Can I Use Lawn Mower (by Hand)?

[robHing]

I have tinnitus & hyperacusis for two years. Recently, it gets worse ... about 6 out of 10. I am afraid to use lawn mower (about 80 dB) if it spikes my tinnitus. I will use ear muffs & ear plugs if I have to mow the grass.

Any suggestions? Is it safe to use lawn mower?

 

[jjflyman]

That's a good question. Personally, I haven't used my mower since my Acoustic trauma, and although I'm almost totally recovered (after 19 months), I won't be using my mower (rider) this year either. Just not worth a setback.

 

[Michael B]

There's no guarantee it won't affect your tinnitus but I would suggest using either a good set of earplugs or noise reducing headphones to be on the safe side.

 

[Pleasure_Paulie]

I am afraid to use lawn mower (about 80 dB) if it spikes my tinnitus.

I use ear plugs and ear muffs and mow my lawn, no problems.

 

[TuneOut]

I use ear plugs and ear muffs and mow my lawn, no problems.

Gas or electric?

 

[TuneOut]

I have tinnitus & hyperacusis for two years. Recently, it gets worse ... about 6 out of 10. I am afraid to use lawn mower (about 80 dB) if it spikes my tinnitus. I will use ear muffs & ear plugs if I have to mow the grass.

Any suggestions? Is it safe to use lawn mower?

A gas powered lawnmower is going to be about 90 decibels, from everything I've read. Muffs help but a lot of low frequency sound still gets to through. If your tinnitus has gotten worse recently I certainly wouldn't risk it.

 

[Pleasure_Paulie]

Gas or electric?

Gas.

We are certainly not talking about crazy loud noise levels here; you're not standing next to a fighter jet or gun fire! If you've got very good ear fitting ear muffs the chances of causing an ascoustic trauma would be very rare. You still might get a spike from the ear plugs/ear muffs through from anexity or because your tinnitus naturally will become louder because the outside noise is blocked.

 

[TuneOut]

We are certainly not talking about crazy loud noise levels here; you're not standing next to a fighter jet or gun fire!

No, it's not a fighter jet. But it's not the purr of a kitty cat, either.

 

[Rajin]

Which is louder the lawnmower or the grass edgers. Gas 2 cycles ?

 

[Pleasure_Paulie]

No, it's not a fighter jet. But it's not the purr of a kitty cat, either.

I've been around here long enough to know these type of threads just result in heated and pointless debates.

Everybody is entitled to their own opinion, and I wish the OP all the best whatever they decide.

 

[TuneOut]

I've been around here long enough to know these type of threads just result in heated and pointless debates.

Everybody is entitled to their own opinion, and I wish the OP all the best whatever they decide.

Don't give up yet. I think we're close to a final resolution!

 

[Pleasure_Paulie]

Which is louder the lawnmower or the grass edgers. Gas 2 cycles ?

My edge trimmer is much louder.

 

[Rajin]

How much Db is average for gas trimmer.

 

[Jason37]

How big is your yard?.....I have an old school reel mower and it makes your lawn look like the front of better home and gardens....plus it's great exercise. I now 2.2 acres with it! Takes me about 2/12 hours at a quick pace.

 

[Jason37]

I agree though..I still use my weed eater.

 

[robHing]

Thank you all for good suggestions. I will buy a corded electric lawn mower. Our yard is not too big and I don't mind to exercise since I am already retired.

 

[Tweaker]

You can still get hand mowers without any electric or gas but would be hard work. Decent ear defenders should suffice.

 

[robHing]

Electric vs Gas Lawn Mower --
" the typical electric lawnmower emits approximately 75 decibels, which is about as loud as the average washing machine. In contrast, the typical gas mower emits noise that rings in at approximately 95 decibels, which is about as loud as your typical motorcycle."

 

[Rajin]

So if a gas land mower is 95 DB the Gas trimmers are louder , we ca average 100 to 110 dB.

 

[MBH]

Look for a old vintage mower, my husband has a hand held mower it has less noise and runs easy. But I would get a kid to do it, I don't like the chances of a spike.

 

[New Guy]

I can't comment on your case but I've been researching battery powered garden tools and they're quieter compared to their gas counterparts. I would still wear hearing protection even with battery power.

 

[Bill Bauer]

Is it safe to use lawn mower?

It is not safe. As with any risk, some people end up ok, while others are not so lucky.

You can buy one of those mowers that you have to push (where the blade is moving because you are pushing, and not because of a motor). Alternatively, you might want to pay someone to do it. If it increases the chance that your T won't get louder, you will agree that it would be a small price to pay.

 

[Bill Bauer]

I will buy a corded electric lawn mower.

That's what I have. It is crazy loud. I will never touch it ever again.

In any case, before you buy this thing, you might want to read
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/thread...is-lawn-with-a-gas-powered-weed-wacker.22005/
first.

 

[robHing]

Thank you Bill !

 

[Hayden Gooddy]

Keep in mind I don't have hyperacusis, but I do everything I used to do. I just use my custom ear plugs I had made for me to protect myself. In my experience, mowing a lawn isn't a big deal. Or using a chainsaw, leaf blower etc. Some thing's spike my T, but sometimes when I'm around no sounds for too long my T spikes so I don't wrestle with it anymore. It will go up and down randomly and fate will have its way with me. The best we can do is protect our ears without handicapping ourselves.

 

[Pleasure_Paulie]

Don't give up yet. I think we're close to a final resolution!

ha! These type of forum threads pop all the time on TT... eg. "Will using X make my tinnitus worse?" Ultimately, everybody will have different opinions, @Bill Bauer will get cracking with the search feature and post anecdotal stories. Finally, the OP's will accept an opinion that is the same as their own predisposed attitude anyway (confirmation bias) scientifically correct, or not.

 

[robHing]

Keep in mind I don't have hyperacusis, but I do everything I used to do.

I really envy you. Hyperacusis patient is more sensitive to noise. This is why I posted this question. I really miss the old way of mowing grass but now, I need to be more careful. I also appreciate tinnitus friends' reminder - "be more careful". It is not fun to have spike in ears.

 

[Julien87]

No need to worry if you wear protection, in my opinion.

 

[Bill Bauer]

In my experience, mowing a lawn isn't a big deal. Or using a chainsaw, leaf blower etc.

If you begin hitting a wall with a hammer, it takes some time before you get to see the things on the other side of the wall.

 

[Hayden Gooddy]

If you begin hitting a wall with a hammer, it takes some time before you get to see the things on the other side of the wall.

With good quality ear protection being used, unless you want to/have the ability to give up independence, it should be fine. Life goes on. Caution is key imo, not being too afraid to mow a lawn. Of course hyperacusis is a different story but I don't experience that.