We often overlook good hearing protection. And, when you spend your days working with equipment that usually generates over 90 dB, that oversight will damage your sensitive earballs over time. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. Consider the Etymotic electronic earplugs, for instance.
Etymotic developed this high-tech PPE to suppress loud, blast-type sounds while allowing natural level sounds to pass through. These earplugs have two modes. The high setting, ideal for hunters and law enforcement, amplifies native sounds by 5 times while protecting against blasts. Low mode uses adaptive sound processing to electronically reduce steady sounds in the 90 – 120 dB range up to 15 dB. That’s on top of the 25 dB the earplugs are already blocking out. However, the really impressive part of this feature is that it filters out these loud, steady sounds, but it allows normal conversation to pass through.
Admittedly, much cheaper options exist; the Etymotic electronic earplugs retail for around $299. It’s a high price to pay for the majority of landscapers. But, should you need to communicate with your team without shutting down all of your lawn equipment, these earplugs could provide a solid, albeit expensive, option.
Etymotic Electronic Earplugs Tech Specs
- Model: Etymotic EB15 LE
- NRR: 25 dB
- Frequency Response: 50 Hz – 16 kHz
- Transducers: High-definition, balanced armature driver
- Power Source: #10 Zinc Air (hearing aid) batteries, 8 included
- Price: $299
- Warranty: 1 year
For a full review of the Etymotic electronic earplugs, check out ProToolReviews.com .
