7 Best Hearing Protection for Construction Based On User Reviews

  • By: Monica Shulz

Those in the construction industry know that protecting your eyes are essential as no one wants to have to live out life with vision damage. Our ears are as delicate and require proper protection from damages related to loud, high pitched and constant noises.

With decades of studies on hearing damage impacting over 1.4 million American’s, the construction industry has the second-highest totals in the prevalence of workers dealing with hearing loss.

Let us help you identify the best hearing protection for construction so that you can identify your hearing risk exposure and inform yourself on the products available on the market to protect yourself from being another statistic.

Get informed and don’t delay any further in getting yourself the best fitting, comfortable hearing protection for the value.

What level of sound can cause hearing damage?

The action level where hearing protection is required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is 85 decibels (dB). According to Creighton University studies, regular exposure to over 110 dB for over a minute at a time can result in permanent hearing damage or even loss. Hearing loss and damage occur from a combination of how long you are exposed to noise and how loud the noise is (dB level).

What are some of the common noise levels for construction equipment?

The Center for Disease Control and the NIOSH Power Tools Database rates construction tools at the following decibel levels: circular saw 99-107 dB, cordless power drill 87-93 dB and reciprocating saw 96-105 dB.

What is the difference between an Earplug, Earmuff, and Earbuds?

1. Earplugs are an individual protective item that is inserted into the ear canal to provide protection. Hearing protection is provided only when the insert creates a complete seal to block sound penetration through an airtight fitting.

2. Earmuffs, on the other hand, are designed to be placed on the external surface of the ear with an adjustable band that holds the individual’s cups over the surface of the ear. Hearing protection is achieved only when the earmuffs complete their seal over the exterior surface of the ear opening.

3. Earbuds or headphones are not ear protection as music players often add noise strain to the ear canal rather than reduce it. The same study from Creighton notes that “Properly fitted earplugs or muffs reduce noise 15 to 30 dB”. But you can find the best construction earplugs.

What Are The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones For Construction Workers?

Decibel Defense Professional Professional Safety Earmuffs

Decibel Defense Professional Professional Safety Earmuffs
Tagline:

“The Highest Rated, Most Comfortable Safety Ear Muffs Available! – The Double-D guarantee”
Decibel Defense (DD)

Features:

  • 5 colors
  • Electronic hearing protection allows for job site discussion while protecting ears
  • Foldable and adjustable sound reception
  • Padded earmuffs and headband with durable stitching
  • Perfect for shutting out various construction related noises from power tools and equipment
  • These fold up nicely to fit compactly in your toolkit without wasting space

Noise Reduction Rating (NRR): 34-37 decibel (dB)

Certification: ANSI S3.19 & CE EN 352-1, OSHA Approved Hearing Protection at NRR 34dB

Unique Qualities: Comfort and the ability to hear conversations without removing your hearing protection.
For the price and the comfort of the headset, these are a good deal.  best noise protection
Rated by Amazon users at 4.7 out of 5 stars with 87% of purchasers rating the DD safety earmuffs at 5 stars.
These are the best professional safety ear muffs by decibel defence and you can buy these lightweight earmuffs with confidence.
Read our full Decibel Defense Review

Howard Leight by Honeywell Impact Sport Sound Amplification Electronic Earmuffs

sport headphones
Tagline:

“Wear confidence. Ease, comfort and a trustworthy fit”
– Howard Leight

Features:

  • 6 colors
  • Stereo headband with adjustable volume controls
  • Users can hear in all directions while still having ear protection
  • External audio inputs allow for integration with music players such as iPod or MP3
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Average Amazon rating of 4.4 stars with over 70% ranking them as 5-star for hearing protectionNoise Reduction Rating (NRR): 22 decibels (dB)

Certification: CE EN 352-1

Unique Qualities:
Automated amplification shuts off at 82dB, which according to Safety Ear Muffs provides, “Attenuating impulse and continuous noise sound amplification.” Slimmest low profile ear cups on the construction hearing headset market. Option to select modes for sound off or on that allow you to interact with activities that may be of importance to your work. Howard Leight are the best noise cancelling construction headphones for construction workers on the market with over 13.500 reviews on Amazon.
Read our full Howard Leight by Honeywell Impact Sport Review

ClearArmor 141001 Hearing Protection Safety Earmuffs

 

ClearArmor 141001 Hearing Protection Safety Earmuffs
Tagline:

“Professional safety gear for everyone”
–ClearArmor

Features:

  • A padded headband with dual ear cups folds up compactly for storage
  • Thicker padding allows for a snug and comfortable fit for all head sizes
  • Best Industrial Hearing Protection
  • Ease of cleaning
  • Nearly 8,000 Amazon reviewers have rated this project
  • 8% of those purchases have given these headphones a 4 star (out of 5)
  • And 85% have ranked them as 5 star
  • Noise Reduction Rating (NRR): 31 decibel (dB)
  • Certification: ANSI S3.19 & CE EN 352-1

Unique Qualities:
Good price for the protection. Full swivel adjustment as well tilts to fit for ultimate comfort
The units outperform many of their more expensive counterparts
The noise reduction helps with ear protection as well as concentration on the construction tasks at hand
Read Our Full Review on Cleararmor 141001

Homitt Sound Ear Defender Hearing Protection Muffs

Homitt Sound Ear Defender Hearing Protection Muffs
Features:

  • Two colors
  • Airtight sound seal over the ears for maximum protection
  • Comfortable fit with half-inch thick padding
  • Homitt a one year warranty and a 60-day money back guarantee
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Comes with a protective travel case

Noise Reduction Rating (NRR): 28 decibel (dB) & SNR 34 dB

Certification: ANSI S3.19 & CE EN 352-1

Unique Qualities:
Noise canceling technology perfect for working in construction.
Adjustable to the head sizes for kids or adults.
The ear cups are dually cupped with soft foam padding to provide comfort for all work applications, adjustable up to 360 degrees of customizable fit.

Pro For Sho Noise Canceling Ear Protection

Pro For Sho Noise Canceling Ear Protection
Tagline:

“Lighter weight and maximum hearing protection”
– Pro For Sho

Features:

  • 10 vibrant colors to customize your options and needs
  • Industrial grade ear muffs to protect your hearing during construction related work
  • Solid and durable construction
  • 90-day money back guarantee
  • This product is frequently selected by users looking for protective ear wear with over 3,000 reviews
  • 78% of those who purchased the item rating it at 5 stars out of 5

 

Noise Reduction Rating (NRR): 34 decibel (dB)

Certification: ANSI S3.19 & CE EN 352-1

Unique Qualities:
Sizes for these hearing protection units range from small for youth, medium for teens and large for adults.
Ultra lightweight headset, with a custom padded headband for superior comfort.
Low profile so they do not get in the way of activities and superior noise protection tested against a variety of construction and shooting equipment.

EAR Defense Safety Ear Muffs

EAR Defense Safety Ear Muffs
Features:

  • Engineered to be lightweight and fit snuggly around your ear
  • Best Noise Cancelling Headphones For Heavy Equipment
  • Whether working with construction power tools or equipment
  • These do a great job of blocking out the daily noise of the job site
  • Average Amazon user rating of 4.5 stars out of 5
  • With 75% of purchasers giving the product a 5-star ranking

 

Noise Reduction Rating (NRR): 30 decibel (dB)

Certification: ANSI S3.19 & CE EN 352-1

Unique Qualities:
Hypercompact construction earmuffs Unique dura-design increases durability so they won’t break on you, keeps ears cool while working and the lightweight construction reduces neck strain.
These don’t strictly cancel noise but significantly reduce hearing strain without blocking conversation on the worksite.


Mpow Noise Reduction Safety Earmuffs

Mpow Noise Reduction Safety Earmuffs

Features:

  • Two layers of comfortable noise dampening foam
  • Solid construction
  • Snug fit
  • Especially suitable for construction and landscaping
  • One size fits all
  • Comfortable fit for small heads with adjustment for large melons as well
  • 87% of Amazon users rate this product at 5 stars

Noise Reduction Rating (NRR): 28 decibels (dB), 34dB SNR

Certification: ANSI S3.19 & CE EN 352-1

Unique Qualities:
Retractable stainless steel. This hearing protection headset is adjustable and comes with a protective carrying bag. No batteries are required for the passive noise isolating ear protection.
Read our full MPOW Review

What Is The Best Hearing Protection

Now that you have some research and reviews to educate you on identifying the best hearing protection for construction, please do not delay. The time is now for protecting your hearing and for encouraging those around you to do the same. You get what you pay for when it comes to your hearing protection, we have tried to take the guesswork out of finding the right tool for your safety earmuff. From the research we have conducted, the Decibel Defense was listed and rated the highest for quality ratings on hearing protection customer reviews. Our second listed earmuff was the Howard Leight by Honeywell which provides some additional features but you will also pay a higher price. Protect your hearing with the most comfortable hearing protection, noise canceling hearing protection that fits your unique head and the needs of the work you perform.

7 different Hearing Protection