Hearing Protection

[drumpriest]

I'll chime in because I have a different solution from everyone else here so far. I use muffs when I play drums, because they are convenient, and I dig the amplification of the low frequency range, allows my to hear my kick drum when plugs do not.

I also use in ear monitors when recording, but I bought a 10$ set of "musician's" earplugs, they are made from soft plastic, go in and out without waiting for anything to expand, they work very well in the shop. The only down side is that you don't want to lose them at 10$ a pair.

I don't use muffs in the shop because they get in the way of my glasses, respirator, ect....

You can get those ear plugs at guitar center, you get about a 25-30 db cut off with them, if I remember correctly.

[tfischer]

Muffs here -- also used when using the lawn tractor, etc. No problems with heat, even in the dead of the summer (they get sweaty, but I would anyway...)

-Tim

[LCHIEN]

I got a pair of the HF electronic muffs, which allow me to hear normal stuff but they kick in noise reduction when the noise is above a certain level.

Around $20(?) So far I like 'em.

[maxparot]

Another muff wearing man here. I've got the cheap HF ones picked them up a while back for $1 at their sidewalk sale.

[dlminehart]

I got the red and black muffs from HD, usually $20-$30 or so, at one of their sidewalk sales for $5. They work incredibly well . . . it's like being in an isolation tank. Very peaceful. You don't notice how noisy the world is until you put them on! I tried the little ear plugs, and found them too much hassle. That said, the muffs can be a bit sweaty in hot weather.

[RHunter]

Chalk another one for the Red Muffs from HD. They never fall off when worn normally, but I have to concur with when I wear my face shield routing, I have to put the band behind my head- then they tend to slip. I have a couple of pairs around within arms reach- and my daughter wears a pair with the safety glasses when she is in the shop with me. Good to get them started early, right?

My shop is A/C'd, so I'm not too sure about the heat.

I've seen the electronic kind from HF and was curious about how well they work, I may experiment next time they are on sale...

[gerti]

Another vote for muffs. No problems with my glasses, and no particular discomfort in the heat of summer. And you can't beat the ease of use, so they actually do get used. Note: Cheaper ones typically have a 20dB rating, better ones 30dB. I am curious about the HF electronic ones...

Gerd

[lago]

I don't recall where I got it but I used it when I was shooting. It was a belt clip that you could hang the muffs on when walking to check the targets. Mine broke recently and still looking for one. It definitely keeps the muffs handy when not wearing them.

[parnelli]

quote:
You may want to verify the following comment by examining the package for the db rating. I believe that the form plugs offer better protection than many of the muffs.

They do, but the muffs are easier to get the rated reduction. After working many years at an airport, I visited an audiologist for a hearing exam- was explained that the foam is better if properly fitted - but he said that the majority of people do not put them in correctly and that as they get used the foam loses it's 'squishiness" and will not perform as well then either.

[shuttermutt]

I use plugs now, but I'm kicking myself for not picking up a pair of these bad boys...

http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=prod...0000572-192766

I slapped a pair on and they're the most comfortable (I'm an eyeglasses wearer) and were the biggest, ummm... [u]reduction</u> in "bang" for the buck I've found.

'Mutt

[wassaw998]

I do a lot of yard work and for that I wear the plugs that are rated higher than most muffs can go. They block a lot of noise and are very comfortable compared to wearing muffs out in the hot GA summer. And, they are pretty cheap. However, in the shop, I have a set of muffs - which I feel are just more convenient, which means for me I am likely to put 'em on. I think mine are rated @ 25 db, got 'em for the chain saw long time ago. (Think the chainsaw is about the worst tool for noise db's).

This reminds me of an interesting article in a recent FWW where they were describing how to listen to your tools, and, I'd have to say , wearing hearing protection makes that hard, which is the one issue I have with 'em. (esp with a screaming shop vac in the background.) Guess on shop hearing protection, I'd not want something that just drowned out all noise, I'd think that in itself would be a safety issue for me. But , you definitely need to wear something, as, like they say, hearing damage is perm....

[harrydurt]

OK guys, I have what the docs call a "profound hearing loss" in one ear. It was a sports accident about 17 years ago (April 1, 1988 if you're counting.) 65dB loss at 1500 hz. The left ear is fine. I used to do sound for theater.

Not to yell, but, THE BEST HEARING PROTECTION IS THE ONE YOU WILL ACTUALLY WEAR.

Try them all - none is that expensive - and select the best one for you.

I use muffs in the shop, but I use the foam plugs in a lot of other situations. Try them on planes. You have no idea how much noise - background noise - there is on a plane until you start using plugs. Big difference.

When there is a fairly stable noise floor (an airplane engine or a table saw or a router) noise cancelling headphones are unbeatlable (Bose are the best). But very expensive, I think they go for $300.

(Hey, I'm writing this from a hotel in leehljp's home town - Hotel Okura - moving here next month, probably Azabujyuban . . . no ww'ing for a while)

R

[LCHIEN]

The electronic muffs at HF are on sale for $19.99.

[Black wallnut]

I use a pair of Peltor Shotgunner muffs. I do not have any expierence with the ones sold at HF but keep in mind that for muffs to work they need to seal completely around the ear. I wear glasses, have in the past worn safety glasses of several differing manufacture, and find no discomfort while wearing them in the heat of the summer. When I want to hear someone talk I just lift one side up and leave the other side in place. For the best in hearing protection you are best served by a combination of both fitted plugs and muffs. When I go shooting this is what I do. I have some hearing loss most likely due to the many years of driving semis without AC; nothing like a loud engine and the wind at 60 MPH for hours on end. All hearing protectors have a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). The higher the number NRR the more Db it blocks. Hearing loss IIRC is accumlative and non-restorative; don't short change your decision on protection.........ok off my soapbox now.

[RayScott]

I just use whatever cheap set I found at Lowes. It really does help. But you have to see this... http://muttmuffs.com I don't know for sure if the dog would keep them on, but it's interesting.