Ear muffs or ear plugs? What suits which situation
In short: Ear muffs attenuate more, fit without adjustment and are the choice for children, babies and loud work. Ear plugs are discreet, fit under helmets and hats and are the choice for concerts, sleep and everyday life.
Attenuation
Ear muffs enclose the ear. The Work+ reaches SNR 33 dB, the Kiddies 28 dB, the MINI+ 24 dB. Ear plugs sit in the ear canal: Kids+ SNR 29 dB, Soft+ 27 dB, Strong+ 23 dB, Sleep+ 22 dB, Music+ 18 dB. For machine noise from about 100 dB the ear muff is the better choice; for concerts and everyday life 18 to 23 dB is enough, because music and speech should remain audible.
Comfort
Ear muffs press via the headband when worn for long periods, get warm in summer and do not fit under every helmet. Ear plugs are no longer noticeable after a few minutes, but take a moment to insert and do not sit the same in every ear canal.
Children and babies
For babies and toddlers up to 24 months only ear muffs are available (MINI+, head circumference 38.5 to 49 cm, 112 g, elastic band), because plugs are not suitable for such small ear canals. From a head circumference of 52 cm the Kiddies fit (up to 60 cm, 188 g, adjustable headband). Children who refuse ear muffs get on with the Kids+ (SNR 29 dB).
Hygiene
Ear muffs are wiped with a damp cloth. Ear plugs are cleaned with water and mild soap after each use and stored in the case.
Recommendation by situation
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Building site, workshop, lawn mower | Work+ (ear muffs, SNR 33 dB) |
| Concert, festival, club | Music+ (ear plugs, SNR 18 dB) |
| Sleeping | Sleep+ or Soft+ (ear plugs, SNR 22 or 27 dB) |
| Office, train, studying | Strong+ or Women+ (ear plugs, SNR 23 dB) |
| Baby up to 24 months | MINI+ (ear muffs, SNR 24 dB) |
| Child from 52 cm head circumference | Kiddies (ear muffs, SNR 28 dB) or Kids+ (ear plugs, SNR 29 dB) |
| Swimming | Water+ (not hearing protection to EN 352, keeps water out) |
All ear muffs in the collection Ear muffs, all plugs in the collection Ear plugs. The size guide helps you choose by head circumference.
Frequently asked questions
Can I combine ear muffs and ear plugs?
Yes, for very loud noise such as at the shooting range the combination is common. The attenuation values do not add up; the gain is around 5 dB.
Are ear plugs worse for the ear?
No, as long as they are clean and not inserted too deeply. With an ear infection or after ear surgery, talk to your doctor first.
What does SNR mean?
The mean attenuation value in decibels to EN 352. The explanation with examples is on the page What is SNR?
Do ear muffs fit under a safety helmet?
The Work+ is foldable and can be worn with a safety helmet; the fit depends on the helmet. Under a tight helmet, ear plugs are the simpler choice.