Noise cancelling headphones.

[EarPlug]

There is a major difference between types of headphone technology being mentioned in this thread. There is the Bose and Sony headphone that utilize "noise cancellation" and the Peltor, Sordin, ProEars, WorkTunes etc. That DO NOT use "noise cancellation".

Noise Cancellation - these units are used for sound isolation. The electronics sample the ambient sound, reproduce it 180 degrees out of phase and re-introduce it into the earcup causing the sound waves to cancel. The Bose are not designed to let you hear your surroundings, only to block outside noise.

Electronic Ear Muffs (Peltor, Sordin, ProEars, WorkTunes etc) - are designed to let you hear outside sounds while wearing hearing protection. The ear muff is the hearing protection, The electronic amplifier lets you hear "through the earmuff" and then the amplifier is set to not over amplify loud sounds. Typically the amplifier limits its output to about 90-94 decibels. These type of products ARE NOT "noise cancellation" technology.

Adding the ability to listen to music, cell phones, etc. is secondary to the hearing protection provided by either type of headsets.

 

[Tig]

Good point EarPlug. When I was comparing brands at the local Future Shop, they had Sony's. I think they the model had a 50 in it, or maybe that was the price. In any case, I was listening to music at the test setup and these headphones did cut down on ambient noise, but they also seemed to isolate a conversation in the next aisle. The conversation became very clear, which is not what I wanted in NC headphones.

 

[vulcancowboy]

I use these on my tractor, mostly when mowing. Work pretty good.
Amazon.com: Panasonic RPHJE120K In-Ear Headphone, Black: Electronics

 

[Barnbuilder]

Anyone use the Peltor WS100 or something similar? Looking for the Bluetooth and also liked the mic so I can talk without removing the headset. Was hoping the y would work well while operating the Bobcat.

 

[TractorGuy]

There is a major difference between types of headphone technology being mentioned in this thread. There is the Bose and Sony headphone that utilize "noise cancellation" and the Peltor, Sordin, ProEars, WorkTunes etc. That DO NOT use "noise cancellation".

Noise Cancellation - these units are used for sound isolation. The electronics sample the ambient sound, reproduce it 180 degrees out of phase and re-introduce it into the earcup causing the sound waves to cancel. The Bose are not designed to let you hear your surroundings, only to block outside noise.

Electronic Ear Muffs (Peltor, Sordin, ProEars, WorkTunes etc) - are designed to let you hear outside sounds while wearing hearing protection. The ear muff is the hearing protection, The electronic amplifier lets you hear "through the earmuff" and then the amplifier is set to not over amplify loud sounds. Typically the amplifier limits its output to about 90-94 decibels. These type of products ARE NOT "noise cancellation" technology.

Adding the ability to listen to music, cell phones, etc. is secondary to the hearing protection provided by either type of headsets.

This is a great explanation of the differences.

I personally do not want all the outside noise to be canceled when operating machinery. I want to be in touch with the machine but don't want my hearing damaged by it's volume. The 3M work tunes has worked well for me. I have had them about a year and they are still on the first set of batteries. I only use them while mowing on my zero turn. I also enjoy listening to music and they will not turn up loud enough to cause a problem or completely drown out the mower.

 

[dickfoster]

This is a great explanation of the differences.

I personally do not want all the outside noise to be canceled when operating machinery. I want to be in touch with the machine but don't want my hearing damaged by it's volume. The 3M work tunes has worked well for me. I have had them about a year and they are still on the first set of batteries. I only use them while mowing on my zero turn. I also enjoy listening to music and they will not turn up loud enough to cause a problem or completely drown out the mower.

It is highly unlikely that the noise cancelling types will eliminate all of the ambient noise, just reduce it significantly.

 

[murph1]

Well today I ordered Bose QC-35 pricey but I'm worth it so I tell myself. Review to come.

 

[TractorGuy]

Glad you didn't make any snap decisions.

My $35 3M Worktunes are still serving me well.

 

[Redlands Okie]

Used Bose ear plugs noise canceling qc-20 for about 2 years. They plugged into my phone if I wanted to listen to music. The noise cancel worked GREAT. Music was fine. Bit of a bother with the cord and having them plugged into them phone.

Last few months using Bose qc-30. They are bluetooth so no cord. Noise cancel is still GREAT. Back ground noise that is allowed in can be adjusted on these.

Operating L 3560 open cab.

 

[TomSeller]

I use regular 3M Peltor 98 and 105 ear muffs, I like to pay attention to the engines. I recall one time I thought that I had an engine problem. I pull off my muffs and hear an airplane overhead. You can still hear quite well, it is just a lot quieter.

But I have to admit it would be nice to hear music at times.