ear protection

[lisa]

Hello,

I am interested in purchasing some protective ear gear for a woodworker who often works with loud machines. I'd like to get soem that are very hight in quality. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thank you.

Lisa

[MadMark]

The ear protection worn by shooters will work well. If you want the best protection wear earplugs under the muffs.

M

[karl in pa]

When shopping for hearing protection you need to look for a few things: dB reduction, adjustablity, and comfort.

Decibel (dB) reduction is listed as a negative (-) number. Let's say one brand is listed as providing -24dB protection and the other brand provides -29dB. The brand with -29dB is your better product.

The head band should be adjustable to fit over a hat or thick hair. The better the fit the better the protection and comfort.
The ear covers should be soft and flexible so they can form a seal to the head.

MadMark was correct saying earplugs should also be worn to further reduce the noise level. I use soft foam earplugs under mine. They are generally available at hardware and home centers and catalogs.

It is best not to wear safety glasses while wearing hearing protectors. The ear piece tends to lessen the ear piece seal thereby reducing the units efficiency. Either goggles or, better yet, a face shield should be worn.

I wish I had worn these years ago. I don't think I'd have this constant ringing in my ears. But it does give me a good excuse to tell my wife that I didn't hear what she was saying. (grin)

[Ski]

17 plus years in aircraft maintenance and the most effective and comfortable hearing protection I have used are the cheapest, the conforming foam style ear plugs. They are approved by OSHA and have a laboratory tested NRR(noise reduction rating) of 29 which is comparable to most ear muff style(mickey mouse ears). They are not in your way can't fall off and become a hazard and do not impede wearing of other personel protective equiptment such as safety glasses. IMHO the only way to go.

Ski