Hearing Protection - Use it or not?

[Stone Message]

Thanks Peter - we look forward to your report.

Peter

 

[GPowers]

Should be interesting [popcorn]

 

[dltflt]

I don't use hearing protection with my Festools.  I do use it every time I use the router or planer.  Sometimes when I use my table saw.

 

[jvang]

Hello Everyone

Has anyone found a good pair of noise cancelling muffs or noise cancelling headphones for use with an iPod etc?

I see noise cancelling muffs as a bad idea in the shop. I wear quality headphone muffs with an built in FM radio & iPod plug, but I still want some of idea what is happening with the machine or power tool that I am using. 

Chris, i have been looking for something like you us, can you please share that information. i would very happy if it would work with phone also.

thanks
john

 

[Kodi Crescent]

I wear the muff type protectors over my iPod earphones.  There's nothing in the garage I want to listen to anyhow, so it blocks out everything but what's on my iPod.

I ALWAYS wear eye protection, no matter how small the job.  I once got an eye injury from lighting the pilot on a water heater.  A gust of wind blew a speck of rust from the combustion chamber into my eye.  I had to go to the eye doctor nearly every day for 2 weeks while he scraped the piece out and worked to manage the scar.  This is one of those things that there is no sense risking anything getting in there.

 

[denovich]

Ear muffs make help me to concentrate on the task at hand.  I find that I get annoyed/anxious/distracted by noise, even when I think I'm ignoring it.

 

[semenza]

I wear the muff /headphone style all the time while running any power tools. I found some 32 db ones. Bought several pairs and keep them in various spots around the shop  plus one in the site kit. I don't like to have them on while doing quiet stuff hence keeping several around the power tool areas.  Never have liked plugs.

I too find it easier to concentrate with them on.

Seth

 

[fdengel]

Plugs take too long to get in and out (at least if they are any good), so while I use them when I need to, I generally prefer the earmuffs.  I don't like having either on when I don't need them (running a hand saw or screwdriver or something doesn't seem to indicate a need).

Has anyone found a good pair of noise cancelling muffs or noise cancelling headphones for use with an iPod etc?

I have a pair of the Bose QuietComfort headphones (an older variant); I didn't get them for tool use, and wouldn't consider using them in a "shop" setting or with woodworking tools, but they would probably be OK to use when mowing the lawn or something.

At least with the Bose headphones, they don't completely cancel out ALL of the sound; they seem to be more selective, and while the general "drone" of a tool or such would be drastically reduced, a separate noise like a clanking or something would actually be easier to hear because it wouldn't be cut as much as the general background noise would.

I've worn them already while playing percussion because the monitors on the platform were too loud; I can hear better with the headphones on than with them off.

 

[Sparktrician]

I wear the muff /headphone style all the time while running any power tools. I found some 32 db ones. Bought several pairs and keep them in various spots around the shop  plus one in the site kit. I don't like to have them on while doing quiet stuff hence keeping several around the power tool areas.  Never have liked plugs.

I too find it easier to concentrate with them on.

Seth

Seth,
    The custom molded earplugs are WONDERFUL, and far easier and less hassle to insert than the foam plugs.  Fortunately, I retained most of my old 35mm film canisters, and they're great for storing the molded earplugs.  You can also get them made with plugs that allow you to run a cord between them so you can hang them around your neck when you need to pop them out. 

[smile]

 

[JeromeM]

Plugs take too long to get in and out (at least if they are any good), so while I use them when I need to, I generally prefer the earmuffs.  I don't like having either on when I don't need them (running a hand saw or screwdriver or something doesn't seem to indicate a need).

Has anyone found a good pair of noise cancelling muffs or noise cancelling headphones for use with an iPod etc?

I have a pair of the Bose QuietComfort headphones (an older variant); I didn't get them for tool use, and wouldn't consider using them in a "shop" setting or with woodworking tools, but they would probably be OK to use when mowing the lawn or something.

At least with the Bose headphones, they don't completely cancel out ALL of the sound; they seem to be more selective, and while the general "drone" of a tool or such would be drastically reduced, a separate noise like a clanking or something would actually be easier to hear because it wouldn't be cut as much as the general background noise would.

I've worn them already while playing percussion because the monitors on the platform were too loud; I can hear better with the headphones on than with them off.

Yours are probably the QuietComfort 2. I used to use them but the ear pads start flaking after a couple of years and are expensive to replace, also if the battery is dead so are they. Now I, and SWMBO use Audio Technica ATH-ANC7B, half the price and better because even turned off they still pass throug the audio.

I have to say that I don't usually use them for woodwork. But as I fly quite a lot I all ways use them on flights. This lets me turn down the audio to about 4, without them I need it at 8 or 9 to hear.

 

[PaulMarcel]

I use SensGard hearing protection.  I don't think they could make them any better.  They're the bright orange "earphones" you see in the videos (or lime green if the other pair is in).

The orange ones are 26db, lime green 31db.  I normally wear the orange ones, but when doing a lot of planing or router work, I use the lime green ones.

What I like?

- Very comfortable and that's from someone who can't tolerate ear buds or plugs

- I listen to music in the shop; it's on a reasonable volume and I can hear it just fine with these on

- I can hear the cell phone ring or the all important 'hockey' calendar reminder.

- The resonant chambers on the ears (the tubes) amplify the canceling effect with louder noises.  So while I can listen to music clearly with them on, as soon as I power up the dust collector, table saw, planer, etc, the attenuation is greatly magnified.  It's some clever audio science.

Now that I've been using them, I can't stand using any of those tools without them.  Even a "just a quick cut on the table saw" has me surprised at how loud it is without them.

They are also inexpensive.  Handy, too, if you wanna bug your neighbor by wearing them while he's talking; you'll hear just fine, but he'll think your reading lips really well.

There is only one nuisance about these, and it's minor.  If you have them on and you bump the resonant tubes, well it amplifies the sound of that bump.  Not horrible, but surprises you; solution? don't bang your head on stuff.

 

[RussellS]

http://www.woodcraft.com/product/2002087/3743/rad-band.aspx
Almost all the time.  I use a model like the one above.  I don't use hearing protection for drills, cordless or corded.  Otherwise, everything, including when I mow my lawn.

 

[Steve R]

Dear Peter Halle,

You say/allude you are working with a Festool promotion for hearing protection.

Hearing protection is very important, but it is very personal and needs to be fitted to the person. Just like prescription lens, one won't fit all.

I"m thinking sticking to hats, T-shirts, etc. is a better  use of your time.

Cheers,
Steve

 

[PaulMarcel]

Just like prescription lens, one won't fit all.

Worse, wear just one and your other eye starts to bug out  [blink]

 

[VictorL]

As a sidenote, I think that the Festool demo videos should feature folks wearing ear protection where necessary in the same way they wear eye protection.

+1

I think RIGHT safety practice should be mandatory shown on every commercial or broadcast shows.
(hearing and eyes protection, dust collection, dust masks when necessary, push sticks, blade guards, no free hand cuts)

 

[bonesbr549]

When I was a young lad, I had a joy of shooting (a lot) Did not always use protection.  When you are young you don't think always about the consequences.  I now have some loss minor but it's there.  Since my early 30's I've been pretty religous about it.  I wear muffs.  Once it's gone it aint coming back. 

 

[jmbfestool]

As a sidenote, I think that the Festool demo videos should feature folks wearing ear protection where necessary in the same way they wear eye protection.

+1

I think RIGHT safety practice should be mandatory shown on every commercial or broadcast shows.
(hearing and eyes protection, dust collection, dust masks when necessary, push sticks, blade guards, no free hand cuts)

No,    Nothing should be mandatory. Only advised.  I hate stuff being enforced by law we are not kids.  Uk every one is treated like babies you can't do this and that  and your never responsible for your actions it's always some one else who's to blame. 

Only things which could harm others should be made mandatory you not wearing ears muffs only harms your self not any one else so is your problem.

Jmb

 

[PaulMarcel]

No,    Nothing should be mandatory. Only advised.   I hate stuff being enforced by law we are not kids.   Uk every one is treated like babies you can't do this and that  and your never responsible for your actions it's always some one else who's to blame.   

Only things which could harm others should be made mandatory you not wearing ears muffs only harms your self not any one else so is your problem.

Jmb

+1000

 

[semenza]

Lets not take this down the health care / form of government debate road , please.

Seth

 

[Jonhilgen]

Ear muff style protection is just not an option during the summer down here unless you like only hearing the  squish squish of sweat against your head. 

Ear plugs joined with string seem to work best for me anyway.  I tend to lose ear plugs easily, but when they are joined by a piece of string, I seem to be able to hang on to them longer.