Finding the Best Hearing Protection for Lawn Mowing: 5 Things to Look For
Anyone that does yard work knows how loud lawn mowers can be. Exposure to sounds that exceed 85 decibels for long periods of time can permanently damage your hearing, so below are the five best hearing protection features for lawn mowing.
Bluetooth Support
Bluetooth is a shorter-range technology wireless standard that was first introduced in 1998. It allows for data exchange between mobile and fixed devices, while also enabling the construction of personal area networks. It is advantageous to those using a lawnmower since it means they don’t have to be constrained by wires or cables. Many models also incorporate hearing protection with a twenty-four dB Noise Protection Rating. You can also listen to music and make or receive calls while mowing your lawn.
Voice/Audio Assist Technology
Another important feature for those that want to use a headset while performing yard work is voice and audio assistance technology. It allows the user to program as many as fifty different AM/FM stations and when clear instructions are provided the setup is a breeze. This will allow you to listen to the radio, news or podcasts while you’re mowing your lawn so you don’t miss important updates, shows or information.
Sound Quality
The quality of sound might seem obvious, but not every hearing protection product is made the same. You want hearing protection that provides premium sound, as voice communication that is unclear can cause messages to be misunderstood. Plus, you want a product that is clear enough to be heard over your lawnmower, while not being so loud that it hurts your ears.
Comfort
How comfortable is the hearing protection device? The best headset models come with headbands that are adjustable and made with robust materials such as stainless steel which is retractable. Furthermore, its headband should be adjustable to fit most head sizes. Models with a foldable style are best since they are both portable and compact, and can be easily placed inside a duffle bag.
Lab Tested
Whether you plan to purchase earmuffs, earphones or earplugs, the device you use should be lab tested to guarantee performance. The main certification standards in Europe and the USA are CE en352-1 and ANSI S3. 19. Adhering to these standards confirms that you’re getting a premium product, and they often come with large ear cups which are three hundred and sixty degrees rotatable which will comfortably fit around the ears, preventing any lawnmower noise from entering.
Keep in mind that your hearing protection can only be effective if worn. Under no circumstances should you remove it while operating a lawnmower unless the lawnmower has been shut off first.
Hearing protection comes in two basic forms, which are passive and active. Passive protection is usually the best option for yard work, as your primary goal is to reduce incoming noise. It is an affordable technology that has been around for decades. Active protection is more complex as it incorporates advanced electronics and will be able to automatically amplify certain sounds while suppressing others.