Ear Muffs / Hearing Protection while mowing?

[Dr_Zinj]

Wearing hearing protection around any power equipment is almost always a good idea; especially around diesel engines as their decibel level is high enough to easily cause damage. And hearing damage is cumulative, and heals pathetically slowly, if at all.

My ear defenders keep my ears warm in the winter when plowing (I don't have a cab.) And I'll leave the engine running often when manually loading the bucket, which puts me even closer to the engine and exhaust; so those defenders are a must.

I've taken to wearing them while mowing and I'm much less stressed out when done than when I don't wear them.

I have to mention that I have a 50% loss in one ear, and 25% in the other, and have low grade tinnitus.

 

[JBourquin]

MSN Careers - America's noisiest occupations - Career Advice Article

Nice, I've made it on 4 of this list..

 

[sparc]

While it is a good idea for hearing protection, I don't wear anything which is probably why I am nearly deaf. I don't usually mow for "hours" maybe 2 at the most and my JD mower is pretty quiet. If I were at it 8-10 hours per day, I would surely break out my shooting ear muffs. Anyone ever do a decibel measurement of their equipment. I know I don't need anything in my cab tractor but would be curious if any actual measurement has been done for different tractors doing different chores.

hearing damage is cumulative. it does not matter if you are exposed twice a day for one hour each day for 5 days or you get that 10 hours of exposure all at once, both do damage and there is little if any difference in the amount of damage bvetween the two.

Everyone is free to make their own choices. I choose to wear hearing protection whenever I use power equipment working in the yard such as string trimmer, edger, push mower, riding mower, or running the tractors cutting the field, or the bobcat or using a chain saw. I notice a big difference. I got two of my neighbors started on using ear muffs by handing them a pair of disposable ear plugs. After they used them once and felt the difference they were hooked.

Do yourself and everyone you know a favor and wear hearing protection. You can get it back once its gone so you have to protect it while its still with you.

 

[medic0648]

Even with the hearing protection if it isn't sufficient you will still suffer hearing damage. I'm only 27 and I have hearing loss and tinitus from the military and I wore hearing protection religiously. Note: not much is sufficient for large repested ied blasts in close proximity.

 

[sparc]

Even with the hearing protection if it isn't sufficient you will still suffer hearing damage. I'm only 27 and I have hearing loss and tinitus from the military and I wore hearing protection religiously. Note: not much is sufficient for large repested ied blasts in close proximity.

True. Sometimesdouble protection (muffs over earplugs) is required. But better still are engineering controls to remove the source of the noise. Of course that was not an option with the exposure you were subjected to.

 

[newbury]

A little summary:

I've been carrying North 'Comfit' plugs <snip>

North Safety Com-Fit Reusable Ear Plugs (NRR 26) (Box of 100 Pairs) $93 North Safety Com-Fit Reusable Ear Plugs (NRR 26) (Box of 100 Pairs) - Industrial Reusable Ear Plugs in Large Quantities (Boxes & Cases for Our Best Pricing!) note that's 200 plugs, 100 pair.

<snip>prefer Leightning L3 earmuffs. <snip>

Leightning Earmuffs - leightning l3 earmuff 30nrr - Amazon.com about $15, 30Db NRR

I use in-ear plugs too, but the tapered soft plastic style with a chord between the inserts. I buy them at Walmart in the shooting section of the Sporting Goods department, three pairs for about $3.
<snip>

The LaserLite ear plugs already mentioned are sold as Leight Sleepers at Walgreens. <snip>

foam, $3.50 for 10 pair

I bought these, MidwayUSA Ultimate 10 Earmuffs by Peltor (NRR 30dB) Black <snip>

About $18.

I use these (32db noise reduction, about as high at it gets):

Laser Lite Earplugs Corded, 100 Pair -GEMPLER'S<snip>

foam, $32/100

What I got Amazon.com: Buying Choices: Milwaukee 49-17-3200 NRR 27 DB Corded Reusable Earplugs, Box of 50 now $63 for 50.

also mentioned
https://www.acklandsgrainger.com/AG...alProductDetailDisplay.do?item_code=HDLQB3HYG over the headband 23NRR, $8.40.

Max NRR Ear Plugs (ten pair) - Sporty's Pilot Shop foam $6 for 10 32Db NRR

Hearing aids $2,000 and up Hearing Aid Prices Comparison Chart: Compare Different Brands, Models & Cost of Hearing Aids Online

These look interesting, like the Comfit but only have to buy 6 (3 pair) for $7.34 Lift Safety Lift Hearing Protection Flange Ear Plugs (Pack of 6): Safety Equipment & Gear : Walmart.com

So you pays your money you take your choice.

I'm going to continue using 30+DB muffs WITH 25Db reusable, rewashable plugs (they help get the wax out of my ears).

Like I wrote - I don't like foam for myself and,, although I'm sure they are good $2,000 for a hearing aid is a bit much.

 

[Wagtail]

hearing damage is cumulative. it does not matter if you are exposed twice a day for one hour each day for 5 days or you get that 10 hours of exposure all at once, both do damage and there is little if any difference in the amount of damage bvetween the two.

Everyone is free to make their own choices.

Do yourself and everyone you know a favor and wear hearing protection. You can get it back once its gone so you have to protect it while its still with you.

Yes, the loss of hearing is indeed cumulative and (like you medic0648) I have hearing loss & tinitus from my Naval service. The Navy was always insistant on wearing hearing protection for when a situation called for it: engine room watches, firing the guns, etc... the obvious things. But what ultimately got me (especially my left ear) was sleeping predominately on my right side! Over time the subtle noise of the ships ventilation system caught up with me.

What I'm getting at is that if there's noise, I wear ear-protection. For everything, even if I wouldn't normally consider it overly loud (like the cab of a tractor or a 'quiet' push mower). I give the choice to anyone arround my equipment too.

Sometimes, being an example (wearing the muffs) is enough to inspire others to follow suit. Too often I hear others say they don't because they're "old school" or tough. It's their loss... in more ways than one.

 

[BuilderML]

HUH what did you say? :stirthepot:

 

[MHarryE]

Bilson Clarity C3 are the bet, most comfortable protectors I have ever found to protect what little is left of my hearing. I also use Creative Aurvana Xtreme Fidelity noise canceling headphones from my business travel days but they are bloody expensive.

 

[GGB]

I've been pretty pleased with a John Deere noise cancelation headset. It seems to do a good job of blocking and reducing the noise level from my weed eater, blower, and mowers. And it allows me to hook up my Iphone to listen to music while I'm mowing and still get my calls.

It's not perfect, as it doesn't fit around my safety glasses quite as well as I'd like, but I haven't found anything that seems to be a better fit.

I should also point out that they've held up pretty well, given how they haven't been handled with kid gloves. Only one minor break in the plastic headband which I fixed with super glue. Although they weren't cheap-about $90 several years ago, I'll probably get another set when these finally die.

GGB

 

[Wagtail]

I've been pretty pleased with a John Deere noise cancelation headset. It seems to do a good job of blocking and reducing the noise level from my weed eater, blower, and mowers. And it allows me to hook up my Iphone to listen to music while I'm mowing and still get my calls.

It's not perfect, as it doesn't fit around my safety glasses quite as well as I'd like, but I haven't found anything that seems to be a better fit.

I should also point out that they've held up pretty well, given how they haven't been handled with kid gloves. Only one minor break in the plastic headband which I fixed with super glue. Although they weren't cheap-about $90 several years ago, I'll probably get another set when these finally die.

GGB

And where do you find this JD headset, GGB? I know that you can buy darn near anything with a JD logo on it but I haven't found those.

Mind you, it's not to impress anyone. My only regular visitors are the local wallabies and my horses really don't care what I look like as long as food is involved.

 

[DKCDKC]

I've gone to wearing hearing protection when operating small gasoline engines and on my tractor. It does indeed make you feel more energetic when finished than if you endured all the noise. I also use it to keep in touch in case of emergencies. I use a bluetooth earphone under the noise blocking headphones. It lets me have quiet in noisy surroundings, and yet hear the cell phone when someone calls me. I have to stop the engine or whatever I'm doing to answer, but at least I know I'm being called. I've noticed hearing protectors with bluetooth built in, but the price is outta sight. y way works for now.

 

[Scooby074]

I like the Stihl Worktunes. The radio helps pass the time.

 

[GManBart]

I am a firearms instructor (part time) at work, a competitive shooter, and recreational pilot, so I have to be very careful about protecting my hearing. I wear electronic ear muffs when I'm running my tractors, mower, pressure washer, chainsaw, etc....if it has an engine, and minimal muffler, I cover up. I like the electronic ears, for safety reasons....I can still hear someone yelling at me, or if I run into something, etc.

 

[turnipseedjames]

It is really important to have proper hearing protection while working since we are exposed to sound that can hurt our ears. I never took it seriously that is the reason why I need to get a hearing aids now.

 

[GGB]

And where do you find this JD headset, GGB? I know that you can buy darn near anything with a JD logo on it but I haven't found those.

Mind you, it's not to impress anyone. My only regular visitors are the local wallabies and my horses really don't care what I look like as long as food is involved.

Sorry for the delay-I've been trying to get ready for the family coming this weekend. I purchased the JD headset from our local JD dealer.

 

[hawkeye08]

Growing up on the farm, none of our tractors had mufflers. The 1942 International TD14 crawler was one of my favorites. The large (guessing 3-5" straight pipe) exhaust sounded powerful and really put the noise out there when pulling a grade. Now, many years later, I have the TV loud to hear it and always wear ear protection when running anything that makes noise. I lecture the kids about protecting their hearing... I also listened to my share of loud music back in the day...

Enough reminiscing, wear hearing and eye protection. Keep extra muffs around for visitors. Don't let someone use your stuff without proper hearing and eye protection.

 

[PhysAssist]

It's not only the hearing loss that you will lament if hearing protection isn't worn, it is the tinnitus that will drive you crazy that can result from it. Lots of us on here have it. Eventually, if it is not too bad, you adjust but it takes a l-o-n-g time.

Gee Thanks for bringing THAT up

My hearing loss is mild on the one side and moderate+ plus on the other, but the tinnitus can really be bad ocasionally. Usually I don't really notice it unless I have an unprotected sound exposure- which happens very rarely, because I make it a point to keep plugs or earmuffs (the electronic sensor kind with an outside mike sensor) with me whereever I am working, expecting to work, or could somehow end up working with anything loud. There are a pair of muffs dedicated to my splitter/chainsaw (since I can't run both at the same time) another in my basement shop for the wood and metalcutting saws, and a free-agent pair that goes whereever I go.

The ear plugs are from whoever has foam plugs rated at 32dB reduction cheapest, and are reused as necessary- I find that if they go through the wash in my pocket, they come out at least good as new. The muffs are from HF and are of a couple of generations.

Hearing loss from noise, vision loss from sun/UV exposure, and respiratory disease from dust/chemical/etc inhalation exposures are almost completely preventable with very tolerable interventions- hearing protection, sunglasses, and respirators or even simple dust rated masks, but tragically, they are all on the increase despite the widely available preventive measures. I for one, am tired of losing the things that make life worth living, so if I look a little OCD to some of the "he-men" out there, I say Too Bad!
Thomas

Thomas

 

[Tollster]

I always wear it, but its too late in life as I lost my threshold when younger, riding dirt bikes, rock and roll, combined with firearms...most of the time it wasn't at the same time though...LOL
Nowadays I wear them weed wacking, hedge pruning, mowing, cutting and even while riding my road bikes. I do miss the spring peepers after a long winter and many of the sounds I enjoyed outdoors, one ear is worse than the other so I still hear some if I am laying on my pillow at night the right way.
Its never too late to start!

 

[Tollster]

I always wear it, but its too late in life as I lost my threshold when younger, riding dirt bikes, rock and roll, combined with firearms...most of the time it wasn't at the same time though...LOL
Nowadays I wear them weed wacking, hedge pruning, mowing, cutting and even while riding my road bikes. I do miss the spring peepers after a long winter and many of the sounds I enjoyed outdoors, one ear is worse than the other so I still hear some if I am laying on my pillow at night the right way.
Its never too late to start!