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ear protection

Joined
Jul 24, 2008
Messages
729
Likes
203
Location
Montfort, Wisconsin
I'm wondering what you use for ear protection? My little shop is loud with the dust collector, air filter, and occasionally the air compressor coming on. Since I wear an Air Trend it's hard to get any ear muff type protectors on comfortably. The ear buds end up hurting my ears at the end of the day. The little foam plugs work their way out and just don't seem to want to stay put.

I'm told the ear muffs that come with the Air Trend aren't that good. I am considering a pair of custom fitted ear plugs but am open to suggestions.

Thank you,

Dave F.
 
Dave, try Moldex brand earplugs. They have some that have either a 33 or 32 nnr, the highest available. I find that they stay in my ears better than any other brand. The key to getting any to stay put though is (using CLEAN ones--they won't work if dirty) rolling them between thumb and forefinger to get the air out of them, then really putting them up into your ear canal. They don't work if you just push them into your ears.
 
I had a set made for target shooting ,made of silicon they had a small hole though the plug to alow them to breath and a small amount of sound. My audio people took the templates same as for my aids and had them made ,not cheap 🙁
 
I use the cheap red muffs from HF for $2. I am sure there are many better ones out there if I was willing to pay more but I generally don't have loud noise producing devices on that long so I think the protection level I get is more than adequate. I have a set at each end of the shop for convenience or if I have a visitor.
 
Dave I would suggest finding a "safety store" in your area and give them a try. They will have several styles as everyone's ears are different and what works for one won't always work for others. Also ask your audiologist, if you have one, what they would suggest. I use the Safety One, also check out the "earplug superstore" online, they have a great deal of information. Be careful using "shooting or hunting" ear protectors, these are set up for sudden loud noises not necessarily loud continues noise. The expensive shooting protectors are not really recommended for shop noise because of this. Cheap shooting protectors are ok as they just cover your ears, but like you said these don't fit will with your shield.
 
We had an audiologist come to our local club meeting a couple months ago. The custom molded ear plugs are the best. He surprised me by saying that properly used foam plugs were second best and muffs are third. The trick with the foam plugs is to smoosh them into very small cigars prior to inserting in ears. If you just jam them into the outer opening, they're not very effective.
 
I sometimes use the ribbed earplugs on a plastic cord. My best ones are foam plugs by Howard Leight; NRR of 33- very high. I got a box of 100 at Fastenal; any safety supply company should have them or order them. Originally got them for competitive trapshooting.
 
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