I am religious about hearing protection on the job and at home. I know many people with hearing loss from power tools and I do my best to minimize it in my own ears. We wear foam earplugs every day and I’ve reviewed products that provide protection but allow you to listen to music or take phone calls at the same time. When working alone, my go-to has been Isotunes Pro. They do have some limitations; for example, I found the cord would get caught on my collar, and I needed replacement tips, but neither problem was a deal breaker. Recently, Isotunes reached out and sent me its newest model, Isotunes Xtra, for review.
Isotunes Xtra wireless Bluetooth ear buds are noise cancelling and provide great audio.
Features: With these Bluetooth wireless ear buds, the cord sits behind your neck. They have an ANSI-certified 27 noise reduction rating and 85db volume limit, and they claim 10-hour music playback time. Additionally, they have noise cancellation, so that when you take a phone call, voice quality is clear.
They fit better behind the neck, keeping the tether (it’s not really a cord) between the two buds out of the way.
Buy some replacement tips. It’s nice to have spares.
I wore these on hot days, to the gym and riding my bike. I found they sound great and last. They are IP55 rated, so they are sweat resistant, and the foam keeps them in place during work or exercise. I feel they improve on the previous model, and I recommend them. Buy some replacement tips. One fell off when I was hiking in the woods and couldn’t find it. It would have been nice to have spares on hand. Battery life is long. I charge them at lunch when I’m working alone. They cost $80.
The major bonus is that I can sing loudly and not hear myself.
This article originally appeared in TOOLS OF THE TRADE.
