General Review of Hearing Protection Available for Using Your Stihl Chainsaw
Foam plugs are common and inexpensive. They offer a wide range of noise reduction levels. They also come in many styles such as corded and uncorded. Because they are inexpensive they are typically tossed after each use so they are a good choice for infrequent use. They typically have a maximum NRR of 33 with NRR22 being on the low end. However at the highest level of noise reduction you can not hear someone calling to you or walking up to you – which can be startling. This can be reduced by only purchasing the maximum level of protection that you need. Since the rating scale is logarithmic each drop in value, say from 33 to 32 represents a ten fold reduction in noise protection.
Pre-molded silicone rubber plugs have many benefits over the foam plugs. They offer the same range of protection but they are more durable so they last longer, representing a better value. Some models allow normal speech range frequencies to pass while blocking the higher frequencies. Other models block all the frequencies, which are good for the load environment of your new Stihl Chainsaw. These plugs are sold in several sizes becuase they are not form fitting like the foam models, and must be fit tested to work properly.
Wax and silicone plugs offer the same range of protection and can be useful if you have trouble finding other ear plugs to fit. These types are molded to fit you specifically. They are designed to enclose the outer ear area making a seal against the outer ear. They typically are more comfortable but because they are soft they get dirty easily and are not good for most work related jobs. The wax plugs can easily get dirty, making them unusable, and are normally only suitable for sleeping or studying. Wax plugs also melt – not good for hot environments.
Another option is to combine ear plugs and ear muffs. You can wear a pair of ear plugs that provide some level of protection and allow you hear others around you, but you can supplement the protection with ear muffs when you are actually using your chainsaw.
The proper selection for hearing protection while using your Stihl Chainsaw can be a tradeoff between sound protection and comfort. If they do not fit or feel right you will not use them at all, which is worse than wearing a pair that offers a little less protection, but one that you will use consistantly.