Electronic earmuffs are essential tools for protecting your hearing in noisy environments while offering additional functionalities. Modern electronic earmuffs are equipped with a variety of features tailored to meet specific needs. Read on for an explainer of the main different types of earmuffs on the market.
1. Bluetooth Enabled Earmuffs & Wired Earmuffs
Bluetooth earmuffs and earmuffs with AUX ports provide flexibility and convenience, allowing users to connect to their devices for music or other audio needs without compromising on hearing protection. A lot of these earmuffs also have built-in or attachable microphones to facilitate taking calls while protecting your ears.
- Example: ISOtunes Link 2.0 Bluetooth Earmuffs
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Enables wireless connection to devices.
- SLC80 Rating: Provides an SLC80 rating of 26dB, Class 5.
- Additional Features: Built-in microphone for calls (or higher quality attachable boom mic), long battery life, high-fidelity speakers for clear audio quality, and a durable, sweat-resistant design.
- Ideal for: Work environments, construction sites, and anyone needing reliable hearing protection with the added benefit of device connectivity for taking calls or listening to music.
2. AM/FM Radio Earmuffs
These earmuffs come with built-in AM/FM radio receivers, allowing users to stay entertained or informed while protecting their hearing.
- Example: Howard Leight Sync Radio Earmuffs
- AM/FM Radio: Built-in digital AM/FM radio for easy access to your favorite stations.
- Additional Features: LCD display for easy tuning, high-fidelity sound, and memory presets for frequently used stations.
- Ideal for: Individuals who work in noisy environments and want to listen to the radio while maintaining their hearing protection.
3. Noise Amplifying Earmuffs
Noise amplifying earmuffs enhance low-level sounds while protecting against loud noises, making them ideal for environments where situational awareness is crucial.
- Example: Howard Leight Impact Sport Earmuffs
- Sound Amplification: Amplifies ambient sounds up to 4 times, allowing you to hear conversations, footsteps, and other important environmental sounds.
- Noise Reduction: Automatically reverts to passive protection for sounds over 82dB.
- SLC80 Rating: Provides an SLC80 rating of 24dB, Class 4.
- Additional Features: AUX port for device connectivity, built-in directional microphones and automatic shut-off feature to preserve battery life.
- Ideal for: Shooting ranges, hunting, or workplaces where it’s important to hear your surroundings while protecting against consistent and especially sudden loud noises - such as gunfire or heavy machinery.
4. Communications Earmuffs
Earmuffs with communication features are essential in environments where clear communication is critical. These earmuffs may have integrated communication systems or the capability to connect to external communication radios via cable.
- Integrated Communications: These earmuffs come with built-in communication systems, allowing for seamless communication without the need for additional devices.
- Example: 3M PELTOR LiteCom Plus Headset
- Communication Features: Integrated two-way radio for direct communication with a range of up to 3km, supporting 69 channels.
- SLC80 Rating: Provides an SLC80 rating of 31dB, Class 5.
- Additional Features: Voice-operated transmission (VOX) for hands-free communication, noise-canceling microphone for clear communication in noisy environments, and programmable settings for customization.
- Fit Options: Available in neckband and cap-attach styles to suit different preferences and work environments.
- Connectivity: Also connects with Bluetooth-compatible devices and two-way radios (via flex cable or Bluetooth).
- Radio Connectivity: Most communications earmuffs allow you to connect to radios or other communication devices via cable.
- Example: 3M PELTOR CH-3 Headset
- Communication Features: Connects to external communication devices.
- SLC80 Rating: Provides an SLC80 rating of 31dB, Class 5.
- Additional Features: Designed for high-noise environments, with a robust build and clear audio transmission.
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Fit Options: Available in neckband and cap-attach styles to suit different preferences and work environments.
- Ideal for: Environments where maintaining clear, reliable communication is critical, such as construction sites, industrial settings, aviation and military operations.
Choosing the Right Electronic Earmuffs
When selecting electronic earmuffs, consider the following factors:
- Communication: Communication earmuffs are appropriate if you need high-quality, seamless communication, potentially over longer distances, whereas noise amplifying earmuffs can suffice for conversations with people nearby. If communication isn’t a priority you might not need either of these types of earmuffs.
- Frequency of Noise: Assess the type and frequency of the noise you encounter. Noise amplification earmuffs with loud-noise cutoff features are beneficial for environments with sudden, infrequent loud noises like gunshots, as they enhance ambient sounds while protecting against harmful noise levels when needed.
- Audio: Decide if you want the convenience of connecting to a smartphone for music and calls (via AUX or Bluetooth) or if you want to listen to AM/FM radio or if either of these are important to you. Bluetooth-enabled earmuffs offer greater flexibility and modern connectivity options, while AM/FM radio earmuffs keep you entertained and informed without additional devices.
- Noise Blockage / SLC80 Rating: How much protection do you need? Check if your workplace requires adherence to specific Australian class ratings for hearing protection. The SLC80 rating indicates the level of noise reduction provided by the earmuffs.
- Comfort and Fit: Ensure the earmuffs are comfortable for long-term use and fit well. Consider your other personal protective equipment (PPE) needs, such as wearing a hard hat. The choice between headband, helmet-attach, and neckband styles can affect comfort and compatibility with other gear.
Electronic earmuffs offer a range of features to protect your hearing while enhancing your ability to communicate and stay aware of your surroundings. The four main types—Bluetooth/wired, AM/FM radio, noise amplifying, and communications earmuffs—often overlap in their functionalities. These types are grouped by their most prominent features, but many models incorporate multiple capabilities. By understanding the different features available, you can make an informed choice that best suits your needs and environment.
For any questions, tailored advice or to chat to us about bulk orders reach out to our support team at support@earjobs.com.au and we’ll be happy to help!