Cut the Grass, Not Your Hearing | Daniela Kam
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Key Takeaways
Always wear hearing protection when operating loud equipment; anything over 85 dB can cause permanent damage, and 100 dB causes damage in minutes.
Foam earplugs, when inserted correctly, can offer 20-30 dB reduction, which is significant for protecting against noise.
Avoid using AirPods or standard earbuds for noise cancellation while operating machinery, as they are not designed for industrial noise and can double sound damage if you increase volume to overcome external noise.
Consider investing in ANSI certified and OSHA/NIOSH compliant over-the-ear headphones like Isotunes or 3M WorkTunes that offer built-in hearing protection and allow for music or podcasts at safe levels.
For extreme noise environments (like chainsaws), double layer protection with foam earplugs and earmuffs for optimal noise reduction.
Regularly check and potentially replace the ear cushions on your earmuffs, as wear and tear can reduce their effectiveness over time.
Clean your hearing protection and ears regularly to prevent moisture buildup and ear infections, especially when working in sweaty conditions.
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