With all of this extra noise it´s easy to understand how susceptible our ears have become to the dangerous effects of heightened sound. Whether operating an aircraft or working with heavy machinery our ears need the appropriate protection to withstand a noisy environment.
Here at Onedirect we´ve compiled a list of the top 10 ear defenders you´ll want to be investing in for 2024, take a look!
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |
ATEX certified | Without ATEX certification | Without ATEX certification | Without ATEX certification | Without ATEX certification | Without ATEX certification | Without ATEX certification | Without ATEX certification | Without ATEX certification | Without ATEX certification | Without ATEX certification |
Attenuation | High attenuation | High attenuation | Low attenuation | High attenuation | High attenuation | High attenuation | High attenuation | - | Low attenuation | High attenuation |
Bluetooth | Without Bluetooth | With Bluetooth | Without Bluetooth | Without Bluetooth | Without Bluetooth | With Bluetooth | Without Bluetooth | - | Without Bluetooth | With Bluetooth |
Built-in AM/FM radio | Without AM/FM radio | Without AM/FM radio | Without AM/FM radio | Without AM/FM radio | Without AM/FM radio | - | Without AM/FM radio | - | Without AM/FM radio | Without AM/FM radio |
Ear Defender Type | Ear muff | With Built-in 2-way radio | Ear muff | Connects to walkie talkies or mobiles | With Built-in 2-way radio | Connects to walkie talkies or mobiles | Ear muff | - | Connects to walkie talkies or mobiles | Connects to walkie talkies or mobiles |
Level dependent active listening | Without level dependent active listening | Without level dependent active listening | Without level dependent active listening | Without level dependent active listening | Without level dependent active listening | With level dependent active listening | Without level dependent active listening | - | With level dependent active listening | With level dependent active listening |
Wearing style | Over the head | Over the head | Over the head | With helmet attachment | Over the head | Over the head | Over the head | - | Over the head | Over the head |
The 3M Peltor Optime III ear muffs offer high-level hearing protection in extremely noisy environments, utilizing double cup technology to minimize resonance and improve sound attenuation. With a 35dB average attenuation (SNR), these ear defenders are ideal for industries like airports, mining, and power stations. They feature a lightweight design, adjustable headband, and soft, wide cushions for enhanced comfort.
The new 3M Peltor LiteCom Two-Way Radio Headset is rugged with a built-in two-way radio for safe communications in environments where noise levels could cause permanent hearing damage. Hearing protectors need to be worn 100% of the time in noisy environments to avoid the risk of hearing damage, which is why this headset has been designed to be easy to use, so there is no need to remove the headset. The menu is voice-guided and the controls are intuitively placed. If the headset is inactive for two hours it switches itself off. When you begin to talk, the chosen channel is opened immediately, while the noise-canceling microphone filters out environmental noise to be sure to be heard clearly.
The 3M Peltor X1A ear muffs offer lightweight hearing protection for environments with noise levels up to 107 dB. With a low-profile, modern design, they feature twin headbands to enhance comfort and balance, and electrically insulated wire headbands for use in low-voltage environments. Ideal for industries like metal processing, construction, and manufacturing.
With the 3M Peltor CH-3 hearing protectors, you'll benefit from high-end passive hearing protection without the need for batteries, so you can move around while protected from dangerous sounds. To benefit from the hearing protection of a headset, it must be worn 100% of the time, even removing it for a short time reduces the benefits of protection by almost 100%. With the 3M Peltor CH-3 headset, your hearing is protected (SNR -31dB) and you no longer need to take it off to hear your callers when they contact you over the radio. Passive protection means that no headset batteries are needed and it can be easily improved by using earplugs under padded headsets. Ideal for constant and long-term exposure to noise.
The Entel CHP750D is a heavy-duty double earcup headset designed for use with HT series walkie-talkies in very noisy environments. Equipped with a powerful noise-canceling boom microphone, it offers both VOX voice activation and a large push-to-talk (PTT) button, making it ideal for hands-free communication even when wearing gloves or clothing.
The 3M Peltor WS ALERT X earmuffs offer Bluetooth® connectivity and a noise-canceling boom microphone, allowing hands-free phone calls and music streaming in noisy environments. Configurable via a mobile app, they provide hearing protection while enabling communication and ambient sound awareness, ideal for workers who need to stay connected without compromising safety.
The Peltor X4A ear defenders offer high noise attenuation (33dB) in a lightweight, slimline design, making them ideal for moderate to high industrial noise environments. With electrically insulated twin headbands and innovative foam technology, they provide comfort, balance, and excellent protection, especially against low-frequency sounds. Compatible with other personal protective equipment, they are suitable for use in forestry, airports, and heavy engineering.
The 3M Peltor CH3 FLX2 earmuffs offer high-quality passive hearing protection (SNR 31dB) without batteries, while allowing hands-free communication via a connected walkie-talkie or smartphone. With a noise-cancelling microphone, multi-platform connectivity, and robust durability, they are ideal for noisy environments requiring long-term hearing protection.
The 3M Peltor SportTac earmuffs are designed for hunters and shooters, offering hearing protection with 26dB attenuation and level-dependent sound control for smooth noise transitions. With external radio connectivity, foldable design for easy storage, and changeable green and orange covers, these earmuffs are ideal for outdoor sports.
The 3M PELTOR WS ProTac XPI headset provides advanced hearing protection with Bluetooth multipoint connectivity and Level-Dependent Technology, ideal for noisy environments requiring hands-free communication, such as process operations, airlines, and maintenance. With noise-canceling features and Push-to-Listen (PTL) functionality, it enhances safety by allowing clear face-to-face conversations without removing the headset.
Ear defenders are the ultimate solution to effectively block out noise in the workplace. Designed with 2 large memory-foam earpieces connected with an adjustable headband, these ear defenders are adapted for daily use: they are comfortable, easy to wear and do not cause irritation. These headphones have the advantage of being ultra-insulating, blocking out loud noises effectively, which significantly reduces the effects of daily noise exposure.
"Daily exposure to noise can quickly become a nightmare at work. Noise can be annoying, and some can even be dangerous, depending on two factors: their intensity (or volume), expressed in decibels, and their frequency, which can be severe or high. The law states that workers must wear hearing protection when the noise level at a workplace exceeds 85 dB, otherwise they risk endangering their health. Noise and the discomfort caused by noise are more or less dangerous depending on factors specific to workers, such as the length of time they are exposed to noise, their distance from the noise and their sensitivity to noise. Noise at work is not a subject to be taken lightly, as it can have a number of negative effects on workers' health, including: Hearing damage; Prolonged exposure to noise can gradually cause acoustic trauma to the ear without the person being aware of it. It can even lead to permanent hearing loss. Negative effect on general health: related problems are fatigue, stress, irritability, sleep disorders and memory problems, increased heart rate, etc. Reduced productivity: if workers have difficulty concentrating or relaxing, this may affect the quality of their work and even lead to an accident at work."
Noise cancelling headsets, like safety helmets, are considered PPE (personal protective equipment) and are an audio device whose use is regulated according to precise standards. To establish these standards, the legislation is based on data collected from various factors, namely: the frequency of the noise in question, its intensity, the duration of exposure of the professional concerned, the distance of the user from the noise source or the hearing sensitivity of the professional. All of above mentioned should be taken into consideration before purchasing your equipment
Use is recommended for exposure to noise levels below 80 dB. Use is highly recommended for exposure to noise levels up to 85 dB. The employer is obliged to provide the appropriate equipment, but cannot force the professional to wear it. Use is mandatory for exposure to noise levels above 85 dB. In this case, the employer must provide the workers with the appropriate equipment and ensure that they wear it every day.
At Onedirect, we have a wide range of options. Depending on your budget and your needs, you will find the most suitable product in our wide selection. Do not hesitate to contact our customer service for friendly advice