What do you all prefer for your ear protection? and why?
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Replies
I prefer the little foam earplugs that you squish and stick into your ears, because (a) they work as well as or better than anything else, and (b) they're weightless. Some people don't like having things in their ears, but I barely notice them--I frequently forget that they're there.
Several years ago, I accidentally discovered that they're machine washable, so I put them in those little mesh bags used for nylons and other delicates, and wash them along with everything else. They go into the dryer, too. They can stand several washings/dryings before they lose their springiness.
-Steve
Worktunes. keeping outside sound out makes the music sound even better, and they do keep the sound out better than anything I've tried.
I agree with Brian. Mine hook up to my iPod.
Worktunes. keeping outside sound out makes the music sound even better, and they do keep the sound out better than anything I've tried. I've learned what a deaf person feels like when I'm wearing them around other people.
Brian
Peltor brand ear muffs. I want to hear the tool but reduce the volume. My opinion is that if you drowned out the sound of the tool with music, you may be missing the noises that could be a warning sign of trouble coming.
I couldn't agree more. I want to hear the tool.Especially when I chainsaw. I don't wear hearing protection then - the ONLY time I don't.Frosty"I sometimes think we consider the good fortune of the early bird and overlook the bad fortune of the early worm." FDR - 1922
I have a set of Etymotic Musicians Earplugs and they are fantastic. I have the 15 and 25db filters and use them often. Because they are custom fit to your ear, you can leave them in comfortably for a long time and can clearly hear the tool you are working with. Here's a link:http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/erme.aspxThey are a bit expensive (about the price of a LN adj. block plane) but well worth it IMO.Fred
Thanks. I'll look into them. I've always wondered how many deaf guitar players would be around in 20 years. Now I know their secret.Frosty"I sometimes think we consider the good fortune of the early bird and overlook the bad fortune of the early worm." FDR - 1922
Hi Frosty
It may be the ONLY time you don't wear your ear protection but running a chainsaw without ear protection. Can damage your hearing even if its only for a short period of time. Thats why you should use some type of ear protection every time. Wish I had followed that advice when I was younger. Have lost more than 50% of my hearing because "Its only for a short bit of time and it will not hurt me" young and foolish.
Just my 2cents
GMMBELL
I'm 81 now - What did you just say? - and my hearing is,fortunately, still very good. I have the beginnings of tinitis but it's not too bad or disruptive.My real exposure came during the ten years I heated with wood. Each spring I would cut and split 20 tons of tree-length poles. I figured that I handled it 7 times before the season was done. Good for me I guess. I don't do too much chainsaw work now - only a few deadfalls on the property.Frosty"I sometimes think we consider the good fortune of the early bird and overlook the bad fortune of the early worm." FDR - 1922
I use these. http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=2087 Work really well. I can't put on my safety glasses without putting in ear protection. I'm not sure why they're closing them out. must not be very popular.
What's ear protection? I've never heard anyone ask me that question before.
What do you all prefer for your ear protection? and why?
It depends what's in reach. I have a couple of the ear-muff type protectors, I just scatter them around the shop... at least they tend to get scattered around the shop. I figure the best hearing protection is the one you will use. I have extras for visitors. Same with eye protection.
I also have a pair of those ZEM hearing protectors that Lee Valley sells. I usually keep them in my toolbox, I like them as they don't interfere with my eye protection. They are more comfortable if you are goingt o have them on for a long period of time. But my ears get irritated if I'm putting them on and taking them off all the time as I tend to do in my own shop. Anytime I"ll be running machines for longer periods of time I use these.
A quick note about those ZEM guys. I have a pair..... or maybe I had a pair. They work great at blocking noise, they're comfortable for me, best of all they fit in an apron pocket so they're right at hand. The problem is if you rap the interconnecting tube with a hammer or mallet. The sound will be sent directly into your ear. Talk about LOUD!!! Once was enough..... I can't work worrying if I'll knock my protectors about. I don't use em anymore.
I own the Zems as well and your point is certainly valid. However, I find another thing more annoying. When I am not wearing them, they sit around my neck but never stay on.Chris @ flairwoodworks
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
The problem is if you rap the interconnecting tube with a hammer or mallet. The sound will be sent directly into your ear. Talk about LOUD!!
It seems to me if you're getting hit in the head with a mallet, the loud noise is the least of your problems... Seriously, how did you do it? :)
All kidding aside, I know what you're talking about. In my old shop the emergency release for the auto garage door hung down just in front of my table saw... I bumped into it one day, and I thought someone was knocking on my head! It only happend the once, after that I tied it up. In the year and a half or so I've been using them, I'd have to say that's the only time I've ever had the problem.
I was wearing them under my chin. I didn't like them on top or behind my head. They rubbed my head in those locations and I could hear that...... it wasn't loud, only bothersome.
I have a pair of Peltor. I had them special ordered, instead of the wire/ spring traveling over your head. Its run behind your neck so you can wear a hat or some other head gear, We have them in the fire dept.
Rick
When I am making noise for long periods of time, I use foam earplugs. When only making a few cuts, I wear Zems. If it's freezing outside, I wear earmuffs. They keep my ears warm (or hot)- that's the exact reason I don't normally use them. When I powercarve, I wear a respirator and full face shield so earplugs are the best fitting ear protection.
Chris @ flairwoodworks
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
I use regular muffs or Worktunes, depending on what I'm doing. Though I use earplugs at night to sleep, I've never liked them for the shop. They get too dirty too fast, and since I listen to the radio almost all the time, it's a pain to keep taking them out and replacing them constantly.
wisky..... I even wear ear plugs when I go to the YMCA to WO !!!!! The c**p they play on the "radio" is nothing but LOADDDD.
James
I use a set of custom molded inserts. they are made out of a spongy foam type stuff, with a connector string. I added a small id badge clip and pin them to my shirt collar so that they hang over each shoulder waiting to be used. They are extremely comfortable for extended wear. You would need to call around to your area audiologists to find someone will make them. Paid $50 at a local woodworking show for mine.
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