Hi Maria,

There’s no one-size-fits-all with hearing protection. That’s why 3M offers a range of options you can choose from to suit the job at hand, and your own individual comfort.

Learn more about how to make the best possible earplug selection for your tasks.

Looking for where to start? 

DETECT

Accurately assess the sound level

PROTECT

Choose the right protection for the job

VALIDATE

Use a validation system to verify the protection given is the right level for the environment 

PROTECT

Reduce the Risk of Overprotection

Hearing protection devices may affect workers’ ability to hear important sounds needed to do their jobs safely and productively.  “Overprotection” occurs when hearing protection reduces sounds well below what is considered hazardous.  Overprotection may mean wearers are tempted to remove their hearing protection, or they may have difficulty communicating with others or hearing important sounds.  “More” is not necessarily “better” – it is like wearing sunglasses indoors i.e. more protection than is needed and senses are diminished.

Consider:

• Hearing protection that offers attenuation aligned to the noise exposure of the worker. Check the cheat sheet HERE to help get this right!

• Protective hearing solutions with environmental listening capabilities like 3M™ PELTOR™ Protac™ III Slim or 3M™ PELTOR™ WS™ Alert™ X Headsets (available in headband or helmet attach models)
• Fit testing wearers to determine their unique level of protection, Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR) using the 3M™ E-A-Rfit™ 3M Dual-Ear Validation System

Earplugs or Earmuffs?

Use the table below to decide whether earplugs or earmuffs are the right solution for you and your task. 

3M Reusable and Banded Ear Plugs 

Washable earplugs with flexible, elastic flanges attached to a stem. Available in a variety of styles and proection levels. Ideal for use when wearing gloves or if your hands are dirty.

• Cost-effective with less waste: can be re-used for a lower long term cost
• Don't absorb moisture: work well in wet conditions or if you perspire heavily
• Fits a wide range of ear canal sizes

3M Disposable Roll Down Earplugs 

Made from expendable slow-recovery foam, 3M's disposable earplugs provide a great combination of comfort and hearing protection. Ideal for those looking for an affordable hearing protection option. 

• Affordable low-price per pair
• Comfortable: conforms to the unique shape of each ear canal
• Effective with high noise reduction

3M Disposable Push-to-Fit Earplugs 

Simply hold the 3M^TM Push-to-Fit Earplugs by the stem then push the foam ear plugs in to place - no roll-down required. Ideal for when wearing gloves or if your hands are dirty

• Easy to use: great if you have difficulty rolling and inserting disposable roll down earplusg
• Comfortable: they'll conform to the unique shape of each ear canal 

3M Metal Detectable Earplugs

All 3M^TM Metal Detectable Earplugs have an integral stainless-steel ball encased in the earplug. Ideal for food and beverage and manufacturing industries, when contamination prevention is critical.

• Metal detectable earplugs help prevent contamination of products in case an earplug accidentally gets into food production
• Available in Foam Roll Down, Push-to-Fit, and Reusable - all to increase comfort

VALIDATE

You can check the fit and noise reduction of your 3M hearing protector with the 3M^TM E-A-Rfit Dual-Ear Validation System. This will measure the protection levels provided to each individual by the selected E-A-R earplug

1. FIT.

Have the employee insert their earplugs or put on their earmuffs

2. TEST

Connect to microphones and begin speaker test sound

3. ASSESS

Use PAR to customise hearing protector selection

You're Only as Good as Your Fit!

Is your fit right? Check the instruction guides below to make sure your earplugs are fitting correctly

You can view our general Terms and Conditions here. 

0800 660 660

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