You need good hearing protection headphones if you’re a woodworking worker with noisy tools like a planer or table saw. There are many in the market, but which are the good ones?
These three terms may confuse you if you’re looking for a good pair, so let’s see what they really mean.
Noise Cancellation:
- It uses fancy tech to zap away unwanted sounds before they reach your ears.
- Ever put on those cool headphones and suddenly, boom! Silence? That’s noise cancellation at work.
- It’s like having a magical force field that blocks out all the annoying background noises—perfect for when you’re trying to focus or just enjoy your music without any interruptions.
- Whether it’s the rumble of a plane or the chatter of a crowded coffee shop, noise cancellation saves the day by keeping unwanted noise out of your ears.
Noise Isolation:
- Noise isolation is like putting on a cozy blanket for your ears.
- Instead of using fancy tech to zap away noise, it physically blocks it out.
- Those snug-fitting earbuds or headphones create a seal in your ear canal, keeping outside noises from sneaking in.
Noise Reduction:
- It doesn’t completely eliminate noise like cancellation or isolation, but it takes the edge off.
- Instead of blocking out noise altogether, it’s more like turning down the volume knob on the annoying stuff.
- Whether it’s reducing background hum during a phone call or softening the clatter of typing while recording a podcast, noise reduction smooths out the rough edges of sound.
Noise-cancellation earphones or headphones were not really meant for high-decibel woodworking tools. My Jabra noise-cancelling earphones are great for the office, but not my workshop.
The Dewalt DPG17 Bluetooth WWoodworking Headphone
I’ve been looking for a good pair of hearing protection headphones for woodworkers, and I think I just found it with the Dewalt DPG17.
I’ve been using my AirPods all this time, but they tend to slip off when my head is tilted. Plus, I wouldn’t want to lose them to the table saw or have dust clog them up over time.
I decided to try the Dewalt DPG17 Bluetooth-enabled hearing protection headphones based on the rave reviews on Amazon. Here are the details:
- NRR of 25 dB (Noise Reduction Rating), which is similar to competitors
- An integrated microphone that allows you to make and receive calls without having to take it off
- High-fidelity stereo speakers that may not be as good as Beats or Airpods but is certainly good enough for the workshop
- Adjustable, padded headband with earmuffs that are large enough to cover my entire ear (I have large earlobes)
- Charging via USB cable, which is included
Best Hearing Protection Headphones for Woodworking?
I found that the battery can last for a good eight hours or so on a full charge, and the noise isolation is so good, I can hardly hear my Jet jointer/planer when the music is on.
Although Dewalt is excellent value for money, there are alternatives. The ProHear and the 3m Worktunes are great alternatives that retail for about the same price.
I guess the reason I decided to go with the Dewalt hearing protection is my familiarity with the brand and the bright yellow colors. I also believe (although not yet proven) that the Dewalt will outlast those other brands, especially in a dusty woodworking workshop.
If you’re looking for the best hearing protection headphones, and you’re a woodworker with a workshop full of noisy machines like planers and routers, you should pick up the Dewalt DPG17.
