I work in the auto manufacturing industry involving plastic extrusion. We have huge blow molders (as well as machining & assembly equipment) that use ultra-high air pressure. Various types of hearing protection are offered free for our operators but many people (especially young people) choose not to use it. My father always used ear muffs when he worked around race cars in his younger days so as a kid I just got in the habit. I have ALWAYS used plugs in our factory. They offer the yellow EAR brand cylinder style and the contoured Howard Lieght plugs, (as well as muffs for those who work in the compressor rooms, the only place where hearing protection is required.). I just got in the habit of using the contoured, spongy plugs and now it's second nature to roll 'em up and pop them into my ears before ANY job with high noise levels. I often sleep with them in, that's how comfortable they are. I push them in until they almost touch my ear drums, wait for them to expand and then tug them out slightly and angle them down until the noise level is as quiet as the plugs can make them. It might sound weird but it works really well; it just takes some practice.
When mowing I have an MP3 player with in-the-ear type buds that I use in conjunction with Bilsom "Thunder" muffs (31db blocking) and they work very well. When using my chainsaw or blower, because of the higher level, I use both the contoured plugs AND my earmuffs. Yeah, it's slightly uncomfortable in really hot weather, but it sure beats being deaf. When I take my gear off right after running equipment I can hear my girlfriend whisper to me. That tells me that not only is the ear protection working, but that it is absolutely worth it. And for those who would use muffs with their glasses but are concerned that they don't work as well because the muff-to-head seal is slightly broken by their glasses... just remember, even SOME protection is better than NONE!!!!!:thumbsup:
