A few months ago, my Milwaukee earplugs self-destructed. I heard a small crack, then om short order the plastic frame and plugs were on the floor.
For me, this was a serious problem. Years of playing in rock bands, blasting music and working around loud machinery have taken a toll. I need to protect all the hearing that I have left.
I’ve always worn earplugs or ear muffs when operating machines and hand-held power tools. So I’ll be honest, plugs aren’t as good as over-the-ear muffs. You can debate me if you like, but the dorky ear muffs are the way to go. Always.
Here’s why.
I’ve tried a lot of noise-canceling technology – IsoTunes and their imitators. They work. No argument. But the problem with this technology is that it’s electronic. It will wear out, break, diminish or otherwise stop doing its job.
Anything that needs batteries or electricity is going to die. Period. If you can use technology that doesn’t rely on wires and batteries, you should consider it.
I own some IsoTunes earplugs with noise-canceling technology and have used them for months now. Will they last a lifetime? Hell no. Do I feel guilty about the plastic and vulnerable wires? Yes. I am simply waiting for them to wear out.
So here’s my advice. Do not buy electronic hearing protection, unless someone else is paying the bill. That stuff is temporary. Don’t be the person who has Betamax earplugs. And don’t buy ear plugs, unless that is the only option.
Instead, buy full-on ear muffs from someone who has been defending ears in schools and industry for a long time. No wires. No batteries. Just comfortable muffs.
Yes, you will look foolish. But also yes, you will be protected.
Years ago we started using these 3M muffs (such as the 3M Peltor X3A). You can get these anywhere. You’ll pay about $25 to $30. And they will serve you until the end of your days. Yes, sometimes the pads will fall off the frames, but they can be easily reassembled.
Mostly, I love them because they are inexpensive, readily available, comfortable, durable and do the job. When it comes to safety gear and machine guards, I’ve found that here’s what it takes for people to use them:
It has to be not-annoying. Muffs should be comfortable, almost like putting on a bathrobe or using a nice towel after a shower. You put them on, and your reaction should be: “Oh, nice.”
You shouldn’t have to work or search for the gear. Buy a few muffs and put them by the noisemakers in your shop. I’ve got muffs hanging by the table saw and the jointer. I need to get some more for the band saws.
Side note: Some people love to listen to music or podcasts via their hearing protection. I do not recommend this. When you are operating life-altering machinery, you should focus on one thing: the wood getting cut. Anything else might make your mind wander into a ditch. A ditch that is filled with sharp knives.
And then you’ll wake up. In the ER.
Buy simple and comfortable muffs. End of story.
Megan here. I have excellent hearing, and I wish to retain it for as long as possible. I always have 3M “Banded Hearing Protectors” around my neck, ready to pop into my ears at a moment’s notice. (When someone turns the band saw on in the next room, when an ambulance goes by, when Chris turns up the music too much…I have a low threshold for “too loud.”)
These protectors (the blue band and orange tip 90537-80025T 3M Tekk Protection) are the squishy ear plug kind and they happen to fit my ears quite well, so they block out a lot of harmful noise. The noise reduction is rated to 28dB (which I assume is true only if you squish them properly into your ears, and they expand to fill any gaps – which for me, they do). That’s the same NRR as the Peltors Chris mentions above.
Because they are always around my neck when I’m in the shop, I don’t have to go looking for them.
Muffs, however, will fit well for more people than the squish-in-your ear kind that I prefer. And they don’t get gross after a week or three of use. (That reminds me…I need to buy some new replaceable tips.)
The best ear protection is what you’ll use. So find what works for you, and is comfortable enough that you’ll actually use it.
Chris replies: I’ll definitely pay good American money for you to replace the tips of your plugs. Each one is a Superfund site.
What?
Thanks for raising an important issue. As someone who has worked in nursing homes, I’ve seen how hearing loss can be a big quality of life issue. Personally I’m a plugs on the job site plus muffs for power tools kind of guy. It’s a little belt and suspenders, but it helps if you don’t know when someone might turn on tools around you.