As someone who has been working in construction and remodeling for 30-plus years, I use loud power tools almost every day. These include chipping hammers, reciprocating saws, chop saws, nail guns, fans, and vacuums, just to name a few. Every tool has its own decibel rating.
Many subject the user to more than the 70 to 85 decibels (or dba) in an 8-hour period that’s considered safe for an adult.
To prevent hearing damage, I always try to use ear protection. Whether on the job or mowing the yard at home, I’ve used plenty of the orange foam disposable ear plugs and the full over-the-ear “earmuff” hearing protectors. The biggest challenge I have had with these is the need to remove them to have a conversation with anyone on the jobsite.
In my search for alternatives, I started researching online to see if there were any “noise canceling” earbuds out there for the construction work site. To my surprise, I came across ISOTunes “Free Aware” earbuds. They let me listen to music or make phone calls while also protecting my ears from potentially dangerous noise levels.
Mike Whalen
The ISOTunes Free Aware Earbuds in the protective charging case.
I demoed the ISOTunes “Free Aware” earbuds on the job for two weeks and was very impressed. I could adjust the environmental sound control in order to hear what else was going on around me. At the same time, louder noises are canceled out—like when a power tool starts putting out more than 85 decibels. (The buds are ANSI-certified 25 dB noise-reduction-compliant.)
The Free Aware earbuds also include the features typical with other styles of earbuds, such as the Bluetooth connection with your phone that allows you to listen to music or podcasts and make or receive phone calls. And they are controlled by tapping them to take a call, adjust volume, or play or pause music. If you have used other earbuds, then these features are much the same.
These earbuds also come with multiple sizes of ear tips, which allow for a more customizable fit. So far, I have had no issues with them falling out while I’ve been working on site and they’ve been comfortable to wear for the day. The charge on the buds lasted me for a full work day (the website claims 13 hours of use), even with constant music or nonstop calls.
In addition, the battery in the charging case has two full charges for the buds before you need to plug the case into a USB port for recharging. (A cord is included.) That’s one more plus for these earbuds that allow you to use your phone and listen to music while protecting your hearing on the jobsite. Find out more at isotunes.com. Cost is $199.99.
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