Hearing Protection
Hearing Protection
Devices for aural protection against irritating or harmful noises in the workplace and laboratory. Includes ear plugs, muffs, bands, dispensing stations, and more.
Hearing protection devices (HPDs) reduce the amount of noise that enters the ears and can help protect against tinnitus, hyperacusis, and other negative effects of noise exposure. Various types of HPDs are available, including ear muffs, ear plugs, electronic devices, and semi-insert products.
Many countries require interventions to control noise exposure risks in workplaces. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) prescribes hearing conservation programs and the use of HPDs, along with signage to warn workers about noise level risk.
The U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and healthcare professionals recommend HPDs when noise levels exceed 85dB.
What Is the Best Type of Hearing Protection?
The effectiveness of HPDs also depends on physical fit. Devices with airtight seals or deep ear canal placement provide the most noise attenuation. Barriers to achieving optimal protection include comfort, convenience, training, and beliefs and attitudes toward PPE.
Different Types of Hearing Protection
Many HPD options exist:
- Ear muffs typically consist of two ear cups and a headband
- Ear plugs fit in the ear canal; ear plugs may be pre-molded, formable, or roll-down style
- Electronic HPDs reduce the sound that reaches the eardrum using a combination of electronic and structural components
- Hearing enhancement protection systems provide sound protection while transmitting speech and other sounds
- Canal caps are semi-insert devices with soft tips and are inserted or sit at the ear canal opening; these caps are connected by a lightweight band
- The use of ear plugs under ear muffs is called dual hearing protection and is used for extremely high noise levels
3M™ E-A-R™ Push-Ins™ Ear Plugs with Grip Rings
Push-Ins™ ear plugs with patented grip rings gently seal the ear for an advanced fit. The flexible stem makes insertion and removal easy and helps keep the tips clean when the wearer’s hands are dirty.

3M™ E-A-Rsoft™ Grippers™ Ear Plugs
3M™ E-A-Rsoft™ Grippers™ ear plugs unique grip rings help create a soft, noise-blocking seal for effective hearing protection. Ideal for people with larger ear canals.

3M™ E-A-Rsoft™ FX™ Ear Plugs
FX™ ear plugs feature a bell shape and super-soft, slow-recovery foam to effectively seal the ear canal and help provide reliable hearing protection. Flared end helps make fitting and removal easier.

3M™ E-A-R™ One Touch™ Ear Plugs Dispenser Refill
Convenient refill container for One Touch™ dispenser 391-0000. Uncorded foam ear plugs offer a soft, low-pressure solution for comfortable wear.

3M™ E-A-Rsoft™ Yellow Neons™ and Yellow Neon Blasts™ Ear Plugs
E-A-Rsoft™ Yellow Neons™ ear plugs have a smooth texture for in-ear comfort and are made of an advanced foam for all-day wear.

3M™ E-A-R™ Push-Ins™ Ear Plugs
A gentle push is all it takes for consistent insertion with E-A-R™ Push-Ins™ ear plugs. Blue stem makes insertion and removal easy and helps keep the tips clean when the wearer’s hands are dirty.

3M™ E-A-R™ Express™ Pod Plugs™ Ear Plugs
Express™ Pod Plugs™ ear plugs allows the foam to compress so the ear plug slides gently into the ear and expands slowly. Flexible stem makes inserting easy.

3M™ E-A-R™ Classic™ Ear Plugs
E-A-R™ Classic™ ear plugs meet wearer and environmental needs with its proprietary foams, cylindrical shape, and proven in-ear comfort.

3M™ PELTOR™ X5 Series Ear Muffs
PELTOR™ X5 Series Ear Muffs feature a combination of specially-formulated foam plus an innovative spacer and cup design to make it ideal for very high level noise situations.

3M™ Foam Ear Plugs
Foam ear plugs are an economical choice for disposable hearing protection. Hypoallergenic and a tapered design help provide a noise-reducing seal in the ear canal.

3M™ E-A-R™ TaperFit™ 2 Ear Plugs
Soft, roll-down foam ear plugs conform to the unique shape of each ear for a low-pressure, comfortable seal.

3M™ PELTOR™ Optime™ 105 Ear Muffs
Optime™ Ear Muffs provide maximum sound quality in the most demanding environments where noise exposures are expected to reach as high as 105 dBA.

3M™ PELTOR™ Earmuffs, Green
3M™ PELTOR™ Earmuffs X1 are our lightweight hearing protectors with comfortable, soft ear cushions.

Moldex™ SparkPlugs™ Metal Detectable Ear Plugs

SparkPlugs™ ear plugs are made of extra-soft, extra light foam. Metal detectable for specific industries.

Moldex™ Meteors™ Disposable Ear Plugs

Meteors™ unique curved design provides exceptional comfort. The contours follow the shape of the ear canal which means less pressure at the smallest diameter of the ear plug.

Moldex™ Pura-Fit™ Disposable Ear Plugs

Pura-Fit™ ear plugs are tapered and have a longer shape for easier insertion and grasping . Special foam is formulated for softness and comfort.

Honeywell™ Howard Leight™ Fusion™ Ear Plugs
Fusion™ advanced manufacturing technology delivers a combination of comfort and easy handling. Detachable nylon cord system can be used in a variety of applications.

Moldex™ SparkPlugs™ PlugStation™ Ear Plug Dispenser

SparkPlugs™ PlugStation™ dispensers are pre-filled with ear plugs and are convenient for any work environment. Easy access, wall-mountable unit will help ensure compliance. When the PlugStation is empty, simply dispose of it and hang a new one.

Moldex™ Rockets™ Reusable Ear Plugs

Rockets™ reusable ear plugs are designed to give a secure grip when handling so they easily slip into the ear. Triple-flange design provides maximum comfort for all-day wear.

Moldex™ SparkPlugs™ Disposable Ear Plugs

Multi-colored SparkPlugs™ ear plugs are made of extra-soft, extra light foam. Tapered shape fits easily in the ear canal to seal gently and comfortably.

3M™ PELTOR™ Optime™ 95 Ear Muffs
PELTOR™ Optime™ 95 Ear Muffs are lightweight and comfortable and protect from noise levels up to 95 dBA.
3M™ PELTOR™ CH-3 Headset with PTT
PELTOR™ CH-3 Headsets with an integrated Push-To-Talk (PTT) button on the ear cup allows for a direct connection to handheld communication devices.
3M™ PELTOR™ ComTac™ V Hearing Defender Headset
PELTOR™ ComTac™ V protects users from hazardous steady-state and impulse noise featuring a more natural sounding headset with excellent sound clarity.
3M™ PELTOR™ WS™ LiteCom Pro III Headset
PELTOR™ WS™ LiteCom Pro III Headset is a premier protective communication solution enabling clear, hands-free communication in high levels of noise and can be programmed to integrate seamlessly into your existing two-way radio system.
3M™ PELTOR™ CH-3 Listen Only Hearing Protector
PELTOR™ CH-3 Listen Only Hearing Protector helps workers stay protected in noisy environments while enabling them to hear incoming audio from handheld devices.
3M™ PELTOR™ ProTac III Slim Headset, Black, Headband
The ProTac III hearing protector helps protect against hazardous and nuisance noise, while also allowing environmental sounds to be reproduced by the electronic circuit. Limited to 82 dB.
3M™ PELTOR™ ProTac III Slim Headset, Black, Headband
3M™ ProTac III Headset protects against hazardous and nuisance noise, while allowing environmental sounds to be reproduced by the electronic circuit, limited to 82 dB.
3M™ PELTOR™ WS™ ALERT™ XP Headset
PELTOR™ WS™ ALERT™ XP Headset protects users against hazardous noise, but also makes it easy to make phone calls with both hands free in noisy environments.
3M™ PELTOR™ ComTac™ SWAT-TAC V Headset with Dual Lead Communication
PELTOR™ ComTac™ SWAT-TAC V Headset with dual communication features omni directional environmental microphones for level dependent hearing protection and auditory situational awareness.
3M™ PELTOR™ ComTac™ SWAT-TAC V Headset with Single Lead Communication
PELTOR™ ComTac™ SWAT-TAC V Headset with single lead communication features omni directional environmental microphones for level dependent hearing protection and auditory situational awareness.