Posted By: rowin4
Hearing protection - 01/15/11 06:31 AM
What do you guy's use to protect your hearing? what did you say? It's to many years of no mufflers, grinders, chain saws. 
Hearing protection
Posted By: 67_Satellite
Re: Hearing protection - 01/15/11 12:39 PM
I have worked in screw machine shops with high noise levels for 24 years and these are my favorites. Some guys leave them stick half way out of their ears, but I shove them in all the way. Don't worry,a pinky fingernail will get them right out.I have tried all different types and they are the most comfortable. Some of the other tapered types have a 1 or 2 decibel better noise reduction rating, but feel like they expand all day and cause pain after a while. The company mandates hearing tests every year and there has been no change in my hearing yet. 
http://www.coopersafety.com/product/e-a-r-classic-earplugs-1319.aspx
http://www.coopersafety.com/product/e-a-r-classic-earplugs-1319.aspx
Posted By: bonefish
Re: Hearing protection - 01/15/11 01:14 PM
i got a devorce now my hearing is JUST FINE. 
all kiddin aside i used that same product when i was in a high noise enviroment,works great(alot better than the cigarette buts we used back in the day)
all kiddin aside i used that same product when i was in a high noise enviroment,works great(alot better than the cigarette buts we used back in the day)
Posted By: 440Jim
Re: Hearing protection - 01/15/11 02:21 PM
I use foam type ear plugs with my helmet.
Sometimes I run mufflers, and other times running a collector extension with turn out to get the sound past the driver (and methanol fumes out from under the car).
Sometimes I run mufflers, and other times running a collector extension with turn out to get the sound past the driver (and methanol fumes out from under the car).
Posted By: S/ST 3040
Re: Hearing protection - 01/15/11 04:25 PM
Quote:
I have worked in screw machine shops with high noise levels for 24 years and these are my favorites. Some guys leave them stick half way out of their ears, but I shove them in all the way. Don't worry,a pinky fingernail will get them right out.I have tried all different types and they are the most comfortable. Some of the other tapered types have a 1 or 2 decibel better noise reduction rating, but feel like they expand all day and cause pain after a while. The company mandates hearing tests every year and there has been no change in my hearing yet.
Same hear. (pun intended)
I like those the best. I buy them in boxes of 200.
People try to make fun of me, I use them so much.
No screw machines at the shop I work at now but,
people don't realize how loud everything actually is,
until it's too late. 8-10 hrs a day for years, takes
it's toll.
Not to mention racing, chain saws, lawn mowers, etc.
Posted By: Adobedude
Re: Hearing protection - 01/15/11 04:58 PM
Quote:
I have worked in screw machine shops with high noise levels for 24 years and these are my favorites. Some guys leave them stick half way out of their ears, but I shove them in all the way. Don't worry,a pinky fingernail will get them right out.I have tried all different types and they are the most comfortable. Some of the other tapered types have a 1 or 2 decibel better noise reduction rating, but feel like they expand all day and cause pain after a while. The company mandates hearing tests every year and there has been no change in my hearing yet.
I use the same plugs with power tools building homes, I put em in and leave em in all day, but not all foam plugs are equal, these (link above) are the best IMO. I buy them by the box off EBAY.
Posted By: Cab_Burge
Re: Hearing protection - 01/15/11 08:34 PM
Quote:HUH, what ear and noise protection, I CAN'T HEAR YOU
What do you guy's use to protect your hearing? what did you say? It's to many years of no mufflers, grinders, chain saws.
Looking back now I wish that I had use it back then 
I see some of the Top Fuel and blwon alcohol crews use the small foam plugs and ear muffs also Same thing on law enforcement shooting ranges
Posted By: Crizila
Re: Hearing protection - 01/15/11 10:12 PM
Quote:Ya, worked in a noisy environment much of my life - before there was OSHA. Paying for it now. I now use those yellow plugs also.Quote:HUH, what ear and noise protection, I CAN'T HEAR YOU
What do you guy's use to protect your hearing? what did you say? It's to many years of no mufflers, grinders, chain saws.
Posted By: 67_Satellite
Re: Hearing protection - 01/15/11 11:56 PM
I wear them with my earmuffs at the range too. The extra "quiet" helps with the concentration factor.
Posted By: rowin4
Re: Hearing protection - 01/16/11 02:28 AM
Looks like the yellow cooper plugs are the popular choice, will have to pick some up, Thats what were used in the factory were I worked for thirty years, Like a dumb #$% I didn't use them. Went for a hearing check, the woman said a hearing aid would be of no use. Well I guess I saved some money on that.
Posted By: jcc
Re: Hearing protection - 01/16/11 02:46 AM
Quote:
Ya, worked in a noisy environment much of my life - before there was OSHA. Paying for it now. I now use those yellow plugs also.
In the early 70's during college breaks I worked construction. OSHA was just coming into force and no one on the jobsite wanted to deal with it, so they said let the college kid deal handle it. Hearing protection was one important aspect. I ever since won't even pick up a drill without my hearing protectors on. After almost 40 years in the concert industry as a soundman, etc, I'm lucky to still have a decent set of ears, sadly many others don't.
I believe Cicero said that some of life's most important decisions are made when we are least capable of making them.
I get a kick out of all the TV shows where no hearing protection, welding gloves, dust mask, short sleeves , etc are being worn. I'd face a fine at our shop if we were so careless.
Posted By: Hey19
Re: Hearing protection - 01/16/11 09:38 PM
If you click on that link and look at the lower right side the orange Howard Leight are NRR 33 decibel plugs they are slightly better than the older EAR yellows. Also the yellows get stiff with age if you have them around for a while. They are good also. As said before both plugs and muffs are the best for real loud noise situations. As for both plugs or muffs go by the NRR rating on them. The higher the better. 32-33 is about the highest rating for both. There are also the molded reusable style plugs Rubber or silicone some of them are pretty comfortable also. Ear makes them also. Howard Leight makes high attenuation muffs also.
Posted By: Bigbeep
Re: Hearing protection - 01/16/11 09:44 PM
We used those at my shop for years. We now use the moldex spark plugs that are to the right in the link picture. I like the comfort of the spark plugs better. We have some very high decibles to deal with at work and these do the job. My vote would be either ones, just use something. Beep
Beep
Posted By: Grizzly
Re: Hearing protection - 01/21/11 08:34 AM
It used to be only real "men" worked in the shop clanging stuff around, throwing wrenches, and hammering on stuff without hearing protection. Now, all those heros can't hear their Grandchildren.
I'll wear my earplugs ANYWHERE, and that includes going to some venue where a wannabe band is on stage trying to make the whole establishment deaf.
A couple of tricks I'll pass on:
1. The yellow earplugs are very effective if you are patient putting them in: Roll them tight to get the right shape for your ear, push them in as far as comfortable, and then hold them with your finger so they expand inside, not pushing their way out.
2. Found this out by accident, but, if you leave the yellow ear plugs in your pant pockets and chuck 'em in the washing machine they come out good as new.
The orange ones that were pointed out, swell up and are useless.
I'll wear my earplugs ANYWHERE, and that includes going to some venue where a wannabe band is on stage trying to make the whole establishment deaf.
A couple of tricks I'll pass on:
1. The yellow earplugs are very effective if you are patient putting them in: Roll them tight to get the right shape for your ear, push them in as far as comfortable, and then hold them with your finger so they expand inside, not pushing their way out.
2. Found this out by accident, but, if you leave the yellow ear plugs in your pant pockets and chuck 'em in the washing machine they come out good as new.
The orange ones that were pointed out, swell up and are useless.
Posted By: superwrench
Re: Hearing protection - 01/21/11 08:39 PM
I just turn my hearing aids off!! That's right...too many years of abuse with no hearing protection.
If you're young, please use some sort of protection...your natural hearing is far better than using hearing aids.
That's right...too many years of abuse with no hearing protection.If you're young, please use some sort of protection...your natural hearing is far better than using hearing aids.
Posted By: maximum entropy
Re: Hearing protection - 01/21/11 08:52 PM
Quote:
I just turn my hearing aids off!!
If you're young, please use some sort of protection...your natural hearing is far better than using hearing aids.
lol. that's exactly what i do. i've always been deaf, though.
Posted By: slippery440
Re: Hearing protection - 01/21/11 09:10 PM
My hearing is bad. This past year I have been trying not to make it worst. So I have bought the corded ear plugs for work and racing. Well the first time at the track was totally not good. Right off the bat the burn out was bad because I could not hear the car as good. Then down track I found myselt looking at the shift light and wondering when it was going to light. Then it did and I said oh shoot.( LATE) 
I found that when I use ear plugs its more like your in your own little world and can not hear what the racer in the other lane is doing. Thats a good thing. I will be using then again but I will make sure that I use them everytime to get use to the differant way the motor and car sounds.
I found that when I use ear plugs its more like your in your own little world and can not hear what the racer in the other lane is doing. Thats a good thing. I will be using then again but I will make sure that I use them everytime to get use to the differant way the motor and car sounds.
Posted By: Mopar-Al
Re: Hearing protection - 01/21/11 10:18 PM
It seems that when I am at the local track, I seem to be the only one wearing ear plugs. I use them all the time at work or wherever I need to use them. I keep a db meter with me. I have to record the noise level at work when I do my pre job analysis. Osha and Msha is checking work sites for this now. They will fine you too
Posted By: Doug Walker
Re: Hearing protection - 01/21/11 11:14 PM
I work around aircraft and wear foam ear plugs all day long. My preference is Howard Leight or Moldex products. I do not care for the corded ear plugs at all. You can buy these by the box (a few hundred pair) from the nearby Fastenal or Grainger and the pricing is okay.
At the dragraces I am good with the foam earplugs until the nitro cars run. Then if I am anywhere near the starting line I wear both the foam plugs and the acoustic earmuffs. Peltor is the name to go with for earmuffs.
At the dragraces I am good with the foam earplugs until the nitro cars run. Then if I am anywhere near the starting line I wear both the foam plugs and the acoustic earmuffs. Peltor is the name to go with for earmuffs.
Posted By: TERRYTCKL
Re: Hearing protection - 01/21/11 11:24 PM
How do you get them out if they drop inside?
Posted By: Dads426
Re: Hearing protection - 01/22/11 04:02 AM
Quote:
It seems that when I am at the local track, I seem to be the only one wearing ear plugs.
Me too!I took a lesson from Dick LaHaie; I wear those foam plugs now with the plastic string between them and just tie them around my neck when I don't need them. 30 years of no hearing protection and my hearing is shot and the ringing is terrible
Posted By: MR_P_BODY
Re: Hearing protection - 01/22/11 05:01 AM
I still have couple of boxes of the Howards with the
tether.... thing is I dont use them when I race but I
do when watching the fuelers... I also use a set of
noise canceling ear muffs (Pro Ears)when shooting
tether.... thing is I dont use them when I race but I
do when watching the fuelers... I also use a set of
noise canceling ear muffs (Pro Ears)when shooting