Most comfortable Hearing Protection?

[3PedalMINI]

Guys, My tinnitus is getting worse and it now hurts to use any power tool like my saws and RO150  [sad]

Can anyone recommend a good pair of hearing protection that is also comfortable?

TIA!

 

[peter halle]

What have you tried - if any - in the past?  Would help to know what you don't like.

Peter

 

[leer]

Guys, My tinnitus is getting worse and it now hurts to use any power tool like my saws and RO150  [sad]

Can anyone recommend a good pair of hearing protection that is also comfortable?

TIA!

It is so personal, I am not sure what I like would mean anything, other than an option to check out.  I use the same ear plugs in the shop as I do on the gun range.  I like the earplugs that are on a cord, so I can pull them and not lose them.  The specs on some are as good or better than the "headset" style.  I'd suggest maybe going to a gun shop and seeing what they have.  

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

A lot of guys use the Sensgard. I think that the top piece would be annoying for me, since I am bald.  Some like the Uvex headphones, etc.  Headphones get too sweaty on me. I just use the blue Hearos 33 db from the local Duane Reade and keep them in the entire time that I work, if I'm using power tools that day.  I go through a box of 14 pairs every two months...I also sleep with them in...helps muffle the city's backround noise.

http://www.amazon.com/Hearos-Plugs-Xtreme-Protection-14-Pair/dp/B001EPQ86A/ref=sr_1_43?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1390783133&sr=1-43&keywords=Hearing+protection

 

[PaulMarcel]

I always use Sens-Gard. By always I mean sometimes even when I'm not running power tools... they seem to attenuate loud noises. When the DC/Vac/Saw is off, I can clearly hear the music in the shop and have often bugged my neighbor when he walks up to ask some questions and I still have it on... I can hear him just fine and forget to take it off.  To me, that's a big plus.  But you do hear the tools, just nowhere near as loudly.  I consider that a plus since something that totally blocks all noises to me isn't as safe... with these, I can hear if the DC starts whining cuz it got plugged.  Others prefer totally blocking noises.

I generally use the -26db set all the time except when routing, then use the -31db.  The -26 are more comfortable.

They are available at Woodcraft and Rockler besides the usual online culprits.

 

[P2P]

3Ped,  Take care of this ASAP!  You need your hearing for your real job!

 

[tiralie]

I always use Sens-Gard. By always I mean sometimes even when I'm not running power tools... they seem to attenuate loud noises.

Yes, completely agree. The best hearing protection is the one you use and you will use this one. Very good hearing protection.  I hate the big ear muffs, they drown out all the sound and I can't hear the machine. You can hear what the machine is actually doing while you have the sensgards' on.
This is a big plus for me, that and like Paul said you don't even notice they are on.
Great product.
Tim

 

[Theshipstore]

Have to agree with Tim, if the hearing protection is not comfortable you won't be using it long.
Paul  I have been using Sens-Gard since your review and I can honestly say they never come off in the shop as I work.
I highly recommend them for their comfort and noise suppression

 

[PaulMarcel]

Hmm, guess I could have posted the review   Here's a video review where I put the microphone in the Sens-Gard with music and DC noise.  I was used to doing shop stuff without hearing protection.  Then thought, okay, this is more than a passing hobby, so I got the Sens-Gards and now if I ever do a cut without them on "cuz it's just one cut", I really notice the difference.

Sens-Gard review with video

 

[Wooden Skye]

I got a pair of ryobi tek4 headphones, which I like.  I have trouble with the kinds that go in the ear, so I didn't wear.  My ear doctor says I have small ear canals, might explain why I don't listen to people or can tune them out.  The ryobis work well with the battery and without.  I can also hook my iPod to them if I am sanding or tinkering at night.  

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

Since I work alone 95%+ of the time, I've been wearing the silicone in-ear Apple earphones. I have no idea what the dB rating on them is, but with the appropriate sized silicone buds, they very nearly completely isolate me from outside sounds, plus they allow me to listen to podcasts and audiobooks while I work. I find them to be very comfortable for all-day (10+ hours) use. My only main gripe is, it forces you to keep up with your ear hygiene, otherwise there can be an accumulation of ear wax.  [eek]

http://store.apple.com/us/product/ME186LL/A/apple-in-ear-headphones-with-remote-and-mic

 

[Andy B]

I've used Howard Leight Max earplugs for years. With a NRR rating of 33 and the comfortable fit and feel they can't be beat.

 

[rljatl]

I bought the SensGard after watching Paul's review.  They are the best hearing protection I've tried for the shop.  For shooting, I double up and wear earplugs and muffs.

 

[panelchat]

3M Peltor Optime 105 is what i switched to ages ago.
very soft/comfortable, seems to be some of the best protection out there.
i perch them on my head with the cups at my temples, then move them down over my ears when the noise comes.
i look like mickey mouse/an idiot but this works great.
ear plugs take me about 45 seconds to compress,  stick in the ear and then wait for them to expand. plus they get dirty.
i can flip the headset from my temples to my ears in two seconds.
i keep earplugs around for occasional use- they are handy, work well, fit in the watch pocket of my jeans.
i have tinitus too, it sucks, be careful!

it seems that a benefit of some festools is that they are not too noisy. i wonder if anyone knows if this is by design...?
i know the vacs are quiet by design, and using a ts55 and vac is way quieter than using a table saw with dust collector...

 

[panelchat]

that sens gard looks nice too, i might try it out for work where im talking to people all day on site..

 

[SittingElf]

In response to the original question.......

 

[AlexThePalex]

I use a pair of 3M 1435 Ear Defender Muffs, they're very basic but very light and comfortable. They don't filter out all the noise, but reduce it to a bearable level. They fit so well, I often forget I'm wearing them and sometimes I find I still have them on long after I've finished using the tool.

 

[packratpop]

Sittingelf
Hard to make out which brand you are wearing. Preferences? Thanks

 

[SittingElf]

Heh heh!  David Clark Helicopter Headset. Gel ear pads, and ultimate volume control!  [thumbs up] [big grin]

 

[Saskataper]

In a previous life I drove a concrete mixer for a living and wore sure fire earplugs, they are made for shooting and the louder the sound the more they block out. I wore them everyday for 10-12 hrs a day and found them very comfortable.
My dad has some custom moulded earplugs that he really likes for in the shop, I think he got them from an audiologist.
Now if I'm doing something noisy I just wear my shure noise isolating in ear earphones and rock out while I work.