The best hearing protection for construction workers

Construction sites are one of the noisiest work environments. Workers there are constantly exposed to loud noise from heavy machinery and power tools that can potentially damage their hearing. This is why having the right ear protection is a must for workers operating loud equipment and machinery.

Most jurisdictions require employers to have hearing conservation programs if their workplaces are susceptible to excessive noise. Part of this is providing employees with the appropriate ear protection.

If you’re searching for the right hearing protectors for your staff, this guide can come in handy. In this article, Canadian Occupational Safety unveils our picks for the best hearing protection for construction workers. We grouped the list into the two main types of ear protectors – earplugs and earmuffs. Read on and take your pick.

The best hearing protection for construction: top 5 earmuffs

Earmuffs are designed to cover the entire ear. They are bulkier than earplugs but can be adjusted to fit different head sizes. Some have noise-cancelling capability that blocks out noise while still allowing users to hear co-workers’ voices.

Here are our top picks for the best earmuffs for construction workers. The list is arranged alphabetically. All prices are current as of July 18, 2024. 

1. 3M Peltor X2 earmuffs

Key features: 24dB NRR, attach to all types of hard hats, underwent E-A-Rfit dual-ear validation system

Price range: $28.79 to $35.95

The 3M Peltor X2 earmuffs are designed for building and construction projects. The hearing protector consists of two 24 decibels (dB) NRR earpieces that can be attached to a hard hat. The dual-molded cups are made of durable plastic. The earcups have slow-recovery foam cushioning covered with vinyl for enhanced comfort.

Just like other 3M earmuffs, the Peltor X2 has been tested using the brand’s E-A-Rfit dual-ear validation system. This assesses the amount of attenuation the hearing protection provides.

2. Honeywell Howard Leight Impact Sport Sound Amplification earmuffs

Key features: Distortion-free amplification up to 82dB, passive hearing protection, low-profile earcups

Price range: $118.29 to $183.63

Honeywell’s Howard Leight Impact Sport Sound Amplification earmuffs deliver distortion-free amplification of up to 82dB. This sound level includes human conversation and range commands. The earmuffs provide passive hearing protection from firearms and other harmful noise like those from the construction worksite. Two high-gain, omni-directional microphones allow users to identify the source of the sound.

The hearing protector comes with low profile earcups that don’t obstruct workers from their tasks. The headband is padded for comfort and adjustable for a secure fit.

3. ISOtunes LINK 2.0 Helmet Mount earmuffs

Key features: 21dB NRR hearing protection, Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, 79dB volume limiter

Price range: $109.00 to $159.99

The LINK 2.0 Helmet Mount earmuffs from ISOtunes are compatible with most types of hard hats. The earmuffs provide 21dB NRR hearing protection. They also use Safemax technology that limits the sound levels users hear to up to 79dB.

The hearing protector comes in a collapsible design for easy storage and is IPX4-rated for water resistance. Its Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity allows construction workers to listen to music on the jobsite. Users can also attach a boom microphone to the device. 

4. Mastercraft folding earmuffs

Key features: 26dB NRR protection, foldable and lightweight, pivoting earcups

Price: $19.99

These foldable earmuffs from Mastercraft deliver protection of 26dB NRR. The earcups have pivot points to ensure a snug fit. The adjustable headband is padded for improved comfort. Mastercraft’s earmuffs don’t have advanced features unlike the others on our best hearing protection for construction workers list. However, they’re a good option if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative. The ear protector is effective in blocking out harmful noise exceeding 85dB. It is also made of lightweight materials.  

5. Walker’s Razor Tacti-Grip Series earmuffs

Key features: Advanced frequency tuning technology, rapid sound-activated compression, built-in HD speakers

Price range: $69.99 to $79.99

Walker’s Razor Tacti-Grip Series earmuffs use advanced noise reduction technology and frequency tuning for natural sound clarity. It is rated at 23dB NRR. The hearing protector is also capable of 0.02-second sound-activated compression, quickly compressing excessive noise to safe levels. This gives users more situational awareness.

The earmuffs come with omni-directional microphones and HD speakers for easy communication. The headband is made of non-slip silicone for a secure fit, and the earcups feature sound-dampening composite housing.

The best hearing protection for construction: top 5 earplugs

Earplugs are designed to fit into the ear canal. They are small and convenient to use but must be kept clean to prevent ear infection. These are our top five choices in alphabetical order.

1. 3M Peltor EEP-100 electronic earplugs

Key features: Environmental-listening technology, assorted tips, various NRR

Price range: $215.00 to $351.15

Apart from hearing protection, the 3M Peltor EEP-100 electronic earplugs are designed to improve users’ situational awareness and communication in noisy work environments. The ear protector does this through its “environmental-listening” technology that automatically adjusts the level of hearing protection based on noise levels. 23dB, 27dB, and 30dB NRR versions are available. A kit includes a protective charging case and an assortment of tips to suit different users.

2. Cotral Lab Qeos custom earplugs

Key features: 3D-printed, custom-fitted, 8 to 33dB noise attenuation

Price range: Undisclosed

Each pair of Qeos earplugs from Cotral Lab is 3D-printed and customized based on the needs of each worker. To create a truly custom-fitted hearing protection, the manufacturer assesses the noise level on  a worksite and scans the ear impression of each worker. The process ensures that each pair fits the user comfortably, even during long periods.

The earplugs use seven filters that provide noise attenuation ranging from 8 to 33dB. This makes the device among the best hearing protection for construction workers. Each pair comes with a six-year warranty.

3. Decibullz custom moulded earplugs

Key features: Custom moulded, easy to clean and maintain, 31dB NRR hearing protection

Price range: $33.99 to $43.17

These custom moulded earplugs from Decibullz are designed to fit the contours of each user’s ears. Using hot water, Decibullz’s unique thermoplastic moulds are easily moulded to the exact shape of each worker’s ears for a perfect fit. The earplugs provide 31dB NRR hearing protection. They are also easy to clean using just soap and lukewarm water or alcohol wipes.

Each set comes with two custom moulds, three sets of flange tips, one set of foam tips, and a carrying pouch.

4. Honeywell Howard Leight TrustFit Pod earplugs

Key features: Ergonomic stem, dimpled foam tips, 28dB NRR hearing protection

Price range: $6.95 to $9.29

Honeywell’s Howard Leight TrustFit Pod push-in earplugs come with an ergonomic stem and dimpled foam tips. These allow users to insert and remove the ear protectors without touching the tips to prevent the build-up of germs. Made of soft foam, the earplugs also roll down easily into the ear canal. They provide 28dB NRR hearing protection. Both corded and uncorded versions are available.  

5. Moldex Soothers earplugs

Key features: Hydrating and moisturizing features, tapered construction, 33dB NRR hearing protection

Price range: $66.99 per pack of 200 pieces

The Moldex Soothers earplugs are made of 100% PVC-free foam that hydrates and moisturizes the skin. This makes the product among the best hearing protection for construction work. The foam insert comes in a tapered shape for easy insertion and removal. The earplugs deliver 33dB NRR hearing protection.

Find out which type of hearing protection suits your team in this essential guide to personal safety equipment in Canada. This guide includes downloadable checklists of the PPE requirements for each industry.

Earmuffs vs. earplugs: which are better?

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) lists earplugs and earmuffs as the two general types of hearing protection. While both play an important role in shielding the ears from harmful noise, earmuffs are often viewed as offering better hearing protection because of their bulk and design. This, however, isn’t necessarily true.

The choice of the best hearing protection for construction workers depends on a range of factors, including the nature of the job, work environment, and personal preference.

Earplugs are more comfortable to wear in hot or damp work environments. These ear protectors, however, must be inserted properly to be effective. Users must also make sure that their hands are clean before touching the earplugs. This is to prevent the build-up of germs, which can lead to ear infection. 

Earmuffs cover the entire ear. Because of this, they’re generally seen as providing better hearing protection. Earmuffs are often made of more durable materials, but these add to the cost. Some manufacturers include high-tech features to bolster the level of protection earmuffs provide. The main drawback is that this type of hearing protector isn’t comfortable to wear in hot and humid jobsites.

Earplugs and earmuffs can also be worn together to provide the best hearing protection for construction workers.

Learn more about the pros and cons of earmuffs and earplugs in this guide to the best ear protection for loud machinery.

What is the rating system for hearing protectors used in Canada?

There are several rating systems used in Canada to determine the level of protection hearing protectors provide. Here are the most common:

Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)

The NRR system is used to determine how effective the hearing protectors are in reducing a user’s exposure to noise. The values range from 5 to 35. The higher the NRR, the higher the attenuation, meaning the greater noise reduction the equipment provides.

Ear protection manufacturers conduct a series of tests to determine the product’s NRR. These testing procedures are highly controlled, meaning they may differ from real world results.

To get a more accurate rating, CCOHS recommends “derating,” which requires a detailed calculation.

Single Number Rating (SNR)

SNR works almost the same as NRR, but there’s no involvement from the manufacturers. The system also aims to determine the effectiveness of hearing protectors in reducing noise exposure. The tests, however, are conducted by independent laboratories.

The results are expressed in average decibel reduction rating based on a category associated with low, medium, and high frequencies.

The SNR system is more widely used in the EU and the UK. SNRs tend to be a few decibels higher than NRRs often due to the differences in the methods of measurement, formulas, and population the ratings are intended for.

CSA Class

Another method commonly used in Canada is the CSA Class. This is a simpler classification system that categorizes hearing protectors in classes based on attenuation levels. These levels are based on the NRR results. Here’s what the different classes mean:

• Class A: provides protection for up to 105dBA
• Class B: provides protection up to 95dBA
• Class C: provides protection up to 90dBA

You may also find the suffix L with class A and B hearing protectors. This means that the ear protection attenuates at least 20dBA when tested at noise levels of 125Hz.

How can you find the best hearing protection for construction workers?

To find the right hearing protection for your construction team, there are several factors that you need to consider, including:

1. Noise attenuation level

The noise attenuation level is often indicated in NRR. The higher the value, the better the hearing protector is at reducing the workers' exposure to noise. As mentioned, the NRR doesn’t always represent the actual noise-reduction level your team needs.

To find the right hearing protection, you can do a simple calculation: subtract the NRR from the daily or weekly average noise level in your worksite. The result should be an accurate estimate of the noise level your team is exposed to while working. Look for hearing protection with a higher NRR, which means better noise attenuation.

2. Comfort and fit

Intended to be worn for long periods, hearing protection devices must be comfortable to wear. This all depends on what your workers prefer. Earplugs are small and lightweight, but some workers may not like the feeling of something inserted in their ear canal. Earmuffs cover the entire ear but aren’t comfortable to wear in hot and humid work conditions.

3. Situational awareness

Workers must always be aware of their work environment, especially if they’re wearing hearing protection. Some earmuffs and earplugs block out harmful noise, while still allowing users to hear conversations and warning signals.

4. Compatibility with other personal protective equipment

Construction workers are required to use different types of PPE to protect them against various work hazards. They may need hearing protection that can be worn comfortably with hard hats, safety glasses, and welding equipment.

5. Additional features

Also be on the lookout for special features that can improve the safety and convenience of your team. Some hearing protection devices enable Bluetooth connectivity, allowing them to use the ear protectors with their mobile devices. Some earplugs are made of hydrating and moisturizing materials to prevent ear infection.

Other important considerations are cost and maintenance. The right ear protectors go a long way in improving your team’s health and safety. That’s why choosing the best hearing protection for your construction team is worth the investment.

Get more news and information about the latest trends and legislative changes on hearing protection in Canada on our Product Resources page.

What’s your pick for the best hearing protection for construction projects? Let us know in the comments.