ROFLMBO !

I assume the Bose headphones are out of the question. There are a variety of noise canceling headphones from other manufactures for under $100 if you want the full over ear headphones. On the smaller side, Walmart sells some ear buds for around $10-$15 that plug into your ears. I think Koss makes them. Anyway, they are like ear buds but plug into your ear like a rubber ear plug except they play music too.

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.

Not sure about good headphones....but I can think of couple reason not to do that......I'll start.....

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

I just glance at the deck once in awhile. She's always there waving when it's time to eat.

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'am with you Pop , I can think of numerous reasons also why Headphones are a no no ! Deci Damp ear buds perhaps lol !

Ear plugs while mowing are similar to driving yer pickemup with blinders on yer eyes, the total no-see kind!
I always figgered--if i want to hear music, i'll sit back in my easy chair, and turn on some recordings, in the house. That way, i can really enjoy my bluegrass music. And, i won't run thru the wife's flower garden, mowing down her favorite posies!
The kid next door did that. Rode along, shuckin' and jivin' to some hard rock tune (I use that term loosely) and decimated his mom's prize flowers! When he has the ear-phones, he doesn't turn, until he runs into or over something!
Another gripe: Cup holders on a tractor. Gee, they shake out all of the bubbly in the first loop around the lawn! If you are so lazy that you need yer medicine right at hand, drink flat beer!

I think canceling the noise is great idea. Wearing nose reducing headphones, I feel much more relaxed after NOT hearing all that hammering for an hour or so.

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. âÂÂThe 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.âÂÂ

Riding a Mower with Music (Headphones) is akin to Driving while talking on a Cell Phone , not a good habit IMHO. Distraction can cause damage and even perhaps needless injury. Professional Noise Reducing Hearing Protection protect the users hearing while still allowing proper hearing requirements Eg: A Audible Scream Perhaps lol .

I bought my first set of noise canceling headphones when traveling became a serious part of my job description. These made flying commercial a much more pleasurable experience. Not to mention how much easier it was to hear the in-flight movies, my iPod, or just napâ¦

It didnâÂÂt 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 donâÂÂt 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 canâÂÂt 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 youâÂÂre doing, and whatâÂÂs happening around you. Most older adolescents and adults are perfectly capable of doing so. Those who canâÂÂt 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 shouldnâÂÂt. I understand the limitation involved and practice extra the vigilance necessary to operate safely.

You are correct photobob. And I trust myself to be that aware. But what about that other dude coming done the street with a smile on his face and a far off look in his eye?

Pop, ya make a beeline for the flower beds, music or not. (g)

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.

Right again. Sometimes I just resort back to my Highway Patrol days and seeing some really really bad driving habits. I'll just be sure to stay in the garden and listen to the bees. What's left of them. Have a good day photobob.

Thanks for all the great suggestions everyone! As for the coments suggesting there were safety concerns associated with listening to music while mowing, I think photobob summed it up very well.

According to the OHSA and the ASA it is illegal to use musical headphones while operating any Operating Equipment EG : Pay-loaders , Back hoes , Jack Hammers , Chainsaws...etc. This is an Industrial / Commercial Setting . I guess that pretty well sums it up . So what you do in your Yard or Garden is up to your Adult Conscience . Hope it's not Your Son or Daughter who goes unheeded . I'll leave it at that :)

OSHA has jurisdiction over the workplace not an individuals home, so you are correct in saying it is up to one's adult conscience. This is a matter of opinion and I believe that since your hearing must be protected, there by greatly reducing your ability to use your hearing to guard against possible accidents, you must rely on you sense of sight. But, thanks for your concern over my children's safety ewalk.

Mower: No Thank You for your gracious consideration of my Opinion .

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 .