Hearing Protection

leatherman

leatherman

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Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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I've been using ear plugs because the vacuum for my sander is really really insanely loud and right in my ear when I'm sanding sheaths. I'm in the market for either new plugs or those over the head ear muffs.

Pro's and Con's for each? What do you use? So far I'm going to be in for about 20 to 30 bucks either way. The plugs are irritating as they wear out and are a pain to get in my ears several times a day, the muffs sound nice but are bulky.

I cant decide!!!!
 
My vote goes to the over the head muffs. Easy on, easy off, positive protection, both noise and other, can hang right by the grinder when not in use…..and I don't like things stuck in my ears.

Paul
 
Agreed, I'm dreading every time I hit the grinder these days, the plugs are such a pain to insert and never comfortable.

1 vote muffs!
 
Who needs ear things?? I just turn the radio up til I can't hear the dust collectors anymore, works great!

Muffs!
 
also adding that I have tinnitus, result of too many concerts and hunting trips when I was young. I get to listen to all kinds of squeals and hiss's when all is quiet. I even hear it now over the television.

Younguns! Please protect your hearing, you wont be ten feet tall and bulletproof forever.
 
I do like the looks of those, I've never tried anything like that before. I've used both those memory foam "squeeze and stuff" plugs and muffs. I wonder how good those type of plugs work?
 
Noise canceling headphones so you can rock out? :D

I wear disposables all day at work so I'm used to them. Wear em on the bike some of the time, but usually headphones. Over the ear are the best in terms of protection. If it's really really loud it may be in your best interest to wear both. It would suck, but tinnitus is worse.

Whatever you decide, good on you for looking for protection. I know far too many guys that have gone without and are suffering the consequences.

Edit- Chris' idea is a good one. I know several guys (and gals) that wear them at the plant. They are uncomfortable for me. Comfort seems to be the deciding factor for everyone. Thank goodness there are so many options.
 
I have found some insertable ear plugs much more comfortable and effective at reducing noise than others. The designs vary. I'd suggest trying several different styles and sizes before you give up on them. There's even wax plugs which do a great job of fitting to your ear. Don't give up on them yet. For me, a ear muffs are too large and bulky, especially in the Texas heat.

Mike L.
 
Heat is a real concern here, my shop is the hottest part of the house and I am in here 12 to 14 hours a day.
 
sheathmaker said:
My vote goes to the over the head muffs. Easy on, easy off, positive protection, both noise and other, can hang right by the grinder when not in use…..and I don't like things stuck in my ears.

Paul
Click to expand...

That^^^ i got the ones you can plug an MP3 player, got them on Ebay for around $20-$25 if i remember correctly...
 
for me, plugs work better (when I find the right ones). Also if you wear glasses, the muffs can get very uncomfortable after a while as they push the frames into the side of your head.
 
Definitely muffs. Easy on-easy off. Hang them where you need them. They are bulky and uncomfortable and hot but they work well. Custom fitted earplugs also work fine but then you are back to putting something into and out of your ears, and they are more expensive.

Me, I wear custom fitted ear plugs and muffs at the same time to save the hearing I have left. My higher frequency hearing is pretty well gone due to exposure to gunfire in the 50's and 60's.
 
Dwayne, I can throw some of the kind that I use into a box if you'd like to try them. Thinking about it, I don't believe I've ever heard anyone complain that they hurt.

Shoot me an email or pm with your address if you'd like to see how they work for you.
 
Muffs for me - I can't stand plugs after about 20 minutes. But they can be bulky and do get hot. When I'm going to be going at it for a while, I'll sometimes alternate protection between tasks.
 
I've found the surefire ear pro pretty easy to wear, and they do a good job with sound reduction at the range
 
I buy soft foam ear plugs in bulk at Home Depot. I keep them in a plastic dispenser jar on the bench. The foamies generally have a higher noise reduction rating then most muffs. I find most muffs very uncomfortable for long periods. I do wear glasses and am a hat wearer. The foamies are just more comfortable for me.
 
I'll be visiting both Lowes and Home Depot this week so I'll keep an eye out for those. I dont mind those memory foam plugs as long as they are inexpensive enough. I can seem to make my current ones last very long.

My father used to get those e.a.r brand plugs where he worked. They were a little uncomfortable as they were a lot denser, but they last for a very long time. Funny story, that company sent out sheets of the stuff for him to experiment with back in the 70's and it turned out perfect for impact absorption and vibration isolation. General Dynamics was an interesting time, Cabot not quite as much. :)
 
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