I've used them on many plane rides and they filter out most of the sound. I've recommended them to a few friends and they've been happy with them as well.

1. Can't hear your wife hollerin...Supper's Ready!!!

Google ear buds. There are some that cost around $100 that I use. Too bad I cant find them at the moment. They are comfortable and excellent at sealing out noise. They are commonly used with motorcycles.

I'd try a set of headphones before noise-cancelling earbuds. Earbuds are designed to cancel noise only to hear music better.

Here is a nifty NYT article about noise canceling headgear. I'll quote the relevant part in case the article disappears:

He then suggests that, for music, you can slip a pair of regular old iPod-style earbuds *inside* the earphones. “The sound reduction is superior, there are no batteries required, it is a much cheaper solution, and the sound can be stunning, depending on what brand of earphones you buy.”

It didn’t take long for me to try them out while mowing, leaf blowing or whatever. Not only did it allow me to enjoy some music while working with power equipment, reducing the pounding engine noises and the whine of the blower or mower blades helps preserve my diminishing hearing.

Yes, hearing protection is a GOOD thing!

I guess what I don’t understand is how listening to music while mowing is any different from driving in a hermetically sealed, climate controlled automobile with the radio on. Good grief, if you can’t listen to some tunes while mowing without seeing or running over the flower beds or into some immovable object, then you should never (re-emphasis on NEVER) be allowed to operate a car.

Just like while driving, you need to be continually aware of where you are, what you’re doing, and what’s happening around you. Most older adolescents and adults are perfectly capable of doing so. Those who can’t should get a chair and sit on the deck while someone else operates their power equipment.

I must add though, extra vigilance IS required when working near the street, driveways and the like. Even with simple earbuds, it is more difficult to hear normal traffic sounds. Keep your head on a swivel.

As responsible adults, we all consider the potential dangers and risks associated with the various power equipment we use, and we learn and observe the cautions necessary to operate them safely. Whether for hearing protection, entertainment or both, when we use these devices, we accept the added responsibility and operate our equipment accordingly. If we choose not to do that, then we leave the devices in the house.

I choose hearing protection first and foremost. I do enjoy some tunes as well. Been doing so for several years without running over or into anything I shouldn’t. I understand the limitation involved and practice extra the vigilance necessary to operate safely.

Mower Mods: Got off on a rant and forgot to answer your question. I'm using a set of Able Planet with noise reduction. About $100 anywhere, but when I found 'em at a one-day sale at $60, it was a no-brainer. They're over-the-ear and quite comfortable. Working with my gas powered stuff is so much more comfortable and the music is a pleasant bonus. Great on airplanes too.

Note: Having been involved within Health and Safety in the past I sometimes go a little Right of Centre on what I consider Safety Related Issues...did not mean to step on anyone's toes. Thanks again for your response .