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
Filtered Search Results
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.
CSA Z94.2 | Class AL |
---|---|
Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) | 33 dB |
Plug Shape | Bell |
Packaging Type | Poly bag |
Size | Universal |
Plug Material | Foam |
ANSI S3.1974 | Yes |
Metal Detectable | No |
Plug Color | Yellow |
High Visibility | Yes |
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.
Disposable | Reusable |
---|---|
CSA Z94.2 | Class AL |
Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) | 30 dB |
Plug Shape | Flanged |
Packaging Type | Poly bag |
Size | Universal |
Plug Material | Foam |
ANSI S3.1974 | Yes |
Metal Detectable | No |
For Use With (Application) | Assembly, Blasting, Cleaning, Demolition, Electrical, Facility Maintenance, Grinding, Machine Operations, Painting, Sanding, Welding |
Plug Color | Yellow |
Pairs per Package | 2000 Pairs/Cs |
High Visibility | Yes |
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.
Disposable | Reusable |
---|---|
CSA Z94.2 | Class AL |
Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) | 25 dB |
Plug Shape | Flanged |
Size | Universal |
Plug Material | Elastomeric polymer |
ANSI S3.1974 | Yes |
Metal Detectable | No |
Plug Color | Yellow |
High Visibility | Yes |
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.
Disposable | Single-use |
---|---|
Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) | 29 dB |
Plug Shape | Cylinder |
ANSI S3.1974 | Yes |
Metal Detectable | No |
For Use With (Application) | Assembly, Blasting, Cleaning, Demolition, Electrical, Facility Maintenance, Grinding, Machine Operations, Painting, Sanding, Welding |
Plug Color | Yellow |
High Visibility | Yes |
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.
Disposable | Single-use |
---|---|
CSA Z94.2 | Class AL |
Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) | 33 dB |
Plug Material | Foam |
ANSI S3.1974 | Yes |
Metal Detectable | No |
For Use With (Application) | Assembly, Blasting, Cleaning, Demolition, Electrical, Facility Maintenance, Grinding, Machine Operations, Painting, Sanding, Welding |
High Visibility | Yes |
3M™ E-A-R™ Pistonz™ Ear Plugs
Pistonz™ ear plug tips look like metal, but are constructed with a specially formulated foam to feel ultra-soft. The stem is stiff enough to insert and is designed to flex sideways if impacted during wear.
Disposable | Reusable |
---|---|
CSA Z94.2 | Class AL |
Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) | 29 dB |
Plug Shape | Cylinder |
Packaging Type | Poly bag |
Size | Universal |
Plug Material | Foam, thermoplastic |
ANSI S3.1974 | Yes |
Metal Detectable | No |
For Use With (Application) | Assembly, Blasting, Cleaning, Demolition, Electrical, Facility Maintenance, Grinding, Machine Operations, Painting, Sanding, Welding |
Plug Color | Gray |
Pairs per Package | 400 Pairs/Cs |
High Visibility | No |
3M™ PELTOR™ Welding Ear Muff, Behind-the-Head
Designed to deliver comfortable hearing protection in a wide range of welding environments, PELTOR™ behind-the-head ear muffs are for use with 3M™ welding helmets.
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.
Disposable | Reusable |
---|---|
CSA Z94.2 | Class AL |
Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) | 28 dB |
Plug Shape | Pod |
Packaging Type | Poly bag |
Size | Universal |
Plug Material | Foam |
ANSI S3.1974 | Yes |
Metal Detectable | No |
Plug Color | Yellow |
High Visibility | No |
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.
CSA Z94.2 | Class AL |
---|---|
Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) | 31 dB |
Product Type | X5 Series |
Cushion Material | Foam |
ANSI S3.1974 | Yes |
Cushion Color | Black |
Pairs per Package | 1 Ea. |
3M™ E-A-R™ UltraFit™ Metal Detectable Corded 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™ 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.
Disposable | Single-use |
---|---|
CSA Z94.2 | Class AL |
Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) | 33 dB |
Plug Shape | Cylinder |
Plug Material | Foam |
ANSI S3.1974 | Yes |
Metal Detectable | No |
For Use With (Application) | Assembly, Blasting, Cleaning, Demolition, Electrical, Facility Maintenance, Grinding, Machine Operations, Painting, Sanding, Welding |
Plug Color | Yellow |
Pairs per Package | 200 Pairs/Pk. |
High Visibility | Yes |
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.
Disposable | Reusable |
---|---|
CSA Z94.2 | Class AL |
Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) | 25 dB |
Plug Shape | Pod |
Packaging Type | Pillow Pk. |
Size | Universal |
Plug Material | Foam, thermoplastic |
ANSI S3.1974 | Yes |
Metal Detectable | No |
For Use With (Application) | Assembly, Blasting, Cleaning, Demolition, Electrical, Facility Maintenance, Grinding, Machine Operations, Painting, Sanding, Welding |
Plug Color | Yellow |
Pairs per Package | 400 Pairs/Pk. |
High Visibility | Yes |
3M™ E-A-R™ One Touch™ Pro Dispenser Refills
Convenient refill container for One Touch™ dispenser 391-0000. Uncorded foam ear plugs offer a soft, low-pressure solution for comfortable wear.
CSA Z94.2 | Class AL |
---|---|
Packaging Type | Dispenser refill |
Plug Material | Foam |
ANSI S3.1974 | Yes |
Metal Detectable | No |
Corded | Uncorded |
For Use With (Application) | Automotive, Construction, Food and Beverage Manufacturing, General Manufacturing, Marine, Sub Applications, Military Maintenance, Repair and Operation (MRO), Mining, Oil & Gas, Pharmaceutical, Transportation |
High Visibility | Yes |
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.
Disposable | Single-use |
---|---|
CSA Z94.2 | Class AL |
Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) | 32 dB |
Plug Shape | Bullet |
Packaging Type | Poly bag |
Plug Material | Foam |
ANSI S3.1974 | Yes |
Metal Detectable | No |
For Use With (Application) | Assembly, Blasting, Cleaning, Demolition, Electrical, Facility Maintenance, Grinding, Machine Operations, Painting, Sanding, Welding |
Plug Color | Yellow |
Pairs per Package | 200 Pairs/Pk. |
High Visibility | Yes |
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.
Product Type | X4 Series |
---|---|
Color | Black, Chartreuse |
ANSI S3.1974 | Yes |
Cushion Color | Black |
Pairs per Package | 1 Ea. |