FM radio earmuff update

[MarkB_MI]

A month ago I posted a question, asking if there is a better FM radio earmuff than my mediocre 3M WorkTunes. It seems there isn't, which is unfortunate because you'd think there would be a market for a high-end noise-cancelling ear protector with FM radio reception. But several folks recommended using wireless ear buds with regular earmuffs. It occurred to me that I already have Bluetooth ear buds in the form of my hearing aids, even though I'd never used that capability. I just needed better earmuffs than the WorkTunes. Most of the earmuffs on the market are rated at 24 or 25 db, but Stihl sells a set rated at 29 db. I picked up a pair and they're much better than any of my other ear protectors.

I had to wait a while before I could test the new earmuffs while streaming to my hearing aids, because I had just sent my hearing aids off for warranty service. I got the hearing aids back a couple of weeks ago, and the results are pretty good. Streaming the radio station's app to my hearing aids, the audio is reasonably clear without turning the volume up to where it's painfully loud. In addition to my very loud ZTR mower, I've tried this setup with a chain saw and string trimmer; the results were good with all my outdoor power equipment.

What radio station do I stream? It shouldn't be a surprise to anyone.

 

[Steve in VA]

A month ago I posted a question, asking if there is a better FM radio earmuff than my mediocre 3M WorkTunes. It seems there isn't, which is unfortunate because you'd think there would be a market for a high-end noise-cancelling ear protector with FM radio reception. But several folks recommended using wireless ear buds with regular earmuffs. It occurred to me that I already have Bluetooth ear buds in the form of my hearing aids, even though I'd never used that capability. I just needed better earmuffs than the WorkTunes. Most of the earmuffs on the market are rated at 24 or 25 db, but Stihl sells a set rated at 29 db. I picked up a pair and they're much better than any of my other ear protectors.

I had to wait a while before I could test the new earmuffs while streaming to my hearing aids, because I had just sent my hearing aids off for warranty service. I got the hearing aids back a couple of weeks ago, and the results are pretty good. Streaming the radio station's app to my hearing aids, the audio is reasonably clear without turning the volume up to where it's painfully loud. In addition to my very loud ZTR mower, I've tried this setup with a chain saw and string trimmer; the results were good with all my outdoor power equipment.

What radio station do I stream? It shouldn't be a surprise to anyone.

Thank you for posting an update. I would like more folks to post real world experience of various tools and equipment.

 

[Dusty MI]

Thank you for posting an update. I would like more folks to post real world experience of various tools and equipment.

I have a 120 volt chain saw. I don't burn wood for heat.
I also have a battery powered pole saw.
Dusty

 

[kencombs]

I also use my hearing aids to stream music. Not radio, I use Pandora because I can select specific music types. Usually listen to a channel called 70s Country radio. Sometimes Tom T Hall radio. I like both kinds of music, Country and Western.

 

[GChief]

What radio station do I stream? It shouldn't be a surprise to anyone.

I only stream AMHD. I do ear buds under my muffs.

 

[DMartin9N-2N]

Good morning:
I have hearing aids, that when I cup my hand over my ear, the hearing aid squeals. I think this is called feedback (?). What will happen if I put earmuffs over my hearing aids?

 

[Dusty MI]

I put earmuffs over my hearing aids when mowing lawn. It's a 61" Zero Turn riding mower, which I then have to move the earmuffs around a little to stop the hearing aids from squealing.
Dusty

 

[MarkB_MI]

Good morning:
I have hearing aids, that when I cup my hand over my ear, the hearing aid squeals. I think this is called feedback (?). What will happen if I put earmuffs over my hearing aids?

I have hearing aids, that when I cup my hand over my ear, the hearing aid squeals. I think this is called feedback (?). What will happen if I put earmuffs over my hearing aids?

I do not have an issue with squealing when using earmuffs over my hearing aids. I have two sets: My current hearing aids are Phonak and I also have a pair of ReSound aids; neither pair squeal when I wear ear protectors. Both sets are of the 'receiver in canal' (RIC type), FYI. They usually don't squeal when I cup my hand over my ear, and if they do the squeal is barely noticeable.

When I get new hearing aids, the audiologist calibrates them to minimize feedback. You might want to check with your audiologist to see if feedback is normal for your hearing aids, or if they can do something to reduce it.

 

[Mark-Mi]

A month ago I posted a question, asking if there is a better FM radio earmuff than my mediocre 3M WorkTunes. It seems there isn't, which is unfortunate because you'd think there would be a market for a high-end noise-cancelling ear protector with FM radio reception. But several folks recommended using wireless ear buds with regular earmuffs. It occurred to me that I already have Bluetooth ear buds in the form of my hearing aids, even though I'd never used that capability. I just needed better earmuffs than the WorkTunes. Most of the earmuffs on the market are rated at 24 or 25 db, but Stihl sells a set rated at 29 db. I picked up a pair and they're much better than any of my other ear protectors.

I had to wait a while before I could test the new earmuffs while streaming to my hearing aids, because I had just sent my hearing aids off for warranty service. I got the hearing aids back a couple of weeks ago, and the results are pretty good. Streaming the radio station's app to my hearing aids, the audio is reasonably clear without turning the volume up to where it's painfully loud. In addition to my very loud ZTR mower, I've tried this setup with a chain saw and string trimmer; the results were good with all my outdoor power equipment.

What radio station do I stream? It shouldn't be a surprise to anyone.

Mark, I would have thought you listen to WJR on AM

 

[MarkB_MI]

Mark, I would have thought you listen to WJR on AM

Well, Mark, as a matter of fact I do make it a point to listen to WJR a few minutes every morning just to learn what sort of dog food they're feeding their listeners. It's usually only a few minutes before fifteen minutes of non-stop ads comes on, when I switch to WUOM or WDET.

 

[Dusty MI]

Well, Mark, as a matter of fact I do make it a point to listen to WJR a few minutes every morning just to learn what sort of dog food they're feeding their listeners. It's usually only a few minutes before fifteen minutes of non-stop ads comes on, when I switch to WUOM or WDET.

Back in the late 50's & early 6's we listened to WJR while milking cows.
Dusty

 

[bc]

I like "both" kinds of music, Country "and" Western.

From the Blues Brothers, one of my favorite movies. Also: I like both kinds of music, Rock "and" Roll.