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.

Moldex™ SparkPlugs™ Metal Detectable Ear Plugs

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

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-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™ UltraFit™ Ear Plugs
UltraFit™ reusable ear plugs are durable and feature a triple-flange, push-to-fit design to provide comfort and convenience. Easy to wash with soap and water so they can be used multiple times, reducing waste.

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™ Plus and Classic Small Ear Plugs
E-A-R™ Classic™ Plus (NRR 33dB) ear plugs are 20% longer than the regular E-A-R Classic ear plug (and the same diameter) to fit deeper into the ear canal and help provide higher noise reduction. ear Classic Small (NRR 29dB) ear plugs are 7% less than that of the Classic ear plug (and the same length) to help provide comfort and protection in smaller ears.

Moldex™ Pura-Fit™ PlugStation™ Ear Plug Dispenser

Pura-Fit™ 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™ 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.

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.

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™ X4 Series Ear Muffs
PELTOR™ X4 Series Ear Muffs combines high attenuation with a sleek, low-profile and lightweight design. Available in over-the-head or hard hat-attached styles.

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™ 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.

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.

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.

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.

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™ E-Z-Fit™ Ear Plugs
E-Z-Fit™ ear plugs are sized for smaller ears and bell shaped for easier insertion and removal on the job. Soft, slow-recovery foam comfortably expand in the ear canal to help provide reliable hearing protection.

Honeywell™ Howard Leight™ QM24+™ Ear Muff
The dielectric QM24+™ is an ultra-lightweight; three-position ear muff designed for extended wear at a valued price.

Honeywell™ Max-Lite™ Ear Plugs
Ideal for workers with smaller ear canals, Max Lite™ low-pressure polyurethane foam expands gently inside the ear canal for comfortable long-term wear.

Honeywell™ Leight™ Source 500 Ear Plug Dispenser Refills
Leight™ Source 500 single-use ear plugs are an economical choice for work situations that demand a high degree of comfort, frequent changes, or where hygiene presents a problem for re-use.

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.

3M™ Tri-Flange™ Ear Plugs
Tri-Flange™ flexible flanges adapt to the shape of the ear canal to comfortably reduce exposure to noise. The plastic stem allows the wearer to insert the ear plugs quickly and easily without touching the premolded tips.
3M™ E-A-R™ Express™ Corded Metal Detectable Ear Plugs
E-A-R™ metal detectable ear plugs have a stainless steel bead encased in the ear plug. Popular in food manufacturing industries, when contamination prevention is critical.
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™ E-A-Rflex™ 28 Banded Hearing Protector
A comfortable, effective, lightweight alternative to ear muffs E-A-Rflex™ helps provide excellent noise reduction. Great for people who fit and remove their hearing protection frequently. Soft tips pivot to help maintain a comfortable, noise-blocking seal. Band may be worn in multiple positions.
3M™ PELTOR™ Earmuffs, Green
3M™ PELTOR™ Earmuffs X1 are our lightweight hearing protectors with comfortable, soft ear cushions.
3M™ PELTOR™ X3 Series Ear Muffs
PELTOR™ X3 Series Ear Muffs in both over-the-head and hard hat-attached styles feature high attenuation ideal for moderate to high level noise environments.