PT & Hearing Protection

[SpringHollow]

These Pro Eras may be the best hearing protection plus safety hearing system but they are expensive ($240).

Ken



Pro Ears Dimension 2 ProMag

"The Dimension 2 is designed with Receiver/Input capabilities for: AM/FM Radio, Cassette Tape, Stereo, CD and other electronic Communication/Entertainment Receiving Devices.

Features:
# Dynamic Level Compression (DLC? protects hearing without out shutting off
# Input to integrate with communication devices AM/FM radio
# FREE upgraded stereo patch cord a $25.00 value
# Clearest, most natural sound quality ever
# Fastest 'Attack Time' - reacts in less than 2 milliseconds
# Harmful noise levels are kept below 70 dB, sounds below 70 dB are amplified
# Incredible 50 dB of gain
# Stereo for true directional sound detection
# Independent Volume Controls
# No connecting wires
# Special Replaceable Sealing Rings for the ultimate in comfort
# Modular design for easy carry
# 200 hours minimum battery life
# Batteries Included
# Industry's only 5-Year Warranty
"

 

[woodlandfarms]

2 thoughts. There are some Peltors that reduce ambient noise but allow for voice to be heard. They may have the same ugly effect noise canceling headsets do with that "sucking" feeling on your ear drumbs.

For me, I am going to be playing with noise deadening, maybe a second exhaust, definitely some foam pads of one sort or another... I have a hard time hearing the mower when I have the headsets on and I miss those subtle cue's of the metal on metal banging when I find fence posts or worse....

 

[Bob999]

I use Pro Ears precisely because they allow me to hear normal sounds while blocking loud sounds. As Ken notes they are expensive but in my view worth it.

 

[SpringHollow]

I just tried the Pro Ears for the second time (normally have a logging helmet on when doing firewood but today I was just collecting wood already cut up. My wife had me get them which was nice of her. I would have used them more but i forgot to turn off the protectors the first time i used them so the batteries were dead and the spare pair of batteries I bought with them were dead also.

It takes some getting used to the fact that they also amplify low level sounds so the sound of a stick dragging in the leaves is quite distinct. Had a grouse get scared up and take off right next to me. That sounded pretty wild!

I bought the cheapest Ipod and have it clipped to the ear muffs with the wires tied to the head band. That setup worked nice - no wires to get snagged or to dangle against me. I hardly ever listen to music because i tune it out when concentrating at work and I listen to NPR when driving. It was very nice to listen to music I like while working and nice not to have to use ear buds. Not the best stereo sound but certainly fine for working in the woods with a tractor. Maybe it was my imagination, but it seemed to lower the tractor noise it allowed through when i had the music on (could be the music covering up the sound).

If they last 5 years, they were definitely worth the money.

Ken

 

[BillCroasmun]

Thanks for the Pro Ears info, I looked up what other models they offer and found this one for $170: Pro-Ears Predator 200 Shooting Hearing Protection Headsets P200 w/ FREE UPS :: Hearing Protection :: Optics For You

I might give those a try, as it is now, I only wear ear protection consistently when I'm mowing.

 

[RegL]

I've gone so long without ear protection that the engine noise doesn't bother me much anymore and my ears filter out my wife's voice most the time.

 

[Gravy]

RegL,

I may be telling you something you already know, but loud noises will still further damage your hearing, even though they aren't painful. You might want to protect what you still have.

Gravy

 

[farm23]

I have not tried the pro-ears and they may work since I see they cancel out anything above 70db. The noise cancelling head sets I have tried have not worked well because they cancel above 80 or so. The result is the tractor noise comes and goes. I have purchase a set of standard (no noise cancelling) Peltor's and they work ok. I may go ahead and get a set of the pro-ears before next hunting season.