Hearing??

[CB1]

How is your hearing? I'm 30 and probably from 18-25 didn't hardly ever flip down my ear muffs. Since then I always do but my wife has made a few comments about me not being able to hear. Maybe I'm just tuning out the kids? I also shoot a lot of guns always wear ear plugs when shooting pistols. I understand this occupation is not a desk job but I'm only 30... am I over thinking it?

No Man your not over thinking it. I use selective hearing to when my wife is talking sometimes. But on a real note you should make it a regular practice to use hearing protection when ever you are working around load equipment. you do it when you shoot guns so treat the load machines like you are at the shooting range. Trust me i know some guys in there 40s that cant hear sh..! it was because sissys wear ear plugs. Whats that you say??? Use them as often as possible or you will loose hearing!

 

[BC WetCoast]

We have to get yearly hearing tests. You may want to do that, and if you can document steady hearing loss, you may have a worker's comp claim. My dad was a cabinet maker, working with table saws etc since WW2. He was able to document hearing loss over time and then got hearing aids though worker's comp.

 

[imagineero]

I know plenty of guys with bad hearing problems, some so bad that they have to lip read and wouldn't hear you screaming at the top of your lungs standing 5 feet away if they had their back turned. Industrial deafness is no joke, and it doesn't discriminate against age.

I was maybe lucky enough to have worked in some loud industries where they were super strict on hearing protection, so it was just second nature to me when I started running saws. At a minimum I use peltor P3's for low exposure (climbing with occasional saw use) but will wear plugs and muffs if running bigger saws all day. My groundies all get H10's, and plugs as well if it's a big day. I won't let anyone so much as start a saw without hearing protection and no chipping either. I've had hearing tests done as part of my entry to the mines and had excellent hearing then, it's every bit as good now 15 years later. I wear plugs when riding too, and even if driving the truck long distances.

On a side note, if you wear plugs regularly try to keep your ears clean or you can end up with impacted wax or ear infections. A bit of tea tree oil every now and then helps a lot. Get a bit on your pinky and squinch it right in there, wiggle it round.

 

[pro94lt]

Finally fixed my hearing... ears were plugged with sawdust/wax lol. The doc took a huge syringe filled with hot water and shot it out. I was amazed how much was in their and I always try and have my muffs on.

 

[Groundman One]

I was born deaf in one ear. Never heard so much as a mouse fart on my right side. I always sleep on my good ear. I can't imagine how you stereo people fall asleep with one ear open to the world.

That said, I always! wear two levels of hearing protection - an ear plug and the helmet muff. I try to be very careful.

 

[imagineero]

Glad to hear you got your hearing sorted! It's worth learning how to do a proper deep cleaning of your own ears too, I never knew how to do it and got shown by a ent specialist in a hospital. It's kinda hard to explain, but basically I'd been cleaning only the outer canal. If you sticking a q tip in your ear till it reaches that wall, then take the end your holding and lower it down about 30 degrees so the top is pointing upwards, there's a passage. Slide it slowly in, it feels so weird. Be very careful and slow cleaning in there since it's so sensitive.

 

[pro94lt]

I just thought I had gone deaf like my old man. This junk was as bigger than a corn seed

 

[mike515]

Ah...hearing problems in our line of work....say it isn't so.

I'll tell you guys a couple of things about myself and let you use your imagination.

First, being a tree guy is the only job I've ever had since I got out of high school many years ago. I worked for one large company for about 4 years and have worked for myself ever since. So....that long doing this job week in and week out...all year long. (When I think about it....that's actually kind of impressive...some people ask me...you've never had another job? Nope. Not since my part time jobs in H.S.) Anyway....I wore ear protection for the first few years and the last few years.

Second, I'm also a professional musician (so maybe that counts as another job) and I've played in the same band for over 1/3 of my life. Hundreds of shows and who knows how many practices? The drummer is always on my right so if you talk to me from that side I might tell you that you have to speak up because you're talking into my "drummer ear".

My wife is well aware of my hearing issues. But...some people really do mumble.

 

[squad143]

I always use ear muffs and combine them with earplugs when using the modded saws. I had custom earplugs made as I found wearing the foam ear plugs all day a bit too uncomfortable.

 

[DLCRL]

I've heard around the big industrial equipment you should wear earmuffs, I'm never by the chipper but before I run any saws I've ear plugs in all day long. Sometimes I take them out if I'm eating, I have to have anyone talking to me look at me in the tree or it's just too muffled. I wear them because right from the start I was required, started w/union outfit for first 3 months. But my hearing today is still first rate because of it.