Switching to earplugs made my shop time way more peaceful

I never wore hearing protection while forging because I liked hearing the metal. After a few months, the constant ringing got pretty annoying. Grabbed some basic foam plugs on a whim last week. Now I can work for hours without that headache afterward. Maybe it's just me, but I wish I did it sooner.

3 comments

3 Comments

spencer_ross9d ago

But isn't part of the craft hearing the metal change? You lose that feedback with plugs in. The sound tells you a lot about the heat and how the work is going. Sure, the ringing is bad, but maybe there's a middle ground. Like using lighter protection or taking breaks. Blocking it all out just seems like you're missing the point of hands-on work.

jade2217h ago

Yeah, I really get what you mean about hearing the metal change, @spencer_ross. I felt the same way for years, like I was cheating or something. But then I tried those filtered ear plugs... you can still hear the ping and the work, just way quieter. The ringing in my ears after a long day is what finally changed my mind.

-1

mason.paige9d ago

Totally get it... I put off using plugs for the longest time too. That constant ringing just wears you down, and now I can actually focus without my head buzzing after.