Harrisburg PA airshow - hearing protection
Posted by Jsswish7@reddit | aviation | View on Reddit | 16 comments
Hi all,
I haven't been to air show since my pre teen years - 30 years ago, but remember it being loud enough to scare the crap out of me (maybe literally). I'm going to Harrisburg Saturday and will be in the flight line section. I don't have any dedicated hearing protection in my possession, but do have in ear monitors - not the Bluetooth ANC airpod type, but noise isolating IEMs with a wire to plug in to audio sources. They do a great job of isolating under normal circumstances, but I'm not sure how effective they'd be on the flight line. Would those be good enough for the circumstance, or should I grab a pair of proper foam ear plugs?
Glam-Reporter-6069@reddit
Have you been to that air show before?
TLDR - do all air shows involve waiting in car lines for hours just to get into the parking lot?
I live within about two hours of Harrisburg, so it wouldn’t be a bad drive. I was considering going to the one at McGuire last week, but their website warned about hours-long traffic just to get in. I’ve really been wanting to go to an air show, but I’m impatient 🙃 (and going solo), so that kind of thing puts me off. Is that kind of traffic normal for most air shows, or was it more because it was at a Joint Base?
Thanks!
Jsswish7@reddit (OP)
Only the small one at Lancaster since I'm an adult, the last one with the Blue Angels I was a pre teen kid and mainly just remember the volume of them flying over. We have preferred parking and I live about 40 minutes away so am hoping that getting there by like 9:30 will work.
Professional_Act_820@reddit
Earplugs are pretty standatd at airshows. They sell them.
canigetmorereverb@reddit
The cheap foam earplugs like the Uline brand are best because they’re rated too decibel canceling. I think they cut around 34 decibels max, which should suffice for your purpose
aviatorboatcapn@reddit
Ifyou wear hearing protection at an airshow, you are missing the point! Go have fun.
canigetmorereverb@reddit
It’s not fun for people with noise sensitivity challenges
Nimbus3258@reddit
What you have will be basically useless. If you want to take a swipe at it, use highest quality earplugs you can find. If you want to do a bit more, use the earplugs plus some heavy duty safety earmuffs (gun stores or hardware stores). Decent ones will be at least $50. Here's a thread with some brand suggestions from ramp agents but there are many other decent brands.
https://www.reddit.com/r/rampagent/comments/1au6lm0/what_is_the_best_ear_protection_for_working_at_an/
Former_Farm_3618@reddit
Every air show I’ve been to, a lot, at least 25%, have foam ear plugs. I bring some as well because my medical is also dependent on my hearing. I only put them in when the F18s or whatever are directly overhead and their whole point is to just be loud. Seems silly to risk damaging your hearing all cause jEtS aRe LoUd aNd iM a BAdAsS! If you’re worried (potentially) about others judging you. 1) Don’t. 2) Amazon has different color ear plugs that blend in incredibly well. And yes, I bring some to concerts as well in case they are stupidly loud.
Enjoy the show!
JBN2337C@reddit
I don’t wear plugs, but I adore the noise, and only got “scared” as an adult when the Thunderbirds changed their routine & I didn’t anticipate a new sneak pass.
They finally gave me a ringing headache for about an hour after one particular show. Maybe that was where we were up on a hill overlooking be field, or just the air that day. Dunno. Seen the Blues/Tbirds well over a hundred times combined over the years. Standout moment… Bravo USAF.
Keep a pair of plugs handy. Better prepared and comfortable!
InTheFloat@reddit
Enjoy the sounds. If you can't handle it, then use your fingers. But I say unnecessary.
ZweiGuy99@reddit
Take it all in. Gotta feel and hear it all!
Professional_Act_820@reddit
Skip the airshow, you're too fragile
triferatu@reddit
I love planes! Watched an F16 land and taxi into show center at Oshkosh a few years ago. I stared at it for 10 minutes, it was awesome!
Unfortunately that lead to two weeks of fluid buildup in my ear. Never a bad idea to protect your hearing!
Jsswish7@reddit (OP)
Negative, unable.
BrewCityChaserV2@reddit
Yeah Super Hornets are quite loud up close lol. I would go with a pair of foam earplugs (not the disposable type), like Howard Leights.
Unlikely_Wrap_2073@reddit
Wow, can't wait to see the Harrisburg airshoshow! Remember to bring those earplugs, it's gonna be loud!