Hearing Protection

[KaiserM109]

Does anybody have a recommendation for hearing protection when driving a truck?

While driving my M923A1 from Georgia to Texas I started out using my shooting muffs, the $50 variety. I found that when I was traveling below about 35 MPH they were great, BUT when I got above 40 there was a low frequency sound, almost a rumble, that the muffs actually made worse. I had to take them off. The rumbling is probably coming from the tires which are Michelin XLs with big lugs.

At Thanksgiving time I am going to bring the truck the rest of the way home to Colorado and I’d like to know what others’ experiences have been and what your recommendations are. I would also like to know about intercoms and radio/MP3 hookups.

 

[M925]

I use earplugs and muffs at the weapon-range they work great in combination.

 

[UNIMOG-GUY]

You can also get noise canceling headphones that work well.

 

[Recovry4x4]

I use Peltor Powercoms. These have a built in FRS and GMRS radio. They work good as an intercom between passengers and also links up with other vehicles close by (convoy or chase car).

 

[m16ty]

I just use the cheap foam earplugs. They work well.

 

[3dAngus]

I usually double up with plugs and muffs, but after an hour of driving, for some reason, the muffs alone seemed suitable and I discarded the plugs.

I don't know if it was because the engine and drivetrain were all warmed up (it was driving much better too, with better overall response), or if I was just becoming tone deaf at the time.

 

[skpromotionsllc]

Agree with the ear-plug and ear-muff combo. I work in an auto factory, and hearing loss, when you get it, is a bad deal. Wear both.

 

[jdknech]

i use earbud style headphones, and a music player... works great..

 

[cajun666]

I must be deaf cause my m35a3 is not load.

i use no ear plugs it no loader than my dodge 3500 .

 

[jw4x4]

Using ear buds and an ipod/iphone or similar MP3 works best. The music cancels out the steady tone of the tires/engine. Ear plugs are fine for short distances, but for a long trip, ear buds are indispensable.

 

[Cruceno]

I got the 'Worktunes' by 3M. They work great at cutting out the harmful noise, and allow me to pipe in a little music (making the ride much more enjoyable).

Personally, I think shooting style headphones are the worst! I tried using a pair that had a mic/speaker system that, like you say, seemed to amplify certain tones at speed. Steer clear of those.

Ideally, I'd like to get a 'comms' type system that would allow my to communicate with a passenger or chase car, but I'm perfectly happy with my present system

 

[muthkw25]

I have a VIC 1 system in the deuce and it does wonders for ear protection and also I am able to talk to the Copilot. Really comes in handy.

 

[shenkmen]

I use an aviation intercom with headsets. Sirius satellite radio is piped into the intercom for music through a 1/8 jack. Push to talk button was added and mine is velcroed just below the shifter knob.

Here is the intercom - http://pilot-usa.com/intercoms/pa-400st.html

 

[CARNAC]

DANG, I wish I knew you were coming, I had some stuff you could have brought out of GA and I could have given you some fuel money. Oh well.

BTW, I use PELTORs.

 

[Tow4]

I also have the Peltor Powercoms and have worn aviation headsets for many hours while flying. Headsets get uncomfortable after awhile so if I'm not talking to someone it's the foam ear plugs for me.