Replies

1. 
   JerryPacMan | Dec 08, 2011 08:13am | #1

   I have 2 different pair and I always reach for the Peltor.  I use also them when using a leaf blower, chain saw, gas trimmer and mowing the grass.  They work well and are comfortable.

   http://www.amazon.com/Peltor-H10A-Optime-Over--Earmuff/dp/B00009LI4K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1323349591&sr=8-2

   Jerry P

2. 
   roc | Dec 09, 2011 01:30am | #2

   I gotta tell ya

   I have the big ear muff dudes.  I have had those for thirty years and they are great at keeping out noise.  Makes using an angle grinder on metal a whole new relaxed experience.  If you have ever used an angle grinder with no or in adequate ear protection you know what a butt puckering experience it can be.

   but

   for wood working I keep coming back to what I use everyday at my "real" job.  Basically these dudes that I originally bought to use while blowing mechanical parts dry with a compressed air gun.

   http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=&item_ID=53219&group_ID=1922&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

   The advantage is when it is hot weather they are no big deal and they are a permanent fixture on my neck all day so I use them because I always have them with me when I need them.  It is hard to have the muffs on you with out them on your ears.  Slide them up onto your head to hear better when you don't need ear protection and they fall off too easy and are hot.  Around my neck they are awful; like wearing a neck brace.

   The ear muff dudes I find do not play well with some of the other head gear like a face shield, respirator, welding helmet, what have you.

   Mine  ( the little rubber plugs on a hoop ) are not as nice as the ones Snapon now sells and with daily use I have still gotten like ten years out of one pair.

   I forget they are around my neck and I end up riding my bicycle home from work with them on my neck.  When the noise starts at work I start feeling around for them and I can hook them into my ears with one hand while holding work with the other.  Come to think of it I can't put the ear muffs on with one hand.

   Can't do that with the individual plugs or the ones on a string.  The foam ones that you have to pinch down are an invitation to always be putting various dirty goopy things into your ears that rub off on the foam from your hands so forget the cheep foam ones.  Once you have to answer the telephone for the fortieth time that day you will see what I mean.

3. 
   Jerry Thompson | Dec 09, 2011 06:47pm | #3

   Hearing Protection

   Roc is on the money. Noise above 85 dBa destroys nerves the louder and the longer one is exposed to it.  Sound is best attenuated when it has to travel through something such as foam designed for that purpose.

   Sound is energy and that is what has to be disapated.  The muff type are not too expensive and last years.  I will not run much on anything in my shop with out them except a hand plane or chisle.

4. 
   greginva | Dec 10, 2011 12:48am | #4

   I actually use a pair of in-ear headphones, so that I have the added benefit of tunes at the same time.  With a high end brand like Etymotic or Shure, noise reduction will be as good as the anything else you can buy.  You just have to watch the cord.

5. 
   swenson | Dec 10, 2011 01:08am | #5

   Home on the range

   The range officers I come in contact with when shooting sometimes use earphones that kill loud noises, like gunshots, electronically while allowing them to hear regular conversation.