(It is the sound you don't hear is the problem. Use ear protectin when it is avalable and make sure it is!!!!!!! You do not know it is a problem untill it is to late. Can bring other problems other than hearing, Will affect all parts of the anatomy.

You bring up an excellent point.... as a old (very old) Marching band drummer, Jazz and Rock band drummer.... it is a tad too late for me......what? what did you say?
(of course it is handy when my wife needs me.....)

but I have wondered about ear protection at the field around these little beasts......


anyone use any?

It's too late for me, I already have 4 children, one already married and moved away. See what happens when you don't pay attention?

WHAT??? SPEAK LOUDER!!!

Hey what do you know some one like me(exeter_acres). i'm 14 and i've drumming for 5 years and well i can't hear what alot people say the first time so its always like "What"

Well, I haven't run any RC planes yet (hoping to order my first plane by the end of the week), but my friend has a nitro truck without a muffler, and it screams bloody murder, so I started to bring earplugs. Problem with those were, they were full of earwax and I couldn't hear anyone even if they yelled, which could be pretty dangerous. So I used just regular head phones that attach to nothing (the kind that covers your whole ear). It reduces sound by quite a bit, and I can still hear everything I need to

What? Speak up. Is that BAGPIPES I hear?

Fletch,
You should start protecting whatever hearing you have left, or you'll be deaf as a post by 30.
Dennis-

Try working behind C-141's with engines idling and APU running, or C-130's doing ERO (Engines Running Onload). No amount of earplugs and Mickey Mouse Ears helps. Noise is so great it makes your brain itch. That and screaming motorcycle engines (Formula II and Superbike) is what done my ears in. Probably have 30%+ loss in upper frequencies, ears ring almost all the time, and it's been 9 years since I've done any of that.

Bagpipes? sounds like stepping on a cat's tail. A pipe and drum corps? ditto x 100 + beating a washtub with a hammer. And the Scots call that music. I get the impression, piper_chuck, that ye arrre a weee bit Scottish? So am I, Klan Campbell as far back as 1400's. My Mom loves genealogy and has traced her family that far. And by the way, I really DO love the pipes. We have a piper every year at church, during the Kirking of the Tartans. (Presbyterian), and I had a piper play at my stepdad's funeral a few years back.

It is not really a laughing matter, I have worked on motor cycles , snow mobils and model engines most of my life and have some hearing loss and problems caused by sound wave to othe parts of my ! Well . A head set or ear plugs untill you have tuned and have the plane on the run way helps. And if you don't care AAAAAAAAAA What DID YOU say. Sorry I did not hear you start you engine, was that you I bumped into. Only about 40 stitches!!!!!!!! Did I do that.

Yes, a wee bit. I used to play with NCSU Pipes and Drums till I took a job that had me traveling all around the world. I've played and competed at all the highland games in NC, and some in SC, Ga, and Va. Used to do weddings, funerals, birthday parties, etc. Anything for a buck! While I was away I ended up with a fiance who HATES the sound of pipes. Still settling into my new life, parenthood, etc. Eventually, I will get back with the band.

After many years in the field artillery, and then 10 years playing in a symphony orchestra, I've lost a lot of my high frequency hearing. I've not thought much about hearing protection at the flying field, but this thread has reminded me that I should wear plugs. It's really stupid not to.
Glen

With engine running as part of the job, my staff and I use hearing protection whenever we run one. We use ones that give about 30 dB of attenuation. I've found that using hearing protection becomes a habit. I can't mow the lawn without a set of earmuffs, and use musician's earplugs when I play drums in a local band. Use a grinder? Muffs. Use my bandsaw? Muffs. Once you've begun to notice how loud some things are, you wind up wondering what you did before you started wearing the muffs.

I am a proffessional mechanic by trade. It is 15 years too late for me. Screaming and hammering air guns have killed almost 1/2 of my hearing. I have tinninitus now permanently (ringing in my ears). I would advise anyone in this hobby to use hearing protection. My other hobby is target shooting. Protection in that sport is mandatory. My smallbore gun (.22 long rifle) has a foot and a half hollow (bloop) tube that the front sight sits on. It acts as a minimal silencer. Even running my subsonic target rounds it hurts unmuffled ears outside. I normally shoot indoors so the problem is worse. I would never shoot without protection. I probably will never run an engine again without them.

This brings me to a subject I want to add. There is a company called Peltor. They sell hearing protection devices. I have used many of the types and styles as well as most brands over the years I like thiers the best. They sell a model called the Shotgunner. They are muffs and are very comfortable. They fold up very small. And best of all are very inexpensive. I think I payed around 15$ for my set. They would easily fold up and fit into any flight box. If the pads get gunky you can buy replascements. The nice thing about them is you can put them on and start up. And just flip them onto your neck or just remove them on the flight line if you want to. I would highly reccomend them.

One last suggestion. Although they can be expensive there is a set offered by Peltor and Silencio that have built in microphones and amplifiers. They allow you all the benefits of hearing protection and the ability to hold a normal conversation. Those of you who instruct students should really look into these. The prices start at around 100$. Kinda high but us modlers are never squeemish on spending money on our hobby are we.

To sum it up I am glad this was brought up. It is an issue that does need to be delt with. And too many people are ignoring the danger. I never will again. I have precious little left and am protecting it vigorously.

Mark Shuman

PS: Hey Chuck, God bless you man. I absolutely love the sond of pipes. To hear Amazing Grace done by pipes and drums still gives me the chills. I only wish I had a set and could play. Guitar and saxaphone just do not compare. You should be proud of your playing. And if the missus doesn't approve then poop on her(just kidding).

Thanks. Amazing Grace seems to be #1 on the request list. My favorite place to play is at the beach. It's always surprising to see how many people will stop and have a listen. If you can play a sax, you should be able to learn the pipes. Look for a band in your area, many provide free lessons as long as you plan to join the band once you learn. I've got some of the ear protection you mentioned, for when I go plinking in the back yard with my Mk II. Guess I should hand a set to my wife when I get out the pipes.

Chuck that's a big 10-4. There was a band but they have disbanded. I never could hook up with them. Playing on the beach sounds kinda nice. I can imagine it is a great feeling. With the ocian as a backdrop to the pipes. I also had a Ruger MK II. For some stupid reason I traded it fro a Smith & Wesson 41. Oh well, I shoot my Anshutz match rifle mostly anymore. Anyway keep on with the pipes. Good bless you.

Mark Shuman

Hey Chuck, Glad to hear you play the pipes. My dad was the leader of the Clan Gordan Pipe Band for years. A true Scotsman, that's for sure. He passed away last year and I ended up with all his Scottish gear.

Yes, people should use hearing protection whenever needed. I ended up having to get hearing aids this year. I thought it wouldn't be that big of a deal but they are no fun and even @ $5000.00 a set they still don't work well. The worst thing is the ringing in the ears.

Sorry for your loss. Did you follow in his footsteps with the piping?

Bummer. Hope all the young people are "listening" to this discussion.

I have around 20% hearing loss. Due to working in steel mills and large/heavy industrial plants. I was stupid and didn't wear ear plugs most of the time. Now, I wish I had because I always people to repeat what they said. What gets me is these young'ns with the boomers in their cars. Future candidates for Miracle Ear...

Dave...

That's probably one of the best reasons for increased government oversight and regulations, it helps protect us against our own stubborness.

[quote: Sorry for your loss. Did you follow in his footsteps with the piping?]

No Chuck, I didn't take up the pipes but I wish I had. That would have fun. Still love going to the Highland Games.

ear protection is a good investment & well worth any "inconvienience" I worked around & on C-130's for many years & usually only needed either plugs or muffs-its loud but not that loud. the GTC is louder than the engines! --try an F-16/F-15 at full burner if you want your brains scrambled!

Most RC engines arn't gonna seriously effect your hearing, starting etc... A screaming Wide open throttle 2-stroke a couple of feet from you will. Be respectfull to fellow modlers, if you are adjusting your high speed needle for more than say 30 seconds, do it somewhere else than right in the pitts. Short bursts of medium/high volume are ok, but for a duration it's damaging. I'm an Audio Engineer by trade, and clients buy my ears, I seriously value them, but don't use earplugs when I'm flying unless I'm adjusting the high speed needle, or breaking in a new engine.

My .02

~Andrew

I should have put ears and hearing, You don't no what you have lost until it is gone. Don't take it for granted , it could happen to you.