Ear Protection

[mcrame01]

Could anyone give me a recommendation for ear protection. I recently purchased a utility tractor and was looking for something reasonably priced for ear protection. I don't know which thread it was on, but I know I have seen recommendations before. I'm looking for something with a built in radio. An ipod connection would be ok, but a radio would be prefered. Your recommendation along with the price would be greatly appreciated.

[jimainiac]

I got an "earmuff" radio at Home Depot, called "Worktunes". I think it was around fifty bucks, AM-FM. Have had it a couple of years. I like it a lot, use it all the time on the tractor.

[teg]

"...reasonably priced..." No, not really but there are these:

QuieTunes™ AM/FM Radio Earmuffs, Safety - GEMPLER'S

They are not the cheapest company to order from...

[mcrame01]

Thanks. Those are both are pretty much what I'm looking for. I have been doing some research and the Peltor worktunes with Digital tuner look like they would fit my bill. I like the idea of a digital tuner. I get sick trying to dial in stations and they have an ipod plug which is nice. I will check out home depot to see what they have. Once again, thanks for the input and keep them coming. It is nice to know that you are satisfied with your worktunes. If anyone else has feedback it would be appeciated.

[sugarmaple]

I bought two pairs of rechargeable elvex Com 80 R fm stereo muffs about eight years ago. They were expensive at the time, but both are still ticking and the original batteries have stood the test of time and considerable abuse, certainly doing better than my various other cordless tools. I got the second pair as reconditioned from the distributor after having some minor snafu with the original pair. They were considerably less expensive than the retail pair. Service by the distributor was first rate. The distributor is Elvex Corporation; 13 Trowbridge Dr.; Bethel, CT; 06801. Customer service is 800-888-6582; phone 203 743-2488; fax 203-791-2278 and website is Elvex.com.

In the crazy expensive category are the electronic loud noise cancelling/soft sound amplifying type muffs that the military uses. If I remember correctly, they are a Peltor product, (the company that makes the Worktunes muff which did not have as good reception as my Elvex units, albeit at 1/3 the price.) I have many pairs of plain Peltor muffs of various noise reduction ratings and they are uniformly excellent, durable, rebuildable with fresh innards, comfortable and effective. I have been thinking in my dotage that amplifying earmuffs might be just the ticket for hunting the wily whitetail. These seem to start around 200 and go up from there. Don't remember if radio is an option...In either brand, it might do to inquire about reconditioned units. I made a mental note to do this the next time, but the need has not presented itself in the past 8 years. Happy shopping!

[daTeacha]

Midway USA, a shooting sports provider, offers some electronic noise cancelling earmuffs from Caldwell for $35. They sometimes have them on sale for less than half that. I got a pair for $15 not too long ago. They don't have a radio, but you can pretty much hear normal sounds and not loud ones. Put them on, talk to someone, and clap your hands hard. You hear the conversation but not the handclap. Run the chainsaw, and you can converse with someone without hearing the saw. It's weird, but they work great and don't break the bank even at the regular price. The company is almost totally catalog/internet sales. Put the name into one word and add a dot com for the website.

[chetorba]

I use my IPOD with the ear buds and then wear the $1.99 ear muffs from Harbor Freight over the ear buds. Listen to the music I like, no commercials and cheap!

Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

[jimainiac]

Originally Posted by chetorba

I use my IPOD with the ear buds and then wear the $1.99 ear muffs from Harbor Freight over the ear buds. Listen to the music I like, no commercials and cheap!

Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

That's a good idea. I think I'll try that when we move out of radio reception range.

[smfcpacfp]

I use shooting ear muffs and throw away ear plugs. When you get to my age, you will wish you did everything imaginable to save your hearing.

[RalphVa]

Ear muffs work A LOT BETTER than ANY ear plugs. Bought a set at an estate sale and was astonished at the difference. Both my ear have prosthesis. They get very rattled by high noise like from the shredder/chipper or chain saw. The ear muffs do a great job keeping the noise out. I'd NEVER be listening to LOUD music. It'll ruin your ears as surely as letting the machinery noise in.

Learn to revel in the silence. Take a walk through the woods and listen for the wildlife or just revel in the silence. Shed yourself of this junk once in a while, even the clothes.

Ear damage from having too much noise too long can't be fixed. Mine could, as it was due to otosclerosis (causing boney formations around the stapes bones and rendering them almost ineffective in transmitting noise to the nerves within).

Ralph