HEARING PROTECTION YOU’LL WANT TO WEAR
Too many people skip hearing protection because it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable, or they’re “just making one cut.” Noise-isolating Bluetooth earbuds are an excellent solution. You can protect your hearing, listen to music or take phone calls while working, all without the bulk and discomfort of typical hearing protection.
It’s all about decreasing decibels (dB). A miter saw generates about 109 dB, and Bluetooth earbuds average a 25-dB reduction. That lower dB level complies with the OSHA recommendation of an average of 85 dB in an eight-hour period. For constant or higher dB levels, you can couple earbuds with a pair of earmuffs.
The Elgin Ruckus Bluetooth earplug earbuds shown here are an affordable option ($55). They have an excellent seal, the neck harness is comfortable and the controls are easy to access. They’re also dust, sweat and water resistant and have a 10-hour run-time. The range is good too. I can get about 50 ft. away without losing connection.
ISOtunes PRO 2.0 Bluetooth buds are more expensive ($115), but they have a 27-dB reduction and excellent sound quality. Their unique case is a charger as well as a battery reserve that gives you 14 hours of additional run-time, with a recharge time of two hours.
The Elgin model has active noise-canceling that kicks in when you’re on a call, making it easier to converse while you’re working; ISOtune PRO relies on passive noise isolation for calls. Both offer the comfort and convenience that will keep you dialed in and your hearing protection on.