Hearing Protection

[Bufford]

I simply use tissue or toilet paper and put it into my ears, I've been using this method for decades in the shop and with the chainsaws. I recently had a hearing test done and had a good result.

 

[Omega Leather Works]

I simply use tissue or toilet paper and put it into my ears, I've been using this method for decades in the shop and with the chainsaws. I recently had a hearing test done and had a good result.

That's interesting. If it's working why mess with a good thing? Still, I've got to wonder how much better the engineered protection is.

You mentioned hearing tests. I do a test every year with a starting baseline the year I started at the plant. That was when I was 26, I'm 39 now. I've worn the same (3M) brand plugs the entire time, and aside from a few rock concerts, haven't really had much exposure to damaging noise. Even so, my hearing isn't as good now. I made a comment to the tech and he said it was a normal trajectory. Kinda sucks that your hearing goes no matter the measure of protection that you take. I still think highly of using the best ppe that you can find and afford.

 

[Bufford]

We were required to wear hearing protection in the steam plant and the standard offer were those foam rubber plugs for the ear. They were nice as they form to the ear canal, but upon comparing ear plugs to paper there is not much of a difference except for bits of paper than can sometimes itch the ear. A small trade off, but a cheap substitute.

 

[Omega Leather Works]

Sounds good.

 

[sideways]

Muffs all the way. I keep a pair near every machine that creates a lot of noise.

 

[Steps]

We use Howard Leight inner ear protection and outer hard shell protection from various manufactures. If heat is a major concern you can get a few things to help, upgrade your ear pads to a gel style for which ever type of outer hard shell style you go with. They also have a behind the head wire that will aid in keeping your head a little cooler then the over the top style.

The biggest thing I cannot stress enough is to sterilize the ear pads so you don't get a rash on the outside of your ears, an alcohol prep pad will suffice and when you turn the loud noise off, take the outer hearing protection off and hang in so they can air out between uses. We give our students a little black belt clip so they can take their gear off and cool down between exercises. It also makes it easier to talk and not shout at them.

Good luck sir!