Hearing Protection for Using Machinery (Mini Digger)?

[jon75]

Hello all.

I had an accident about 8 years ago,
and have suffered with tinnitus ever since.

I operate a mini digger most days and have tried many different ear protectors.

I treated myself to a pair of Bose noise cancelling headphone about a year ago now, but the high pitch ringing in both ears is now got really bad, at the end of the day when I take them off, my ears are mega sensitive to sound, and makes it unbearable.

Please help me with any advice...

Regards,
Jon

 

[JohnAdams]

I am sorry to tell you but noise cancelling headphones are not good for high frequency, irregular sounds as they can actually amplify those noises. In no way are they supposed to be used for hearing protection in a situation like this.
You should really use earmuffs instead.

 

[jon75]

I really appreciate that mate as I did wonder if they made it worse, but just don't know how.

if I use normal ear defenders, and a tree branch or just touches them or my arm or anything it's really loud...

Is there any special tinnitus ear protection on the market...???

 

[JohnAdams]

Besides custom molded earplugs I have no idea. I think an ENT can fit you with some.

 

[jon75]

What's ENT?

 

[Digital Doc]

Foam ear plugs is the simple answer to the problem.