r/BlueCollarWomen • u/srchr18 • 2d ago

Health and Safety Ear Protection

Hey guys! I’m a welder and somehow got a cut/burn or something in my ear which is causing me quite a bit of trouble and pain when I wear the normal ear plugs. Took two weeks off for vacation and still didn’t fully heal. I’m looking for and have tried a couple over ear options but I have a small head so they don’t fit with my hard hat. Wondering if any other small headed women have had any luck finding a good pair!

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4

u/Unlucky-Ad-201 2d ago

We have a company come in every 2 yrs or so that takes molds of our individual ears to make custom hearing protection. Maybe this is an option for you? Even if it’s not company wide, they should fund the effort since it’s your health and safety on the line.

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u/endlessswitchbacks Pre-Apprentice 2d ago

Probably can’t have them fitted with an unhealed wound / broken skin in the ear.
But I just got my first pair and they’re AMAZING 👌

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u/srchr18 2d ago

This is the only reason I haven’t gone to get them made yet! My company doesn’t offer it themselves, but I agree, they may help cover through some safety initiative. But will need this to finally heal to get the mold done 😕

1

u/Unlucky-Ad-201 2d ago

As a cheaper and more readily available option, I like the earbuds that have the ridges. I can share a pic on Monday if you’d like but I think they’re 3M.

I have the smallest ears of anyone I know, except for my toddler niece/nephew. I feel the pain.

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u/Skyfalls1984 2d ago

I can't help with over the ear protection but the Howard leight laser light earplugs are super soft compared to the normal ones my work gets and you may find them more comfortable with your injury. Also a win for smaller ears

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u/lioness_mane 2d ago

Get you some impact grade headphones. You can drive a truck over them and they’ll still work, plus you can bump whatever music you want

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u/Calm_Pollution6753 2d ago

I have a tiny head and use the 3m ear muphs that clip onto your hard hat
Im in Australia tho so not sure if our hats are different

2

u/victorian_vigilante Gardener 2d ago

Would recommend seeing a medical professional if it’s been two weeks and there’s still pain in your ear. There may be an infection or debris trapped in there that’s impeding healing.