Why Woodworkers Are at Risk of Going Deaf

Hey guys,

As woodworkers we get used to the symphony of “Shhh-shhh’s”, “Vrrr-vrrr’s”, and “Thud-thud’s” in the shop. It becomes music to our ears. (how did I do with the sound impressions?)

But the unfortunate truth is that these constant noises can seriously harm our hearing over time.

You see, when loud sounds enter your ear, they travel down the ear canal and hit your eardrum, causing it to vibrate. These vibrations are passed to three tiny bones in the middle ear, which amplify the sound and send it into the cochlea, a fluid-filled structure in your inner ear. Inside the cochlea are thousands of tiny hair cells that convert these vibrations into signals your brain can understand as sound.

However, these hair cells are delicate. Constant exposure to loud noises, like the sounds of saws and drills, can damage them. Once these hair cells are damaged, they can’t regenerate, leading to permanent hearing loss.

Normally, hearing declines slowly with age, but in a noisy environment like ours, this process can speed up, potentially causing hearing loss decades earlier than normal.

Before anyone points out that I don’t always wear hearing protection, let me clarify: I absolutely do when I’m working with the loudest machines. Louder noises cause exponentially more hearing damage compared to quieter ones, so I make sure to put on my hearing protection whenever I’m using those high-decibel tools. It’s a habit I’ve built into my routine, even if it means putting them on and off throughout the day.

So what is my go-to hearing protection?

Trackr Electronic Earmuffs by Axil

They are one of the most impressive earplugs I have tried because not only do they block out noise really well, but they also have studio-quality sound, and are conveniently compact.

I also like that it drops all machine noise down to a decibel that doesn’t damage hearing. So I can still hear the machine (in case something doesn’t sound right) and talk to others. That way I can hear if someone comes in the shop…

The last thing you want is a jump scare while you’re running a saw.

Guys, it’s never too late to take care of your hearing. Just simply putting on earplugs can help you to experience life to the fullest in old age.

The laughter of grandchildren, the rustle of leaves, the crackling fire, the melodies from cherished songs, the soft patter of rain, a short gust of wind… These are the sounds that keep the spirit connected to the world, evoking warmth, joy, and nostalgia.

Don’t lose it.

Your woodworking companion,
Matthew Peech

P.S. If you want to get the best gun-range proof ear plugs out there and support my channel for more exciting videos, check out the Trackr Electronic Earmuffs by Axil. They are currently running a very big sale.

^{_{Born and raised in a small town in Kentucky, I am blessed to be the husband of my wonderful wife Laura and the father of four amazing children. My career path took an interesting turn as I spent 15 years dedicated to nursing, a profession where I learned the importance of care, precision, and patience. However, my true passion has always been woodworking and creating beautiful pieces from raw materials. From a very young age, I was the kid who asked Santa for lumber and tools instead of toys. My father, an inventive soul with a knack for working with metal, always encouraged me to explore and build. Together, we spent countless hours outdoors, and I developed a love for crafting and constructing that has stayed with me throughout my life. The smell of fresh-cut wood, the feel of sanding a piece to perfection, and the joy of seeing a finished project come to life—these are the things that fuel my passion. Living in a small town in Kentucky, the sense of community and the beauty of nature around me have always been inspiring. My father’s inventive spirit and our shared adventures outside taught me to think creatively and embrace the joy of making something with my own hands. These experiences shaped who I am today and instilled in me a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and artistry. After many years of nursing, I decided to follow my heart and turn my woodworking hobby into a full-time career. This wasn’t just a leap of faith, but a leap into a world where I could combine my love for woodworking with my desire to teach and inspire others. Now, as a full-time woodworker and content creator, I dedicate my days to sharing my knowledge, skills, and passion with a wider audience. My goal is to create content that not only educates but also motivates and inspires you to pursue your own creative projects. In this community, I aim to foster a sense of belonging and encouragement. Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or just starting out, there’s always something new to learn and create. I believe in the power of small projects that bring big joy and satisfaction. Each piece you create is a testament to your skill, patience, and creativity. And I’m here to guide you every step of the way. My content is designed to be accessible and inspiring, offering step-by-step tutorials, tips, and insights to help you on your woodworking journey. I want you to feel confident and capable, knowing that you can achieve great things with your hands and imagination. Remember, “You’ve got this!” Together, we can create beautiful, functional pieces that reflect our passion and dedication to the craft. I have always been deeply connected to the world around me, finding inspiration in the simplest things—nature, the texture of different woods, the intricate patterns found in leaves and trees. These natural elements play a huge role in my designs and projects. I aim to bring a piece of that outside world into every creation, blending functionality with beauty. The transition from nursing to woodworking was a transformative experience. Nursing taught me the value of precision and care, qualities that are incredibly important in woodworking. It also taught me patience and perseverance—skills that are essential when you're working on a complex project or learning a new technique. In many ways, woodworking is a form of therapy for me, a way to express creativity and find peace in the process of making something tangible and lasting. Every project I undertake is not just about the end product, but about the journey—the meticulous planning, the careful selection of materials, the craftsmanship, and the satisfaction of seeing the finished piece. It's about taking a vision and bringing it to life with my own hands. And it’s this journey that I want to share with you all. In this community, we celebrate the joy of making, the beauty of craftsmanship, and the satisfaction of creating something with our own hands. We share ideas, learn from each other, and grow together as makers and creators. I am dedicated to providing you with the best resources, tutorials, and inspiration to help you on your own woodworking journey. Thank you for being a part of this wonderful community. Let’s continue to build, create, and inspire each other. Remember, no matter how big or small your project is, “You’ve got this!”}}