Hearing protectors are an integral part of any design.
Listening to music is one of the most popular pleasures we enjoy as human beings. Nothing beats listening to your favourite music in the comfort of your home.
But as with everything else, too much of the good can lead to certain problems. In this case, prolonged exposure to sound can damage our hearing over time. The good news for us music lovers is that there are special instruments that can protect our hearing from dangerously loud sounds.
This is very important for those who work in an environment that is regularly exposed to extreme noise. Remember that noise above 85dB can damage your hearing.
The special tool already mentioned is of course the Helmet for Hearing Protection. In this list we look not only at the classic earphones for hearing protection, but also at the Bluetooth earphones for hearing protection.
Below you’ll find a detailed overview of each model, but if you’re in a hurry and want a quick reference, take a look at 3M Worktunes; they say they’re at the top of our list in terms of quality and price. Based on a reasonable price and an NRR index of 24 decibels, this is our best general choice for daily use.
At the same time, we found several other good options – including some high-end communication headsets for professionals (builders, gardeners, etc.).
If you read at the end of this article, you will also see the model, which we don’t think is worth spending your hard-earned money on.
Now that you know the basics, we can further limit your choices with this list of the highest quality earphones available on the market today.
1. Best Overall Choice – 3M Worktunes Wireless Listening Protection with Bluetooth and AM/FM Radio
3M WorkTunes connection +. (Image: Amazon)
3M Worktunes is an excellent choice that gives you everything you need to protect your hearing while being affordable. 3M Worktunes is just as good a choice as any other model in this category.
3M Worktunes includes all the basic features you need to protect your ears while enjoying music.
The Bluetooth coupler is quite strong and also comes with a cable that can be connected to other devices if desired. It features comfortable, high quality ear cushions and an adjustable headband with an airy design.
The earplugs are also large enough to completely cover all ears and provide optimum noise reduction.
It also has AM/FM mode if you want to listen to the radio. With the easy-to-use button on the side you can scan different stations. However, you cannot receive incoming calls in AM/FM mode.
Batteries: The 3M Worktunes package does not contain rechargeable batteries, which can be a disadvantage. The good news is that only 2 AA batteries are needed to work, which has little impact on the total weight, and users find that battery usage is minimal.
Another option is to purchase a 3M ALPHA1100 lithium-ion battery for 3M WorkTunes Wireless, but this is sold separately and you will receive an additional $30, so you will have to consider this instead of purchasing an AA battery.
Main features:
- He weighs 1.3 pounds.
- 24 dB NRR
- AM/FM mode.
Our rating:
- Sound Quality : 8/10
- Bass: 7/10
- Quality/design of buildings : 8.5/10
- Shape/comfort : 9/10
- Rechargeable battery : N.A. (Accepts A.A.).
- Communication (Bluetooth stability) : 9/10
Who is it for?
3M Worktunes is ideal for people working in construction and other noisy environments. Many clients report that the works well to protect their hearing when mowing the lawn with the and when using other noisy home and garden tools (blowers, chainsaws, etc.).
It is also a good choice for those looking for an affordable but high quality Bluetooth headset for hearing protection. One of the main disadvantages may be the lack of a lithium-ion battery, as you either need to buy AA batteries (or use rechargeable batteries) or buy a separately sold lithium-ion battery.
Plus
- Excellent noise reduction.
- A comfortable fit.
- Affordable price.
- Good radio reception.
- Bass boost function.
Against:
- Thanks to its position, the volume control can easily be accidentally touched by the shoulders.
- Not equipped with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
2. Band selecting – earphones with ion protection
ION earphones with acoustic protection. (Image: Amazon)
Another alternative to 3M Worktunes is the ION Audio Tough Hearing Protection headphones. This hearing protection headset uses a foldable design which makes it an excellent portable NRR earpiece that you can take with you wherever you go. However, at a price equal to that of 3M and with similar characteristics, while we believe that 3M increases the quality and durability of the assembly, the ION comes with a lithium-ion battery.
You can easily pair with any Bluetooth device and use AM/FM mode. In radio mode, you can also add up to 10 of your favourite stations to your favourites for quick surfing.
It uses rechargeable batteries that can operate continuously for up to 20 hours. The loading time, however, takes two full hours, which is quite long, but fair, given that it can take up to 20 hours.
Main features:
- 25 dB NRR.
- Lightweight – 0.81 kg.
- Compact dimensions 3.7 x 6.5 x 7.7.
- Rechargeable.
Our rating:
- Sound Quality : 7/10
- Bass: 7/10
- Quality/design of buildings : 7.5/10
- Shape/comfort : 8/10
- Rechargeable battery : 9.5/10
- Communication (Bluetooth stability) : 9/10
Who is it for?
For those who prefer smaller, lighter, refillable earplugs for hearing protection, many gardeners consider them the best choice for hearing protection when working in the yard, on lawn mowers or other noisy machines such as lawn mowers and trimmers, or even when using snowploughs in winter.
Plus
- Compact and lightweight design.
- Excellent noise reduction.
- Charging with 20 hours of operation.
Against:
- The sound quality leaves a lot to be desired.
- It doesn’t come with a full cost package.
- The quality of the assembly is not as reliable as that of 3M.
- There have been complaints that he’s been mistreated by the prosecution.
3. Upgrade selection – 3M WS 100 Pelter communication headset
3M Peltor WS 100. (Image: Amazon)
3M is again in this list with one of the top models, 3M Peltor WS 100.
These earmuffs are designed not only to protect your ears from loud noises and to listen to your favourite music, but also to make it easier to communicate with others.
His goal is to make conversations in a noisy environment much easier, and he does that pretty well. He does it with sound equipment. You can even see the difference between another person’s voice and loud sounds.
It is also equipped with a microphone that makes it possible to talk to another person using a headset. The tree microphone also has good sound insulation so that someone else can hear your voice.
Bluetooth also has good stability. You can use it to connect to your smartphone and listen to music, internet radio and podcasts.
Main features:
- Noise enhancement technology to improve communication skills.
- 20 dB NRR.
- Noise-canceling microphone.
Our rating:
- Sound Quality : 7/10
- Bass: 6/10
- Quality/design of buildings : 8/10
- Shape/comfort : 9/10
- Battery running time: N/A
- Communication (Bluetooth stability) : 9/10
Who is it for?
They are ideal for people who need to be able to communicate with other people in a noisy environment. They are designed for builders and craftsmen who regularly work with noisy equipment. These are comfortable earphones with hearing protection for those who expect to be called regularly during office hours.
Plus
- It is designed to optimize the communication process even in noisy environments.
- Noise reduction technology that limits noise to 82 dB, eliminating loud noises when amplifying speech and incoming vehicle noise
- Compatible with safety helmets.
- He doesn’t use any antenna.
Against:
- It’s pretty expensive.
- No radio mode. But you can always listen to internet radio as an alternative.
4. Economical choice – 3M Workstations Hearing protection Connection
3M WorkTunes connects the Protective Hearing Aid with Bluetooth. (Image: Amazon)
For those who can’t afford to spend more money, the 3M Worktunes Connect is slightly cheaper and is perfect to protect your ears from loud noises. It also integrates with some of the most pleasant features attributed to a Bluetooth headset for hearing protection.
Although Worktunes Connect does not have aradio mode, you can always connect it to your smartphone to listen to music and internet radio. Rechargeable batteries are also used, which can last up to 20 hours when fully charged. It also has an automatic switch-off function that is activated after 2 hours standby time.
The headband is also adjustable for attaching a head protector.
Main features:
- 24 dB NRR.
- Lightweight, .96 pounds.
- Elegant design.
- Rechargeable batteries can last up to 20 hours.
- Automatic shutdown.
Our rating:
- Sound Quality : 7/10
- Bass: 7/10
- Quality/design of buildings : 9/10
- Shape/comfort : 8/10
- Rechargeable battery : 9.5/10
- Communication (Bluetooth stability) : 9/10
Who is it for?
For those who don’t want to put a hole in their pocket by buying headphones with hearing aids, 3M Worktunes Connect is a great option at an affordable price, whether you are a carpenter working with commercial equipment or other noisy tools on the construction site.
Plus:
- Long lasting rechargeable batteries.
- Easy to use.
- Affordable price.
- Strong noise reduction capability.
Against:
- The volume is relatively small.
5. Helmets for sports and outdoor use – 3M Peltor WS Tactical helmets for sports communication
3M Peltor WS Headsets for tactical sports communication. (Image: Amazon)
This is a variant of the 3M Peltor Communication series that we tested above , but where the function of the boom microphone is maintained.
Partly due to the lack of a microphone it is slightly cheaper than the previous Peltor model.
This is a good hearing aid for those who like to go to the shooting range or hunting. The brightly coloured earpieces contribute to better visibility when hunting in the open air, which is very important for obvious safety reasons.
It is also equipped with environmental microphones to raise awareness of your environment.
Therefore, the Peltor WS Tactical is strongly recommended for use on shooting ranges and hunting.
It also has a flow controller that allows you to adjust the volume to optimize the environment at your convenience. These headphones require 2 AAA batteries, which are included in the scope of delivery.
Main features:
- 20 dB NRR.
- Environmental microphones improve general situational awareness and protect the ears from loud noises.
- It is designed to be used on shooting ranges and for outdoor hunting.
- It comes with 2 AAA batteries and a charger.
Our rating:
- Sound Quality : 7/10
- Bass: 5/10
- Quality/design of buildings : 8/10
- Shape/comfort : 8.5/10
- Rechargeable battery : 8/10
- Communication (Bluetooth stability) : 9/10
Who is it for?
These earphones with hearing protection are mainly intended for sports such as shooting and outdoor activities such as hunting.
Plus
- 30 feet Bluetooth range.
- Robust and comfortable construction.
- Ideal for shooting and hunting.
Against:
- The price, one of the most expensive on this list.
- The rechargeable batteries that come with these earphones are inexpensive, so you’ll want to replace them with high quality batteries.
6. Gardetech Bluetooth FM Stereo Headset
Gardtech Bluetooth hearing protection. (Image: Amazon)
Gardtech is another brand worthwhile for hearing protection helmets.
ThisGardtech Ear Protection Headphone has powerful noise reduction with 29dB NRR and can help you concentrate indoors and out.
Pairing with your smartphone or other Bluetooth audio device is also possible without any problems. It has a built-in FM radio, but no AM radio.
To listen to AM radio stations, you need to connect to your smartphone. A useful feature is an integrated slot for SD cards.
So you can store all your favourite music or even podcast episodes directly to headphones without having to connect them to your smartphone.
These earphones are powered by lithium-ion batteries that last all day with a full charge.
Main features:
- 29 dB NRR.
- Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
- Built-in SD card slot.
Our rating:
- Sound Quality : 7/10
- Bass: 7/10
- Quality/design of buildings : 8/10
- Shape/comfort : 7/10
- Rechargeable battery : 9.5/10
- Communication (Bluetooth stability) : 9/10
Who is it for?
This is a worthy alternative to the 3M brand for people looking for reliable earphones with hearing protection.
Plus
- 29 dB NRR.
- Built-in SD card (4 GB).
- Built-in FM radio.
Against:
- No built-in AM radio function.
- Construction seems a bit cheap.
One to AVOID: Bluetooth hearing protectors for mowing and woodworking
Hearing protection for Bluetooth proteins. (Image: Amazon)
Protear earplugs are designed to provide comfort to all users of helmets with hearing protection. The good fit of the earphones on the headphones protects the ears from pinching after prolonged use. The headbands are also padded for extra comfort.
This model has a rated value of 25 dB, so you expect to eliminate loud noise for noisy industrial workplaces. The earphones are designed to improve noise reduction because they fit well and cover all ears.
However, a large percentage of users complain that noise reduction is not normal and does not work well enough to block outside noise.
In addition, the Bluetooth function makes it possible to pair with other Bluetooth devices. An extra cable is also included if you want to connect it to previous generation devices. The Protear also works in AM/FM mode and is powered by 3 AAA batteries. On average, 3 AAA batteries can last up to 8 hours.
TheThe Protear is best known for providing optimum comfort at a reasonable price – but we believe that the is not good enough for the sound quality and construction.
We therefore recommend that you scroll down the fuse and choose one of the other options, because has the best options in this list, which are even cheaper.
Main features:
- Two layers of soft foam on the headband and auricles.
- 25 dB NRR.
Our rating:
- Sound Quality : 6/10
- Bass: 5/10
- Quality/design of buildings : 4.5/10
- Shape/comfort : 7/10
- Rechargeable battery : 8
- Communication (Bluetooth stability) : 7.5/10
Plus
- relatively comfortable
Against:
- Relatively short battery life.
- Navigating radio stations or skipping tracks can be a bit difficult due to the vulnerability of the controls.
- The overall design seems to be cheap.
- Reduced life expectancy
This short informative video from Seton provides a clear explanation of the NRR classification and how to determine the type of hearing protection.
Store guide:
What is a headset for hearing protection?
A brief introduction to this useful safety equipment for those unfamiliar with it. These are earphones that offer exceptional noise reduction capabilities.
That is why it is very popular with people working in the construction industry. Have you ever seen a contractor wear big, bulky headphones? Yeah, they’re earplugs for ear protection.
On the back, the Bluetooth Headset Protector can be connected to your smartphone, so you can listen to your favourite playlist and answer incoming calls without having to whip your phone.
A useful function for those who usually have their hands full at work, literally. You’ll also find models with additional cables that allow you to connect other devices to your headphones.
Important functions in the headphones
Before you go to your local gadget store to buy one of these security headphones, there are a few important factors to consider before committing to buy them.
- Optimized Noise Reduction (NRR)
The most important thing to consider when purchasing a headset for hearing protection is the NRR or Noise Reduction Rating. It tells you how effective it is at suppressing loud ambient noise. This is the main reason why you buy such a helmet, so first make sure it fits into this category.
The NRR classification of headphones is not the number of decibels they can withstand, but the number they can reduce. For example, you are working in an environment where the noise level increases by 90 dB during working hours. If your NRR headphones have 25 dB, this means they can reduce the ambient noise level to 65 dB. As you will remember, the human ear can tolerate up to 85 dB, which is well below the dangerous noise level.
Now that you know how to test the NRR headphones properly, let’s take a look at some other features you should consider.
- Weight and comfort
For obvious reasons, you need a Bluetooth headset for hearing protection that fits well and is comfortable to wear. Since you will use it during working hours, make sure it is comfortable for a long period of time. The last thing you want is a neck pain at the end of the day because of an uncomfortable helmet with hearing protection. You only dodge one bullet to fall on another.
This may be a difficult aspect of decision making because earphones for hearing protection are usually quite bulky and therefore heavy. It is best to choose what feels good for you and take a break from work every now and then, especially if you start to feel tension in the neck area.
- Battery life and recharging time
Another important feature to take into account is the battery life of the headphones. You need one that lasts all day at work. You should also select those with much shorter loading times. However, there are headsets with integrated hearing protection that use batteries, which can increase the total weight.
- Additional features
One of the most important features of Bluetooth earphones for hearing protection is the ability to connect to a smartphone. This makes some tasks much more comfortable. You can also look for additional features such as AM/FM radio mode, which is a good alternative for those who prefer to listen to the news or talk shows on the radio.
Conclusion
As you can see, dozens of hearing protection helmets can help prevent hearing loss in this country and also serve as support for the media to pass the time. If your work requires you to stay within too loud a sound range, earphones with hearing protection will help you avoid long-term damage that can lead to hearing loss. I hope this article has helped you choose the best product.
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