Hi, I work in a very loud job, Tree lopper.
Hearing protection for my crew is paramount. weve tried lots of diffferent types. Im a big fan of noise cancelling tech but find that earbuds batteries dont last long enough .
And most of the overear headphones are good but the casings are not really up to working in the rough and tumble of outside. Are there any good industrial style noise cancelling head phones for tradies? ( we dont care about sound quality for listening to tunes or phone calls we just want protection) also can Choice do reviews all different types of PPE Eye protection, masks, boots ect?
cheers jb
1 Like
Welcome to the Community @jb99,
Choice focuses on consumer products rather than specialty kit, and some categories require equipment beyond what Choice has in the lab. With limited budgets the odds are unfortunately not great.
2 Likes
What level of Noise Reduction are you looking for?
If you just want reduction to safer levels and noise cancelling isn’t required then perhaps the ISOtunes Lite, Xtra or Pro versions might suit with a NRR of 27 dB. They are fairly expensive compared to just putting foam buds in but they do allow phone calling, music and audiobooks listening via Bluetooth. Just in high noise environments they will cut the noise but forget any useful calling. IP rating is IP67, so decent sweat and dust resistance.
ISOtunes website so you can read about them
A dealer in Australia (not a recommendation just a sample) of the ISOtunes models.
A review of the Xtra version
Another similar product is Plugfones Liberate 2.0. Again expensive compared to just foam buds. No IP rating for water resistance and dust resistance is obvious for these.
Plugfones website for further reading about their products.
A dealer in Australia for them (again no recommendation just a sample)
A review of the product
2 Likes
It’s useful to point out that some of these products do not have Australian Standards certification AS/NZS1270.
A caution for those looking to provide hearing protection in a workplace.
‘ Hearing personal protective equipment (PPE) – The facts | SafeWork NSW
Providing or using hearing PPE measured by the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) system is not acceptable in Australia. The NRR system is used in the USA but can’t be used in Australia because the method of testing is different from that required by AS/NZS 1270:2001.
2 Likes
Personally if all they are looking for is a decent reduction in noise then the foam ear plugs designed for industrial use would seem the cheapest best outcome. Anything that is relying on active NC is going to be expensive and that ANC is power hungry, nothing much over 3 hours before recharge in an earbud could be expected.
3 Likes
I find the foam ear plugs very helpful. I always have a pair of them in my pocket as I am unduly sensitive to noise. At times I use simple earmuffs at home, but I have had difficulty finding a new set to replace my old ones. My head is a bit larger than average size. All the earmuffs at Bunnings come in hard plastic which prevents trying them on for size before buying. The earmuffs that I bought could not be adjusted to cover both ears. Bunnings gave me a refund. I tried another set of earmuffs which were also too small. Does anyone have any recommendation for good quality earmuffs to fit larger heads?
2 Likes
3M or Honeywell (two brand options for example) offer muffs up to class 5 with a behind the neck band design as an alternative to an over the head band. My choice for outdoor work at home and no problem with my choice of favourite broad brimmed hat. I prefer one with a fabric over the head strap as an added adjustment.
Eg ‘3M 520B Optime II Neckband Format Earmuff
The 3M and some others may offer replacement foam inserts and ear pads. Useful if frequently doing heavy duty while wearing.
I’ve found the workwear and safety equipment specialists staff can be very helpful with trying items for fit.
2 Likes
thanks for the help, I usally use foam ear plugs (sparkplugs seam to fit the best for me) with Senseear earmuffs over the top $900 for these,These have active noise cancelling and Voice reconition, BT ect , they are an australian company they are very good but now after couple of years are now falling apart (tree lopping can be brutal on equipment). And need replacing , just bloody expensive,
I was hoping find something similar cheaper,
I do have some 3M muffs they are good basic phyical barrier, no tech involved.
Im not sure about Isotunes ear buds as my noise level at work is extreme.
I`m sure everyones heard large wood chippers opperating in the burbs ,well Im the guy feeding the machine.
2 Likes
We always are, if it does the job.
Independent of personal preferences are hearing protection requirements for very high to extreme noise environments determined through formal risk assessment and the environment they are used in?
Occupational exposure is regulated, and requires specific knowledge and skills. With reference to the hearing protection most suitable, are your requirements best taken up with the business/owner?
The Australia/New Zealand Standards AS/NZS1269 series, provides guidance on all facets of managing noise in the workplace including implementing a Noise Management Program (also known as a Hearing Conservation Program).
The products such as those you are familiar with (EG Sensear) are industry specific products. The most relevant advice on acceptable alternatives is likely to be found within your industry? Choice has a consumer focus, as noted by others in prior posts.
P.S.
For consumers it’s useful to note consumer marketed noise cancelling head phones including high end audiophile products are not intended to provide protection against hearing loss.
3 Likes
