Must I use hearing protection?!

I suggest that you check the manual of your lawn mower, and try to find out how much noise this mower is producing. I'm almost sure that the sound level is over 80 dB (decibel). Above 80 dB your hearing can be damaged. This is a slowly and painless process, and you will notice the bad results only after years. But be sure, this damage is irreversible.

When it comes to selecting the most appropriate type of hearing protection, you have two choices : earmuffs and earplugs. Earmuffs are easier to handle, but more expensive and not so comfortable at high temperatures. Earplugs are a low cost solution, but some people have problems with putting the plugs in the ear canal.

This website offers all the information you need, including some nice videos :
http://www.earhearingprotection.net/hear…

Of course you don't HAVE TO use hearing protection. Lawn mowers and vacuum cleaners are two things that people usually don't think about causing hearing damage. They do, if ears are unprotected for extended lengths of time (or repeatedly for short amounts of time). Vacuum cleaners run at about 65-85 decibels, and lawn mowers about 105 decibels. 80 is about the range where hearing loss can be triggered.

Hearing loss is slow and insidious. The constant use of noisy equipment will lead to hearing loss when you get older. Don't fall for the macho crap "only wimps wear ear protectors". You'll be laughing when you get older but your friends won't be able to hear you!