Motorized mowing engines (ride-on, trimmers, hand-pushed) all emit noise that just doesn't mix well in residential homes. Anyhow, they're noisy enough for the people around. But aren't they noisy to the operators too? I can see that most of them don't wear ear muffs. I find that a bit scary, for their sake.
#2
RobertBrown
IMO your are correct. Ear and eye protection should be worn when using most lawn care power tools. I personnally use eye protection when using my trimmer but that is about it. I make sure my muffler is working an attached properly on my push mower but never wear ear protection although I feel I should it just gets to hot here.
Maybe that's one reason I can't hear very well. I wish I had taken better care of my ears when I was younger.
If you work for a landscaper, ear & eye protection are required by law. And if they also use chainsaws then chaps are required. OSHA is strict on this.
#4
rekees
I always wear ear muffs and safety sunglasses while mowing.
Ear muffs, or ear plugs? I have to say that I know I will pay a hefty price one day for not using the protection I should, when it comes to noise. I don't even think about using ear plugs. I am also bad about going to concerts and getting so close to the speakers that my ears are ringing for days...
To be honest I never really thought about this issue, though now it makes perfect sense. Sadly I think we may be a bit blase about health issues which tend to have a longer term effect, whereas I always think about protecting my eyes. Thanks for bringing this issue up.
Ear plugs whenever I'm mowing, triming or using the tractor in the pastures. I wear glasses so eye protection is pretty much a no brainer. And before someone says anything, my lens are polycarbonate and as safe as any safety glasses. I even have snap on side protection.
The nice thing about ear plugs, buy the right kind and you will forget they are there. Ear muffs - the band will pull out your hair (if you're lucky enough to still have some) and they generate heat where they cup over your ears. Just plain uncomfortable.
Thanks for the replies guys. I admire countries and counties that have strict rules about it. I wish I can say the same here. I grew up in a rural area. Frankly, I still find the sound of mowers an intrusion into the silence I used to enjoy back when I was chasing dragonflies. But we do need mowers. The least we can do is protect our ears.
Ear plugs look like a better option than simple ear muffs. What's an ear plug made of? Maybe I'm just missing them in supply stores. I imagine them to be made of soft material.
Someday one will pay for not wearing hearing protection? After 30 years operating electric generators I have lost hearing in the upper ranges. I wear radio muffs now when mowing.
Hi BkBrown! Thanks for mentioning firearms. A high school classmate was a son of an army major. One Saturday we went to the target range and spent a good part of the day practicing how to shoot using live ammo. We didn't have ear plugs on. For two straight weeks after that, my hearing was impaired. It was terrible. Perhaps it's why I'm passionate about ear plugs today
#12
BKBrown
Hope everyone works hard at keeping their hearing.
Hearing loss is difficult to live with - My better half just retired on disability because of hereditary hearing loss.
I've used both machines and firearms nearly my whole life and started wearing hearing protection fairly early. I may have lost some hearing, but not much and I'm sure it would be much worse without the protection.
Wonderful feedback and divergent views as well though I picture a situation where people will take charge of whatever directly affects them. In the absence of the rules, all should still go on smoothly or is it a clamor for an extremely ideal world to live in?
You know, I've seen people do that but I was too embarrassed to do it. haha. I know, I shouldn't care, but I do. My neighbors would point and laugh at me
#15
BKBrown
The ear plugs are not easy to see when in -- I'd rather hear than worry about what anyone thinks !
You know, I've seen people do that but I was too embarrassed to do it. haha. I know, I shouldn't care, but I do. My neighbors would point and laugh at me
I didn't think much about hearing protection, except at work where they are very strict about it. One day after mowing the lawn I noticed ringing in my ears. Apparently the muffler on my mower was slowly getting louder as it rusted out on the inside. I replaced the muffler and noticed the difference immediately. Now I always use ear protection--I have the muffs but prefer the corded ear plugs they provide us at work. Cheap protection:
Thanks for the affirmation guys! Frankly, I felt a bit embarrassed when I started this thread. But I just followed my heart. It's great to see more experienced people warning younger guys to be more careful.
Indeed, regret always comes at the end. So it's better to learn from others than to learn them from our own experience. Music, the chirping of the birds, the sound of water flowing ... gosh, I love them all.
