Hearing protection

Bill_in_MI · Jan 23, 2001

Don't know if this will fit the bill for anyone or not. I have the Peltor Select II hearing protector-earmuff type. It has an active noise reduction capability combined with FM stereo receiver. The later is optionally turned on or off. The neat thing about these is that you can adjust the noise reduction function to amplify soft sounds and reduce loud sounds...with or without the music playing...soft or loud as well. You can hold a normal conversation with someone...even whispering, and if a "gunshot" goes off at the same instant, it is reduced to a muffled "thump." I use them with the chain saw and leaf blower. It's really strange to have complete awareness of the sound environment around you while you have the 'muffs on, and still have the loud noises filtered. Have not been scared blank-less by anyone walking up behind me since I have had these. Used to happen lots with my old style muffs. Have not had a chance to use on the tractor yet as I just got them late this fall. I anticipate using them this spring when mowing season is back here in Michigan. They are pricey...about $250...but I figure keeping my hearing is worth some investment. And, I like music while I am mowing.

Bill

DDT · Jan 23, 2001

stereo muffs, I like it. I did not no any was out there. I wonder if FM radio would come it good if the station was 75 to 100 miles away? Yes I live in the middle of farm country.

mbjacobs · Jan 23, 2001

Check out these headphones -
http://nct-active.com/heads.htm

Maury Jacobs

Jag · Jan 23, 2001

Rick, I have been using the bud type earphones and the muff type hearing protector since I got my new tractor. Hate to miss the local news, Paul H. and some tunes while on a tractor. My L2650 is just a loud thing at rpm.....

Rick572 · Jan 23, 2001

It probably depends on your location and how the terrain runs and also how good the antenna is. Any station that you get with the radio in your truck you should get on the tractor. I listen to an FM station about 60 mile away with no problem.
Rick

Bird · Jan 23, 2001

Aaah, Rick, how things change with age (and hearing loss)./w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif I used to never turn the radio in the car off, and now I've probably turned it on just for a few minutes a half dozen times in the last 6 years. I wouldn't let you put a radio on my tractor if it was free, but 20 years ago I'd have thought it was a necessity./w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif Summer before last, I climbed in a neighbor's big air-conditioned John Deere to keep running the hay baler while he ran an errand and the country & western music nearly blasted me away from the cab when I opened the door. I think his hearing must be nearly as bad as mine. And if it ain't, it will be soon./w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Bird

LarryT · Jan 23, 2001

Bill, I've been searching the web for the Peltor Select II headphones with no luck. There are other Peltor models but none seem to be up the the Select II. There is a "Tactical 7" model but I can't be sure that it's active noise reduction. Where did you buy your Select IIs? Even the Peltor website doesn't mention that model.

Thanks,

Larry...

Anonymous Poster · Jan 23, 2001

Bill,
Don't know how similar they may be to what you describe, but a friend of mine has been involved for a few years w/designing-marketing noise-cancelling headsets for pilots. I'll ask him what he thinks of tractor application (don't see him often,... may be awhile). Certainly they're meant to be worn for hours, so should be comfortable.

TomG, That "true-sound" fiber stuff sounds good... How much($)? Brand?

Thanks,
Larry

Rowski · Jan 24, 2001

I like that idea. Need to find an audiologist. Maybe I can get my insurance or my employer to pay for them. Thanks

Derek

Rowski · Jan 24, 2001

I used the tractor to push back some snow for 4 hrs the other day. Had the the rpm set at PTO speed, for the 4 hrs. My ears rung for hours after. In the summer I have the doors off so it's not to bad, but I don't have a brush cutter. I found the aero ear plugs on the net. I think Like the rubber better than the foam, I'll try them out.
Other have mentioned the stereo. Personnally I like to "listen" to my equipment so I might be able to catch something going wrong. This most likely is just a mental thing or maybe due to my profession. I would not get good reception with a radio due to location. Does anybody use a CD player?

Derek