm on my second
one. First one quit after about 6 years of everyday use. I would recommend them

I wear SoundGear electronic plugs. I like them.

I have the Howard Leight ear muffs which work extremely well amplifying sounds (whispers, etc.) and protecting your hearing when shooting.

BUT, maybe it's just me, I find the headband tension is a bit too tight. The muffs become uncomfortable on my ears after an hour or so. Not a major deal when sitting in a deer blind since I just hang them in a convenient spot where I can slip them back on when needed.

If I was still hunting I would have more of an issue with them.

They used to sell gel ear pads to fix that.

We use the Walkers & they work great BUT they make it difficult for my daughter & I to get a good cheek weld on our AR's. Not a problem on bolt guns but not great for AR style.

Ive had several Walkers. Never had a problem.