Gawain 0 #26 January 15, 2003 QuoteOK, so I am thinking I need to go purchase some good earplugs. Where might I look for them? Recommendations and why? The foam plugs work pretty well, but I grew tired of compressing them to put them in my ears comfortably. I went to a drug store and bought a pair called: Flents They're light-blue flexible plastic with three clear "pull" points for removing them. They are very easy to put in, and remove and they reduce the noise level well, while not inhibiting me from talking with folks on the way to altitude. I highly recommend them.So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 558 #27 January 15, 2003 Ear plugs reduce fatigue and irritability at the end of a busy day of skydiving. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ltdiver 3 #28 January 17, 2003 Interesting to see this thread here today, as I had a young patient with very marked hearing loss come into the office. I overheard him talking to the receptionist who asked if he had ordered his hearing aids yet. He said, 'no' as they cost $600 apiece and he didn't have the money! Right then and there the message was driven home about protecting the ears. This was a young man. And he was having to shout just to hear himself talk! Message heard (loud and clear), ltdiver Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
debonair 0 #29 January 18, 2003 QuoteOK, so I am thinking I need to go purchase some good earplugs. Where might I look for them? Recommendations and why? I like the yellow rubber earplugs that have a blue plastic cord connecting them. I loop them through the zipper pull on my jumpsuit and they are there when I need them. I found mine in the local hardware store in the section where they sell drills and other noisy tools. AZChallenger JFTC99/02 GOFAST300 STILLUV4WAY "It's nothing 1000 jumps won't cure..." - Jeff Gorlick, Seattle Sky Divers Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smiles 0 #30 January 18, 2003 I don't wear them enough. Reminds me of Buffalo Dave (jumpin buddy)...every load he was on- he offered everyone earplugs individually wrapped. Sweetie! My son just got fitted with earplugs for his welding course at trade school. Cost $80. cnd. They are supposed to block out the loud zzz and you can hear normally otherwise. Think I like the sound of thoseSmiles Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
danvan 0 #31 January 18, 2003 Are there any issues with the change in pressure on the climb, or for that matter the freefall? I can imagine if they are a tight fit and the air pocket reduces or increases too quickly you could do a lot more damage? I am not sure how much the air pressure changes between ground and jump height, but aren't you not supposed to jump if you have a cold for this very reason? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slotperfect 7 #32 January 18, 2003 My helmet provides enough hearing protection for the Twin Otter, Casa, Cessnas. I do wear them in a C-130, CH-47 (the loudest of them all), and aircraft that are obviously going to be loud. However, the only residual health issue I have from 18.5 years in the Army working around airplanes is hearing loss. It's not bad, but noticeable. John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkyDogg 0 #33 January 18, 2003 Earplugs are essential. With 22 years in the Army and the majority of it jumping, I have hearing loss even with the use of earplugs. Earplugs are far easier to use than hearing aids. SkyDogg Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 558 #34 January 18, 2003 I notice only minor pressure differences on 10,000' freefalls. If the pressure difference annoys you, then wear an open ear helmet (i.e. Pro Tec) so you can remove the ear plugs after opening and let them dangle on their cord for the canopy ride. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MikeTJumps 4 #35 January 19, 2003 Several years ago, an audiology study was performed on the climb to altitude and the freefall noise. The freefall noise exceeded the normal safe limits for exposure (>105dB). I have been wearing the foam earplugs for the majority (>95%) of my jumps. Age and other exposures not withstanding, they have helped me not lose more hearing than normal. Mike Turoff Instructor Examiner, USPA Co-author of Parachuting, The Skydiver's Handbook Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
faulknerwn 36 #36 January 20, 2003 Quote Are there any issues with the change in pressure on the climb, or for that matter the freefall? I can imagine if they are a tight fit and the air pocket reduces or increases too quickly you could do a lot more damage? I can't wear them in freefall for that very reason. Mine fit pretty snug and I scream in pain on the very rare occasions I wear them during freefall. The ride up isn't a problem because I can just take them out and clear my ear whenever they hurt. W Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 2,396 #37 January 20, 2003 >Are there any issues with the change in pressure on the climb, or for that matter the freefall? I have never noticed this issue with the soft foam earplugs, in the plane or in freefall. I know it bothers some people though. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pkasdorf 0 #38 January 20, 2003 Quote Are there any issues with the change in pressure on the climb, or for that matter the freefall? I can imagine if they are a tight fit and the air pocket reduces or increases too quickly you could do a lot more damage? I am not sure how much the air pressure changes between ground and jump height, but aren't you not supposed to jump if you have a cold for this very reason? DEFINITELY!!! DO NOT USE EARPLUGS DURING FREEFALL UNLESS THEY ARE REALLY FOAMY. Pressure equalization between both sides of the tympanus should not be hindered during the very rapid pressure changes ocurring during freefall because of the risk of timpanic perforation, not to mention pain... HISPA # 18 POPS # 8757 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skygirlpc 0 #39 January 21, 2003 So, at the begining of this thread I thought we were talking about the damaging noise from the airplane, but now you have me wondering if freefall noise is damaging? I was planning on getting earplugs to wear in the plane and then taking them out before the jump. What do you guys suggest? Thanks! Danielle Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
samp76 0 #40 January 21, 2003 I do not use them yet. The 182 do not seem to be too loud for me. But if it started to bother me I would.Let go of the NUT!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 2,396 #41 January 21, 2003 >I do not use them yet. The 182 do not seem to be too loud for me. >But if it started to bother me I would. If you don't use them the 182 will seem quieter and quieter, but then so will everything else. By the time you notice the damage it's too late. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pkasdorf 0 #42 January 21, 2003 QuoteSo, at the begining of this thread I thought we were talking about the damaging noise from the airplane, but now you have me wondering if freefall noise is damaging? I was planning on getting earplugs to wear in the plane and then taking them out before the jump. What do you guys suggest? Thanks! Danielle Your choice is perfect! HISPA # 18 POPS # 8757 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 2,396 #43 January 21, 2003 >but now you have me wondering if freefall noise is damaging? It is, but it's of much shorter duration so the cumulative damage isn't as bad. >I was planning on getting earplugs to wear in the plane and then taking them > out before the jump. What do you guys suggest? That's probably safest. If you do use them in freefall: 1. make sure you can hear reasonably well with them in, in case someone yells at you after opening 2. make sure they don't seal too well, so air expansion/compression won't cause problems with your ears Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dbattman 0 #44 January 21, 2003 63% don't wear hearing protection. In about 10 years I'm going to start a killer business marketing 'Go Fast' hearing aids to skydivers. I'll be rich, Rich, RICH! MUHAHAHAHAHAHA! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Luv2Fall 0 #45 January 22, 2003 I guess I should start (although a newbie) as my hearing is pretty shot as is........foam sounds like the way to go. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
