I have found that the ear plugs that are molded specifically for your ears work extreamly well. I know that they cost a fair bit of money but they will last almost for ever. These are what I use at work and have no problem in a extremely high noise level. The only thing is you have to find someone that can make these, I found out that just about any hearing specialist can make these so check the phone book.
Muffs vs Ear plugs
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PA Plumber
Addicted to ArboristSite
I think I know what you're talking about. When I used to shoot, I saw a lot of guys at the clays and skeet ranges using them.
I have also noticed a lot of them stick the part that goes in the ear in their mouth. I just about erped the first time I saw that. I guess a little lube helps them fit better??
PA Plumber
Addicted to ArboristSite
yuck
I have found that if fitted properly you don't have to do that.
Hey, don't knock it unless you've tried it. (just kidding!)
By the way, I have never tried it! (And I'm not kidding about that!!)
PA Plumber
Addicted to ArboristSite
Now that is funny. I just never thought about it like that before. Rep headed your way.
To return more or less to the topic. I think that it does not matter what you ware for hearing protection as long as it is of good quality and is fitted right. You would be surprised how many people do not know how to insert earplugs correctly, even though there are instructions on every package. Then again some people don't read the instructions on another type of protection and wind up with kids. NUFF SAID
thanks PA
:hmm3grin2orange: :hmm3grin2orange:
thanks PA
:hmm3grin2orange: :hmm3grin2orange:
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bushinspector
ArboristSite Operative
My favorite type of not wearing ear plugs correctly is the EAR CLASSIC plugs inserted in the ear --- SIDEWAYS!!!!
My favorite type of not wearing ear plugs correctly is the EAR CLASSIC plugs inserted in the ear --- SIDEWAYS!!!!
I see that a lot at work, our safety man is always after these guys, I think that they don't care if they go deaf before the reach 40.
Lick your fingers, use your fingers to lube the plugs. Yes they insert easier and seal better. Just 1 thing to consider, I know where my plugs have been; my hands have been in contact with Lord only knows what!
I have 14 years in the desert within a few feet of running jet aircraft. The muffs were just to hot! At 114°F the river of sweat running down your neck was to much to bear. I wore ear plugs. My hearing always tested better than normal. I've been away from aircraft for 17 years, with the exception of the constant ring and the intermittent operation when wife speaks (bothers her not me) my hearing is fine. I think the ring developed after I retired. While active the plugs were always within easy reach, not true in everyday life. Muffs are more convenient for intermittent use. Both muffs and plugs that operate properly should pass normal conversation while in use.
Muffs with the radio installed probably block conversation.
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Thillmaine
ArboristSite Operative
Plugs
The muffs on the peltor system, mounted on a petzl vertex with the vents wont stay snapped for me. Cant seem to get good hearing protections o sometmes I use the muffs, and plugs, but prefer plugs for sure...
The muffs on the peltor system, mounted on a petzl vertex with the vents wont stay snapped for me. Cant seem to get good hearing protections o sometmes I use the muffs, and plugs, but prefer plugs for sure...
Peteysmom
ArboristSite Lurker
hearing protection
Bottom line is, whatever you will USE, is what works best. All hearing protection devices come with an NRR- Noise Reduction Rating, but that assumes you are using them correctly. Many folks simply don't use disposable ear plugs properly. Muffs are more consistent, its hard to screw up using a muff. If you are serious about ear plugs, get custom fitted ones, they're reusable, cleanable, WAY WAY more comfortable than the disposables, and much easier to use correctly. In the Navy, we require muffs AND plugs for any dBs over 105, industrial. The folks on the flight line on carriers have special muffs....
I've been a Navy safety geek since 1988, had to give ya my two cents worth on PPE
but I am a newbie to tree farming. Watch for my desperate posts about tools and attachments.
Peteysmom
Bottom line is, whatever you will USE, is what works best. All hearing protection devices come with an NRR- Noise Reduction Rating, but that assumes you are using them correctly. Many folks simply don't use disposable ear plugs properly. Muffs are more consistent, its hard to screw up using a muff. If you are serious about ear plugs, get custom fitted ones, they're reusable, cleanable, WAY WAY more comfortable than the disposables, and much easier to use correctly. In the Navy, we require muffs AND plugs for any dBs over 105, industrial. The folks on the flight line on carriers have special muffs....
I've been a Navy safety geek since 1988, had to give ya my two cents worth on PPE
but I am a newbie to tree farming. Watch for my desperate posts about tools and attachments.
Peteysmom
Magnum783
ArboristSite Guru
I will be with Lou I am an AF dude and the Fight line guys were plugs and muff but they all wear the foamys and love them. Most like the slicker looking kinda not the rough ones like I think the EAR Classics that look like a drum. I agree with them but I wear the rubber corded ones. I agree with all those who posted the best is what you will wear. I like the muffs on my hardhat for ocational work in the tree but when I get the ground where we are just cutting up stick and brush and running the chipper. The rubber plugs are the way to go cause they keep me head just a little cooler.
Jared
Jared
bushinspector
ArboristSite Operative
Yep I agree, I use the E-A-R ultrafit rubber plugs (NRR of 25dba) when on the ground and use the muffs when the hardhat is on.
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Littman
ArboristSite Lurker
I would get ear plugs. It doesn't matter if they are the cheaper soft sponge type or the molded solid plugs. Both offer a NRR rating of about 30-32 which is higher than any ear muffs that offer NRR of 19-23 for lightweight models to 24-26 for heavier models.
(NRR= Noise Reduction Rating). The maximum NNR rating that can be achieved is about 36 and that is using both high quality plugs and muffs at the same time.
I find that ear plugs do not restrict head movement, doesn't interfere with my hat and are more comfortable to wear esp on warm days.
I use a pair of custom molded silicon ear plugs during warmer days and the disposable soft type on cold days. Solid ear plugs conducts the cold right to my brain and causes brain freeze. The sponge type does not.
I use both plugs and muffs if I wear my helmet. Usually you can go to an audiologist and have a custom mold made of your ear for about $20. You can take the mold and then send away to IE ear inc to get solid plugs or just have the audiologist order them. Molds and plugs should cost about $60 total. Get a visible color like yellow or red so they will be easy to find if you drop one.
The sonic 2 ear plugs (the ones with a baffling system which only blocks out loud sounds) only have a NRR rating of 7 which is very low. There are digital ear plugs that allow one to hear better. Of course using both is better than either alone
Remember, not only gunshots may injure your hearing but the calling also. The goal is to try to achieve a dB level less than 85. Here are some random levels.
0 dB – Lowest audible sound
50 dB – Quiet empty barn, babbling trout stream, gentle breeze
60 dB – Normal conversation
70 dB – Chicken coop, farrowing area
85 dB – Tractor or combine idling, barn cleaner, conveyor, elevator: You can begin to lose your hearing at this dB if you're exposed to it for eight (8) hours or more per day.
90 dB – Blower compressor, pneumatic wrench, chopping silage (no cab), full-throttle mower,: If you are exposed to noises at this level for four (4) hours or more per day, hearing loss can occur.
100 dB – Tractor at 80% load, squealing sows, power tools, hand-held metal grinder: One hour of exposure per day is the limit at this decibel level.
110 dB – Average Walkman set above the halfway mark, full-throttle combine, 10-HP vane-axial barn fan: Anything over 15 minutes exposure per day can cause damage.
120 dB – Thunderclap (near), sandblasting, bad muffler, old chain saw: The danger is immediate.
140 dB – Gunshot, engine back-fire, dynamite blast, jet engine. Any length of exposure time is dangerous and may actually cause ear pain.
As noise gets louder, damage can occur sooner. There is no "cure" for hearing loss. This chart is only a guideline. Anything over 85 dB can be damaging to your hearing.
I am a very part-time arborist and full time physician
(NRR= Noise Reduction Rating). The maximum NNR rating that can be achieved is about 36 and that is using both high quality plugs and muffs at the same time.
I find that ear plugs do not restrict head movement, doesn't interfere with my hat and are more comfortable to wear esp on warm days.
I use a pair of custom molded silicon ear plugs during warmer days and the disposable soft type on cold days. Solid ear plugs conducts the cold right to my brain and causes brain freeze. The sponge type does not.
I use both plugs and muffs if I wear my helmet. Usually you can go to an audiologist and have a custom mold made of your ear for about $20. You can take the mold and then send away to IE ear inc to get solid plugs or just have the audiologist order them. Molds and plugs should cost about $60 total. Get a visible color like yellow or red so they will be easy to find if you drop one.
The sonic 2 ear plugs (the ones with a baffling system which only blocks out loud sounds) only have a NRR rating of 7 which is very low. There are digital ear plugs that allow one to hear better. Of course using both is better than either alone
Remember, not only gunshots may injure your hearing but the calling also. The goal is to try to achieve a dB level less than 85. Here are some random levels.
0 dB – Lowest audible sound
50 dB – Quiet empty barn, babbling trout stream, gentle breeze
60 dB – Normal conversation
70 dB – Chicken coop, farrowing area
85 dB – Tractor or combine idling, barn cleaner, conveyor, elevator: You can begin to lose your hearing at this dB if you're exposed to it for eight (8) hours or more per day.
90 dB – Blower compressor, pneumatic wrench, chopping silage (no cab), full-throttle mower,: If you are exposed to noises at this level for four (4) hours or more per day, hearing loss can occur.
100 dB – Tractor at 80% load, squealing sows, power tools, hand-held metal grinder: One hour of exposure per day is the limit at this decibel level.
110 dB – Average Walkman set above the halfway mark, full-throttle combine, 10-HP vane-axial barn fan: Anything over 15 minutes exposure per day can cause damage.
120 dB – Thunderclap (near), sandblasting, bad muffler, old chain saw: The danger is immediate.
140 dB – Gunshot, engine back-fire, dynamite blast, jet engine. Any length of exposure time is dangerous and may actually cause ear pain.
As noise gets louder, damage can occur sooner. There is no "cure" for hearing loss. This chart is only a guideline. Anything over 85 dB can be damaging to your hearing.
I am a very part-time arborist and full time physician
Tom Dunlap
Addicted to ArboristSite
I've been using Tiger Tails for years. The coiled retainers slip onto the bows of my safety glasses and keep the ear plugs handy.
They also stay out of most of the dirt that the plugs on cords hang into.
http://www.darlingfiresafety.com/reusable.htm
They also stay out of most of the dirt that the plugs on cords hang into.
http://www.darlingfiresafety.com/reusable.htm
Big_Wood
westcoast dweller
for my line of work i could not handle anymore noise through my headset then i already do while trying to think lol. it's not legal for me anyways. only thing i can say about plugs is they suck. i'd almost rather go deaf lol
I like to get in a tree or cut wood and tune out the world to the tune of my own music or conversation. Most of the time i am by myself in remote areas or helping out using a blower and can't hear what is being said anyways.
I wanted a solution i could use while running or day to day activities and also as a crossover device for cutting and blowers ( small engines) maybe when i'm shooting too.
I wanted a solution i could use while running or day to day activities and also as a crossover device for cutting and blowers ( small engines) maybe when i'm shooting too.
20+ years of using hearing protection while welding, grinding and working high-speed production lines. We use plugs for most work, but anything over 90 dB we need to use both plugs with muffs over. That's the standard. When I use any of my saws or buzz saw brush cutters etc., I use both together. When running G snow blower, only use plugs.
