I'm currently looking into noise cancelling headphones and I'm curious if they really work well for woodworking tasks. I've come across several articles suggesting they might not be the best choice. Has anyone here had experience using them for woodworking?
3 Answers
As someone with hearing loss from years of noisy environments, I can tell you that sound is crucial when woodworking. If I use noise cancelling headphones, I lose vital feedback from the wood as it shapes. With my Bose noise cancelling headphones, I notice about a 50% reduction in sound, which can make me miss important cues from the wood. I mostly wear them for super loud tools like the jointer or planer, but not for turning.
Generally, noise cancelling headphones aren't the best for woodworking. They might not significantly reduce sound energy, so look for something with a good Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). That’ll give you better protection when you're working with loud tools.
I own a pair of Apple AirPods Max, and as a woodturner, I absolutely need good ear protection. I tried traditional hearing protectors but found them uncomfortable. When working on my lathe, I switch to a PAPR system, but I do turn off the noise cancelling while working, since I prefer to stay alert to sounds around me. I find that noise cancelling actually enhances my awareness when turned off!
Wait, isn't woodturning usually pretty quiet?