Shopsmith Forums

I'm a big fan of custom fitted hearing protection.

Do you think these are better than the Bose noise cancelling headphones? I have worn the Bose on C-130 flights of 10 hrs or more. They may be a little more expensive than $160, but worth it in my opinion. I use mine in the shop and doing yard work on the tractor, etc.

Ziggy, what is the DCP rating on the Boise head phones? Thats what counts.

Hell if I know! On C-130s, which are really noisy, I would use them with plugs too. I think they were as good as the stuff AF issued to aircrews. The Bose is suppose to cut out the harmful wave lengths. Good question, I will have to check the specs.

rbursek wrote:Ziggy, what is the DCP rating on the Boise head phones? Thats what counts.

Here is an online review.

http://www.laptopmag.com/review/accesso ... rt-15.aspx

I may be comparing apples to oranges here, as these are designed also for entertainment use. Certainly more expensive. When I got mine they were $180. So fitted plugs are a better deal unless you want to listen to the radio as I do on my tractor. I like the idea of fitted plugs as the others are not very good.

Not sure about protection ability, but they will cancel out repeatitive noises and greatly reduce non repetitive noises(you can still hear conversation but at a drastically reduced volume). The music is fantastic. A good seal is required for low notes from a pipe organ 32' rank!

I am referring to the large model (over ear cushions) but I think the one linked to above may be an improved version.

FWIW I am not enthusiastic re wearing them in the shop. Audible clues emanating from machinery are important to observe(and respond to).

I just learned a pleasant lesson about Bose. One side of my out of warranty QC 15s failed, and when I called Bose, they said that they didn't repair them, but would give me a discount on a new pair, and gave me the name and number of the local Bose contact. He swapped out my broken set for a new pair for $90, much better than the usual $300. He also said that Bose would take other trade-ins, working or not, so I brought in my still working, but not as noise canceling older QC 2s, and got a new pair of QC 15s for $120. So two brand new headsets for less than the price of one.

Mike

I don't know if they are good, bad or whatever but I sure wish I had worn them back when I was logging air time in a cargo plane.

The wood whisperer has a good review on safety equipment

Years ago, before most of you were born I had a required course in audiology and learned some things have to be protected by hearing. Mainly loud and explosive noises. However, in the USMC they didn't allow for protection then so now I have a hearing loss known as the Carhart Notch due to small arms fire. My neighbor, who has a Ph.D. in Audiology advises me that "noise cancelling" devises are not the best solution because they simply substitute the sound waves from outside and cancel them with counter-active sound waves. I understand this technology but it is so complex that I won't attempt to explain it. He said this works but is a very expensive solution, unless you wanted to eliminate TV or annoying conversations. He also said that the best solution is to use earplugs - which were the best (cheap foam things) and/or an over the ear protector. I use the over the ears thing and he said it was adequate. The ear protection without the plugs was adequate even though I have a 2000hz loss due to the USMC small arms fire.

He doesn't even advise his son to wear protection when mowing the lawn because the noise level is not sufficient. I wear it when his son is mowing because I don't like the noise.

My opinion is to wear something. Just for comfort. If it feels more comfortable it will be better for your hearing.

This is not a professional opinion, nor is it supported by the National Advertising Council. It may, or may not, be supported by the present national administration, depending on what direction the wind blows. Therefore, trust nothing I have said, look to your "better thinkers" in DC to advise you on how to protect yourself (and your hearing). Of course, what you are hearing is best controlled by you.