Hearing protection

@papason Yes, consider a groundskeeper job! The job has many opportunities and the pay is good. Consider snow removal, landscaping, and pool maintenance to expand on your resume. Definitely wear ear protection when using or near noisy equipment. You will not be able to eliminate all noise but you should be able to reduce it to a level that is non damaging. I mute my hearing aid microphones when I'm doing yardwork. My loss is severe to profound. I always shut off equipment when I need to talk to someone.
Tony in Michigan

@papason

To add to the always good advice from @tonyinmi, research the best hearing protection and spend the money for the best one. You might hear muffled noises even with the best. Your ear gear should always be with you and you should have it for a good long time. Take good care of it and keep it clean, especially as a groundskeeper.
I have a profound loss and I mute my aids when vacuuming. My aids also have a shut off feature when the decibels are too high. Lowering the volume on my aids when things get too loud is a natural instinct for me. I actually hear better that way.

Good luck with your career. You can advance to groundskeeping for high end properties in the future.

FL Mary Where all the hardworking groundskeepers and pool maintenance people live lol.

Very much appreciate your responses from both of you.
This job will be year round with a school district.
My concern is the ability to reduce the noise to a point it will not harm my hearing. I use a 3m earmuffs at home. The best I’ve seen so far. I do not use my power tools for longer than 30 minutes at a time. I have felt that too be too long for my blower vac and have concerns that has damaged me.
The job would not be worth less hearing.
Can’t find definitive info on decibels and duration and such. The cdc site sounds like even if my miffs work great and can get everything down to75 or less that duration will still get me. Also don’t think 75 is achievable with some tools. Is it? Then add glasses to the equation and get less protection. So far it sounds like glasses reduce the fit and therefore not as good protection. Really worried about keeping the hearing I have.

@papason

I really think you don’t have to worry that much. OSHA states that you can be exposed up to (not to exceed) 85 decibels for up to 8 hours. I would suggest that you wear earplugs under the ear muffs. You seem to be doing more than enough at home but I can’t really judge that so continue to be cautious. Research some vitamins that may help in increasing the blood flow to the cochlea (inner ear cells)…magnesium is one.

I applaud your caution. The only way to set your mind at ease is to have a hearing test before the job and then…maybe 6 months to a year later…have another hearing test done. Bear in mind that aging is a natural cause of hearing loss too and may not be attributable to your job.

Honestly, my opinion is to go for the job….keep getting your hearing tested periodically even if you have to pay out of pocket . Don’t stress yourself out too much…that’s not good for optimum hearing. Even if you decide to take the job and find yourself just worrying too much…we’ll that is not good for your overall health.

FL Mary

,,...IF this job is not much of an option as you need the income, or are there other jobs available that would interest you, pay as much, and have considerable less noise? Sometimes we don't have a choice, if you do, maybe not take this one - my family says I worry too much, but as you say, don't want to affect the hearing you already have; my spouse used to and still uses loud tools, lawn mower etc. with no hearing protection, and I fear for his future in that regard.. is already losing some hearing.
What if one day you forget your hearing protection at home... will you be expected to ge the job done anyway... also, in 2022 I thought that employers provided hearing protection and other safety equipment when the job requires it..or am I being naive?
Whatever decision you make, wish you the best! Sounds like a great job....
BUT .... !!!!

@papason You are getting good advice from people who experience hearing loss themselves. Hearing is precious! You are wise to ask about the danger of noise. Definitely get a pair of professionally fit ear plugs you can use with the earmuffs provided by the employer. While those ear plugs may be sufficient, wearing the muffs gives others the visual clue that you may not be able to hear them. Quite possibly the school system's insurance that should come with the job will cover the costs of those ear plugs.

You have concerns about your hearing loss. Has your hearing been evaluated by an audiologist? Do you use hearing aids?

Oh yes
Been wearing aids for about 20 years thanks.

Finding specific info on harm from noise is hard .
Would like to know for instance if mine or some people are more sensitive to loud noise

I use disposable ear plugs and ear muffs anytime I operate mowers, log splitters, string trimmers, air compressors, etc ... I’m careful to ensure when I put the plugs in that they are free of any oils from tools, or debris. Taking precautions for the task at hand is my main priority. Good luck!

Noise is one of the most frequent causes of sensorineural hearing loss. Some people are more susceptible to hearing loss from noise than others. Once sensorinueral hearing loss starts it is often progressive, so protecting the hearing you have is important.

Since you already have hearing loss and have used hearing aids for 20 years, you have most likely been tested several times during those years. Has your hearing loss gotten worse over time?