Hearing Protection for Mowing, Leaf Blowers and Chainsaws

Yard work is one of the loudest things many people do all week, and most of us do it without hearing protection. This guide uses measurements taken at the operator's ear by US government researchers and university scientists, then turns them into the question that matters: how long can you run each tool before your ears have had their safe daily dose?

How loud are yard tools, really?

Figures vary with the model, the engine, the task and how you measure, so the numbers below come with their source.

A 2025 NIOSH study of landscaping workers found that fuel-powered leaf blowers, string trimmers and chainsaws exposed workers to significantly more noise than battery-powered versions: on average about 17 dBA more for chainsaws, about 11 dBA more for leaf blowers and about 5 dBA more for string trimmers. It also found that battery-powered blowers, trimmers and hedge trimmers still averaged above the 85 dBA recommended limit.

In other words: battery tools are quieter, but not automatically safe.

How long can you run each tool?

The US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends an exposure limit of 85 dBA averaged over 8 hours, with the safe time halving for every 3 dB louder.

A typical Saturday, added up

Imagine an hour of mowing on a riding mower at around 99 dBA, followed by 20 minutes of gas leaf blowing at a similar level.

At about 99 dBA, the NIOSH safe time is around 20 minutes. An hour of mowing alone is roughly three times the daily allowance, before the leaf blower even starts. That is why people who do yard work every weekend without protection are at real risk of permanent hearing damage. NIDCD lists lawn mowers and leaf blowers among common home sources of harmful noise.

Choosing protection for yard work

• Foam earplugs give strong protection if you roll and insert them properly.
• Earmuffs are easy to put on and take off between tasks and work well over hats. Check that glasses arms do not break the seal.
• Plugs plus muffs for the loudest tools, such as chainsaws. OSHA's guidance is that wearing both adds about 5 dB to the derated protection of the better device, not double.

Remember that the rating on the package overstates real-world protection. A quick OSHA-style estimate for dBA noise: subtract 7 from the NRR, then halve it. Our hearing protection guide explains fit and ratings.

Other ways to cut the dose

1. Choose battery tools where practical. Quieter, though still worth protecting against.
2. Split long jobs into shorter sessions with quiet breaks.
3. Maintain equipment. A damaged muffler makes a tool louder.
4. Keep others away. Children and pets nearby are exposed too.

Myths worth dropping

• "Battery tools are hearing-safe." Several still averaged above 85 dBA in NIOSH testing.
• "It's only an hour, so it's fine." At around 99 dBA, the safe time is closer to 20 minutes.
• "My earbuds block the noise." Music earbuds are not rated protection.

The short version

Gas mowers, blowers and chainsaws commonly reach the high 90s to around 110 dBA at your ear, which makes your safe unprotected time a matter of minutes. Battery tools are quieter but can still exceed 85 dBA. Wear rated earplugs or earmuffs, double up for chainsaws, and split long jobs. For how these levels compare with other sounds, see the decibel chart.