Can earplugs give enough protection for noisy power tools?

[d000hg]

I have regular ear protection but it makes my ears so so hot... Last week with the chainsaw I literally had puddles inside the cups!

Can ear plugs give enough protection for using leaf blowers, chainsaws, etc? Is there a specific decibel level I should be aiming for?

 

[SFK]

I think I would be worried about using only ear plugs.
Ear defenders always just seem to work better.
But have no evidence to hand.

Seen, but not used, sweat absorbing pads:
https://www.arco.co.uk/products/201200

Leather padded ear defenders are supposed to cause less sweat.

 

[SammyInnit]

-35 DB+ range is best.

I use these when I use in-ear plugs, they offer -39 DB. Otherwise I use Peltor X5(-37) or Optime3(-35)

https://www.3m.co.uk/3M/en_GB/compa...725621+3291224990&preselect=3293786499&rt=rud

I think I would be worried about using only ear plugs.
Ear defenders always just seem to work better.

They don't work as well as ear plugs.

https://www.seton.co.uk/ear-muffs-vs-ear-plugs

 

[SFK]

Sammy,
"Ear defenders don't work as well as ear plugs."
I never knew that... and reading your link I suppose it makes sense that "Because they fit directly into the ear canal, ear plugs offer greater protection than ear defenders".
Thanks for that detail and correction,
SFK

 

[Roger928]

Ear plugs push wax into the ear giving you a permanent ear plug.
Which is why I never use them. Good quality ear muffs give all the protection that is needed.

 

[mattylad]

How about trying ear plugs and ear defenders over the top?

 

[d000hg]

How about trying ear plugs and ear defenders over the top?

I have done this. Well, I've used my music ear-phones with defenders over the top so I can listen to music while using tools without having the volume overly loud. Earplugs like that give a little protection on top of the defenders too, I imagine.