Hearing Protection . . . "What did you say?"

[Topspin]

People around me say my favorite words are "What?, Say again, or You gotta speak up." Tile saws have done me in with ringing in my ears and first step towards a problem.

So what do y'all use to protect your ears? Not just looking for best hearing protection, but what makes sense on the job? We've talked about what you listen to while working, and I get the impression its via earbuds. But how do you mix that in with running the saw? Here's my list of tried instruments.

How do you like to do it?

[Boilermaker 98]

http://www.moldex.com/hearing-protec...able-earplugs/

Try these. These are the only kind that I can wear without getting a headache and can wear them all day. They do a good job reducing the noise.

Good Luck.

[Chad Deiter Company]

I wear the kind like the second ones everyday. I get them from Home Depot.

Hearing is not something that will fix itself like other injuries too. The guy who works with me just had surgery yesterday to try and fix some of his hearing. but doc said it could or couldn't work for him.

[ob1kanobee]

I use military earplugs. They are cheap and usually can be found at the Army/Navy store. The case functions as a nice holder and also as a tool to put the plug into your ear and seat it. Best of all they are cheap and store easily. NONE of those you posted look like them;see my link at bottom or torture yourself and read on.....

If you don't want to go the earplug route (which is me), I just have a set of muffs located by the saw and one by the angle grinder. I just pick them up, place them on and take them off while still listening to my Ipod. I haven't found a reason at least at work to leave earplugs in all day or for long periods of time.

At home though, that is a different story. I have an owl that hoots for hours at night somewhere out in a field to the right of my bedroom window, so I put ear muffs on when I can't take it. I can't sleep with earplugs in case a fire alarm goes off or in case I have to wake up and shoot a burglar.

HERE IS THE LINK FOR THE MILITARY EARPLUGS WITH PICTURE:

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/c....aspx?a=467738

[tilejoe]

First off, we use imers, so we hang muffs on the handle. You can't use the saw without picking up the muffs. Been doing this about 5 years and my hearing hasn't suffered like the first 5 years.

The muffs make great sense for us. Easy on and off, and fairly comfortable.

Whatever you do, wear them.

[silvercitytile]

huhhhhhhhh!
whaaaaaaaat!

i need to start wearing them more often..

when i do its just the little ear buds my dad brings me from his work at the copper mine.

[evan1968]

Originally Posted by Tilejoe

First off, we use imers

Oh so true! Imers should come from the factory with ear muffs!

We use the headphone style with the radio. We all look like pilots talking to the tower!

"Bring me the thinset...Over.."
"Copy that,thinset on its way...Over"

[silvercitytile]

haha over
hey bring me the tile streacher over
ok over
umm
hey where's the tile strecher over
i cant find it over

[Topspin]

Thanks for input so far. Just an additional note, almost all my work is remodeling and is cut in the house. Usually in a room close by or the garage, so its like a megaphone of noise.

I am also one of those cut-as-I-set guys pretty much, so its on with the muffs, off with the muffs. Leave em on the saw, next time leave on the floor next to me, leave em in the van, find em for cuts about 98% of the time now. So I have a discipline problem thats led to a hearing problem. I can attest that protection is essential. So lets hear some more ideas. Thanks

[Levi the Tile Guy]

Originally Posted by Kevin

I am also one of those cut-as-I-set guys pretty much, so its on with the muffs, off with the muffs. Leave em on the saw, next time leave on the floor next to me, leave em in the van, find em for cuts about 98% of the time now. So I have a discipline problem thats led to a hearing problem. I can attest that protection is essential. So lets hear some more ideas.

My too Kevin. I started wearing the muffs only about 6 mos. ago. before that it was 12 years with nothing. I can't hear to save my life, my lady says when I watch t.v. it is like living with her 96 year old grandma. At least I finally got smart enough to do something about it.

[evan1968]

The wife says i can't hear her when she is talking.
I can hear her fine,i'm just not listening.

[Higher Standard Tile]

If just saw work I wear the ear muffs. If you are listening to your ipod you can just put the ear muffs over your in ear headphones.

If there is a lot of constant noise on the site I just put a pair of ear plugs in almost all day. I hate noise. If I had choice between safety glasses, a respirator and hearing protection I would take the hearing protection. But all three are good when needed.

Plus ear plugs helps drown out other workers that can't say three words without cursing.:taser:

Maybe a taser would be some good ppe too.

[ob1kanobee]

Kevin
Are you not hearing me or what? LOL

Ob1 won't steer you wrong. All those things you tried are good but the military plugs are freaking great. 4 pairs for 15 bucks. You probably didn't even check my link so I'll post a picture with details.

U.S.G.I. earplugs with case

Firing range must-haves! No more "Whaat?" Can't hear you! Whether you're firing 105 mm artillery shells, taking pot shots at targets with your rifle or running heavy equipment, these are tops in ear protection. Only the very best for our troops!

Ultra-soft polymer fits like a glove
4-flange style
25 decibel noise reduction rating
Case included for each.

**That part of the case that swivels acts as a tool to insert the earplug into your ear. You pull the case apart and you now have the tool. Once inserted you put plastic pin back in case*** (I never knew this till somebody showed me. I have had every one of those things you posted except the 3rd thing down in your picture. Never used those.)

NOW THESE ALSO LOOK PRETTY COLL AND ARE DUAL PURPOSE DEPENDING ON HOW MUCH YOU WANT TO HEAR

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpHSPv0F74M

[LAN1870]

Hey topspin,

Where do you buy the 4th item down on your list?

I personally use the yellow earmuffs. The radio got great reception when it worked. But ive had the analog and digital version and the wires broke from the constant on and off.

[chuck stevenson]

I use the foam type. Buy them From Grainger by the box.

I add ear muffs for really loud tools.