Hearing Protection

[Pilot]

The Peltor "Worktunes" (and AOSafety, which is the same thing) gives 25dB reduction.

Peltor is a big name in muffs and aviation headsets. We were issued Peltor muffs in the Air Force.

They used to make a version of Worktunes with active noise cancellation, but I couldn't find any today.

 

[Doc_Bob]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( The muffs would have to be very good (and anything over 20db is decent, and over 35db takes a combination of muffs and earplugs) to reduce your tractor noise sufficiently for you to hear a radio well without doing so at levels that could damage hearing (90 db plus, though 85db for repeated 8 hour lengths might do such, per OSHA). As to the "sound neutralizers" (basically a 180 degree out of phase sound wave generator), some work well, but cost a bunch (it's the microchip that analyzes complex sound patterns, and a speaker that can handle the frequencies and sound pressure levels needed), with the majority not particularly effective, as in most of the ones sold for mp-3 players, plane flights and so on.
Me, I use the same muffs on the tractor that I do on the target range, except on the range I also have ear plugs in place. The reason is I enjoy a fine stereo system at home, and, on rare occasions, need to pay attention to what my wife is saying. )</font>

I wear muffs and ear plugs at the same time. It is a "belts and suspenders" philosophy. All of us know that you cannot regain lost hearing. Do whatever you can not to lose any hearing. double hearing protection is only one way, but easy and cheap.
Bob

 

[5030tinkerer]

I bought several pair of these from Harbor Freight when they were on sale for $2. They are the most comfortable pair I have owned and claim a 23dB reduction. They work great!

 

[dubba]

"John Deere" noise canceling headphones at Lowe's with MP3 capability

The noise reduction claimed isn't on the webpage. Maybe someone has a Lowe's nearby & could check on the box??

 

[Hib]

I was at Lowes this afternoon and looked at the JD muffs. Noise reduction is rated at 18db. Has a volume control and require two AA batteries. Not hardly worth 90 bucks IMHO.

 

[dubba]

Thanks for looking, You just saved me a 1 1/4 hour round trip to check them out.

How about these headphones from heartland america? Anybody tried them? They claim 25 decibel reduction. I'm thinking for 19.99 they might be good enough to leave on the tractor.

 

[TOL1488]

I have 2 pair of these, real good for shooting or running a chain saw but the head band isn't the sturdiest of designs. I haven't had any problems but I wouldn't toss them around.

Leightning 31

I'd like to find some around the neck band ones and some with a sturdier headband with similar specs.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

I have had the Peltor Alert for a while. They are really nice. You can adjust the ambient noise so that you can hear your equipment well, the radio, and those around you. Without destroying your hearing. Much less stress when mowing.

I don;t think that a radio muff without ANR is a safe option, and it is warned against by the equipment manufacturers as well.

 

[RayH]

I dont know how you guys ride around with those muffs bouncing around on your head. It seems like overkill. My tractor just isnt that loud. Its not like shooting or using pneumatic tools or something. I just use ear plugs. I can get hundreds of them from work for free though.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

I use mine when I am doing a lot of mowing. The mower is what is making all the noise, and it can get a little monontonous, so the radio is nice. They fit nicely.