Head phone ear protection

[ruffdog]

I, like the OP, find that most ear muffs are just a bit too small and will be uncomfortable. I have PLENTY of nice muffs that the wife can wear but only the Viking muffs will fit me, even over my trucker caps. I also wear foam ear plugs with equal success. After years of wearing ear protection on the job, all day, wearing them a few hours at a time mowing or cutting wood is easy enough.

 

[Mtsoxfan]

Lots of info/advise, thank you. Another detail with my current earmuffs is when I turn my head, it allows noise in. I do have foam ear plugs, but I was mainly using them to stop hearing my wife snoring. Yes, women do snore. I stopped using after 10 years or so because I finally had enough with the (hard to describe feeling) when I woke up. It would be nice to hear incoming calls, or music, but with the NC muffs using now, still have to crank tunes to hear, defeating purpose. making me thing of earbuds and muffs as a possible solution.

 

[bigtiller]

I use various types of hearing protection depending on the situation (I too have a big melon). The simplest and cheapest option would be soft foam ear plugs inserted correctly (Howard leight, etc), which are nice when it's hot out.
View attachment 876794

But if your preference is ear muffs, I have experience with several sets of Bose noise cancelling over the ear headphones as well as noise cancelling earbuds that I use on the ZRT or when using gas tools, but not a fan of over the ear when it's hot out & not a fan of earbuds for more than 2 hrs at a time. I wear glasses with my over the ear headphones without any issues.

When at an indoor range, I double up with foam plugs and electronic impact muffs, when shooting outdoors, just electronic muffs.

If $ isn't an issue, for overall comfort, I prefer the newer Bose Ultra noise canceling over the ear headphones, their newest offering has larger cups and more adjustment, 3 levels of noise canceling adjustment, but are pricey at close to 4 bills. They are hands down the most comfortable over the ear headphones I've ever used.

That's the problem. I have watched so many people insert them incorrectly and then complain about the noise. I have shown them the correct way to do it but they almost always go back to using one hand the next time we get together.

 

[Mtsoxfan]

never knew there was a wrong way. I always twisted them to contract them, stick in ear, then they would expand and voila...

 

[AirOpsMgr]

never knew there was a wrong way. I always twisted them to contract them, stick in ear, then they would expand and voila...

For proper fit and comfort, roll, pull & hold ... most forget to pull the ear a bit to straighten the canal

 

[bigtiller]

Lots of info/advise, thank you. Another detail with my current earmuffs is when I turn my head, it allows noise in. I do have foam ear plugs, but I was mainly using them to stop hearing my wife snoring. Yes, women do snore. I stopped using after 10 years or so because I finally had enough with the (hard to describe feeling) when I woke up. It would be nice to hear incoming calls, or music, but with the NC muffs using now, still have to crank tunes to hear, defeating purpose. making me thing of earbuds and muffs as a possible solution.

I found an easier fix for that. I put a white noise machine on the headboard close to my ears. I have the volume set high enough that the sudden loud noises blend in with the machine and doesn't wake me but I can still slightly hear her normal volume.

 

[Mtsoxfan]

For proper fit and comfort, roll, pull & hold ... most forget to pull the ear a bit to straighten the canal

Yes, I guess I do that as well. Holding it keeps in place as it expands.

 

[AirOpsMgr]

Lots of info/advise, thank you. Another detail with my current earmuffs is when I turn my head, it allows noise in. I do have foam ear plugs, but I was mainly using them to stop hearing my wife snoring. Yes, women do snore. I stopped using after 10 years or so because I finally had enough with the (hard to describe feeling) when I woke up. It would be nice to hear incoming calls, or music, but with the NC muffs using now, still have to crank tunes to hear, defeating purpose. making me thing of earbuds and muffs as a possible solution.

Even my older Bose NC headphones worked well on the ZRT, didn't need to crank the volume, but the newer Bose Ultra fit all the way over my ears due to larger cups and are perfect for me. I've actually taken calls on them while mowing and the people I'm talking to can hear me fine, they say there is some background noise, but no one ever thought I was on a mower .... but again, pricey!

 

[bigtiller]

For proper fit and comfort, roll, pull & hold ... most forget to pull the ear a bit to straighten the canal

Yep, pull the upper ear up and out, then insert the rolled end of the plug. And it needs to be done quickly, with a fresh, new plug, the foam expands rather fast if it has no resistance.

 

[Mtsoxfan]

lol... I reuse plugs all the time. The older they are, the slower they expand. I don't have a big earwax problem either. If the look/feel dirty, change them out.

 

[AirOpsMgr]

lol... I reuse plugs all the time. The older they are, the slower they expand. I don't have a big earwax problem either. If the look/feel dirty, change them out.

I intentionally leave them in my pants pockets when I run them through the washing machine, come out brand new.

 

[ramonajim]

I've had to go to goggles to keep pollen of my eyes, so the glasses issue is skipped. But I also gotta have a hat to protect my over sized and under foliated melon, so ear plugs for me.

I very much like the EarFun Pro 3. Great for the tractor, the zero turn, and flying.

In the woodshop, I'm more inclined to use gel muffs.

 

[N7HEVN]

Some years back, I raced motorcycles, and they're quite loud, so hearing protection is a must...
I got introduced to these (something super similar that is), as they fit really well with the helmet on.
Now, with owning the land, and having to run that brush hog for many-many hours to mow, these have worked out great too.
Very affordable, very comfortable, and very effective. Then when done with the job, throw them in the trash.

Robot or human?

Robot or human?

 

[TreePointer]

If your goal is noise reduction and you can do without music/podcasts, use foam plugs under a good set of earmuffs.

This is what I use when operating loud tractors/mowers:

* 3M Safety 92059-80025T Disposable Earplugs (32 dB NRR)
* 3M H10A Peltor Optime 105 Earmuff (30 dB NRR)

 

[brennems]

I use ear protection when operating lawn mowers, and brush hog. I have a set of electronic (?) noise canceling from Ryobi which has served me well for years. One issue is wearing glasses, as it allows noise in, which I have addressed by glasses placement. My neighbors, whom I purchased my property from, have had a turn of health, so I take care of the lawn for them. The issue I have is between the two yards, it is about 3 1/2 hours to do both. After 2 hours, the earmuffs pinch my ears to the point of hurting. My ears are not big/long, but my melon is larger. The headset is extended all the way open. It seems all the ones I try on are set for the "average" joe. Does anyone have a set that opens wider and/or have larger earmuffs? I'd prefer to not try a set unless someone can vouch for it personally.

Try 3M H10A Peltor Optime 105 Over the Head Earmuff, Ear Protectors, Hearing Protection, NRR 30 dB,Black, Red. Inexpensive, excellent noise reduction, extra large openings, comfortable--I wear mine with safety glasses and hearing aids and have no problems.

 

[samanthasen]

Try 3M H10A Peltor Optime 105 Over the Head Earmuff, Ear Protectors, Hearing Protection, NRR 30 dB,Black, Red. Inexpensive, excellent noise reduction, extra large openings, comfortable--I wear mine with safety glasses and hearing aids and have no problems.

And I think this one also best with quality and public review: Dr.meter Ear Muffs for Noise Reduction.
best regard: Samantha Artwork

 

[OzarkChris]

I use ear protection when operating lawn mowers, and brush hog. I have a set of electronic (?) noise canceling from Ryobi which has served me well for years. One issue is wearing glasses, as it allows noise in, which I have addressed by glasses placement. My neighbors, whom I purchased my property from, have had a turn of health, so I take care of the lawn for them. The issue I have is between the two yards, it is about 3 1/2 hours to do both. After 2 hours, the earmuffs pinch my ears to the point of hurting. My ears are not big/long, but my melon is larger. The headset is extended all the way open. It seems all the ones I try on are set for the "average" joe. Does anyone have a set that opens wider and/or have larger earmuffs? I'd prefer to not try a set unless someone can vouch for it personally.

I use the isotunes with gel pads. Makes all the difference in the world, IMO. The other thought would be to use the "earbud" style. I've got both kinds (both from Isotunes) but the earbud type, for me anyway, have a tendency of wanting to come out because I sweat so much. Your mileage may vary!

 

[lhocking]

They provide protection for steady noise, like the drone of a tractor engine, or on a plane, but not for sudden loud sounds, like a gunshot.

For loud variable noise environments, you're better off with muffs.

Odd, I have been using noise cancelling earmuffs at the range and hunting for over 30 years.

The other option is a custom set of ear plugs. They are a plastic/rubber material, and it is custom molded to each ear.

 

[mrmikey]

The other option is a custom set of ear plugs

When I was working, the company would pay for (supply/fit) a new pair ever two years, they were great. No 'hot spots' in the ear canal and very comfortable, you could carry on a normal conversation without having to remove them and still removed all the sharp, loud noise. At the time about 5-6 years ago they were $150 or so, Imagine they're more now.

 

[Ghostdance56]

Look at isotunes. I have had a pair of the earbuds that has a wire from ear to ear but Bluetooths to your phone and love 'em! Use them for every loud motor I'm arround. They come with 3-4 sizes of earplugs to get the proper fit. They are a noise reduction earplug first and Bluetooth phone second. Since I bought mine they have come out with several varieties. Check'em out!!