I'm really passionate about woodworking, but my love for music has me worried about my hearing. I'm considering investing in Bluetooth-enabled headphones that I can wear while working on projects, but I'm concerned that even with protection, my hearing might still be negatively affected over time. If that's the case, I may decide to drop woodworking altogether. Can anyone share thoughts on whether woodworking could cause hearing damage despite taking precautions?
3 Answers
You can definitely reduce harmful noise levels significantly. Honeywell is often recommended for their ear protection; they make some awesome gear. Just keep in mind that while earbuds are cool for music, they may not provide the same level of protection for woodworking. I've had great success with Bluetooth muffs; they block noise really well while allowing for music.
If you're careful and use proper safety gear, your hearing shouldn't suffer much from woodworking alone. Honestly, you might be at more risk from concerts or loud music than from hobby woodworking. If you're really worried, try using more hand tools, which are generally quieter.
Hand tools are great and shouldn't pose a problem for your hearing. For power tools, I've seen folks double up on hearing protection by wearing earplugs and muffs, which can really help cut down noise exposure. Just make sure your earmuffs are rated for the kinds of tools you're using.