10 of the Best Gardening Ear Defenders

Routine garden tasks, such as mowing, strimming, blowing leaves or blowing snow, could cause damage to your hearing.

It’s easy to forget about hearing protection while gardening, however, prolonged exposure to loud garden tools – including mowers and chainsaws – is dangerous to your hearing even if that exposure is not conductive to your employment.

Getting some gardening ear defender is a smart investment for your long-term hearing protection- keep your ears safe and comfortable.

What Should You Expect? In this article, we offer 10 highly rated value gardening ear defenders to help you stay comfortable and safe working in your garden.

Noisy Garden tools can damage your hearing

Regrettably, you’ll never be able to escape the noise of powered garden tools because of their inherent noise.

Not surprisingly, these machines of happiness, productivity, and efficiency can generate sound levels upward of 100 decibels, a zone rapidly approaching where hearing damage can occur.

With even short amounts of use, hearing damage can occur.

Permanent hearing damage may happen to you from using gardening and landscaping tools such as lawnmowers, weedwhackers, hedge trimmers, backhoes, or tractors with debilitating consequences such as ringing in your ears, humming, whistling, or buzzing.

Protect your ears with gardening ear defenders 

In work settings, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) makes it a requirement for ear protection to be worn while workers are exposed to sound above 85 decibels. 

The same should be noted for yard work, as ear defenders are one of the best hearing protection device available for purchase.

Buyers guide for gardening ear defenders

To protect your hearing, you need ear defenders that fit you properly and have sufficient noise-dampening ability.

Here are five important features to consider when you are buying ear defenders for working in the garden.

1. Noise reduction rating (NRR)

The term Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) in decibels is used to state how much noise your ear defender will reduce.

The ratings are usually between 0 and a little over 30 decibels.

The greater the NRR value, the more effective your ear muffs will be at reducing sound and protecting your ears.

2. Quality acoustic foam

High-quality garden ear defenders will typically incorporate a minimum of two layers of high-density foam designed to absorb noise and allow you to use loud garden tools without damaging your hearing.

The foam will fit snugly within the plastic ear cup of the earmuffs that cover your ears.

3. Adjustable Headband

Usually, ear defenders have a snug fit to enable a good seal on the ear.

In order to fit them correctly, safely, it is better to purchase earmuffs that use a retractable headband and adjustable, swiveling cups for your ears.

4. Comfort

When you spend hours outdoors with your ride-on mower or weed whacker, you’ll want as much comfort as you can get from your ear defenders.

A foam-cushioned headband, along with ear cups that feature synthetic leather lining, help to make the task of wearing ear protectors for a period of time much more tolerable.

5. Compact and portable design

You want your earmuffs to be portable and lightweight.

You’re wearing them on your head after all.

Most earmuffs will fold down to reduce the bulk and are easy to store and travel with.

You may also want to use your ear defenders to travel or study with too, remember that!

10 of the best gardening ear defenders

Keep your ears safe while enjoying your yard work with our list of the best 10 pairs of gardening ear defenders you can buy now.

1. ProCase Noise Reduction Safety Ear Muffs in Black

Specifications

• Noise reduction rating (NRR): 35 decibels
• Materials: ABS plastic, noise-dampening foam, and rayon
• Color: Black
• Weight: 9 ounces (255 grams) 
• Dimensions: ‎6.1 in x 4.5 in x 0.6 in (16.9 cm x 11.4 cm x 1.5 cm)

Description

Despite their ultra-thin construction, these ANSI certified noise-dampening earmuffs have a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 35dB.

These gardening ear defenders are effective for blocking out noise from woodworking, lawn care, or operating heavy equipment/machinery.

Long yard work sessions are no issue as the generous 360° rotatable ear cups make the memmuffs comfortable while providing the sound-proof seal needed.

Pros

• The ear cups rotate a full 360°, which makes it very easy to down tools for a quick conversation with someone before returning to your task.
• The headband is padded for comfort.

Cons

• Some people have found the fit of these ear defenders too tight.
• They size down enough for children. 

The durable stainless steel headband can be adjusted fit adults and children. 

2. Pro For Sho 34dB Ear Protection

Specifications

• Noise reduction rating (NRR): 34 decibels
• Material: High impact polystyrene (HIPS) and High Protection Foam
• Color: Black
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty

Description

While completing yard work, protect your ears using these solid but lightweight earmuffs.

They offer a high protection ratio rating of 34-decibels.

These ear defenders will fold down for ease between uses and for ease of mobility.

While using the ride-on mower or snow blower pop on your Pro Fo Sho ear defenders!

Pros

• These hearing protection measures are very flexible by the headband and ear cup.
• The padded headband makes them very comfortable.
• Users say that these hearing protection measures are very comfortable.

Cons

• Some reviewers found that the level of sound blocking was less than they expected for the NRR.

They come in small or large sizes meaning you can buy ear protection for the whole family. 

3. ISOtunes PRO Aware Bluetooth Earbuds: Audio Passthrough Hearing Protection

Specifications

• Noise reduction rating (NRR): 26 decibels
• Material: Plastic
• Color: Green 
• Weight: 7.8 ounces (221 grams)
• Dimensions: 5.24 x 4.45 x 2.13 inches

Description

These innovative ear defenders use technology to provide targeted and responsive noise cancelation via a discreet pair of earbuds.

They feature omnidirectional microphones and unique audio passthrough technology, which allows you to hear your surroundings while protecting your ears from impact noise.

ISO tunes technology ear defenders are battery operated and come with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that lasts up to 10 hours from a full charge.

Pros

• Entitled a fully sealed dust and water-tight unit.
• Favoured by tractor and land management influencers such as Tractor Time with Tim.
• The noise suppression feature can be turned on and off.

Cons

• Some reviewers had problems getting the earbuds to fit properly or comfortably.

They also have Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity that allows you to connect to phone calls while using that leaf blower or ride-on. 

4. Vanderfields Store Adult Noise Canceling Ear Defenders

Specifications

• Noise reduction rating (NRR): 32 decibels
• Material: plastic, foam cushions, synthetic leather
• Color: Black
• Warranty: 30-day warranty included

Description

Vandefield ear defenders are the perfect choice to wear when operating heavy machinery in your garden or doing heavy landscaping work.

They are rated for use in an environment where noise is more than 85 decibels, and they perform in very harsh environments.

You will be confident that your ears are safe with an impressive 32-decibel Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) and certifications from the American National Standards Institute and European Standards.

Pros

• Two layers of the exclusive sound-reducing foam enhance these ear defenders’ comfort and function.
• The ear defenders’ comfort can be tailored around the head’s shape with swivels and pins for numerous adjustments.
• The ear defenders fold flat for easy storage.

Cons

• A few clients contend that the product’s db reduction rating is 26 decibels, rather than what is advertised at 32 decibels. 
• Several reviewers say that these ear defenders are very snug.   

The industrial-grade foam is superbly insulating while synthetic leather on the headband and ear muffs makes the ear defenders easy to clean. 

5. ALPINE HEARING PROTECTION Muffy Earmuffs for Kids 3-16 

Specifications

• Noise reduction rating (NRR): 21 to 28 decibels
• Material: BPA free plastic, fabric, PVC, and polyurethane
• Color: Pink, yellow, gray, blue
• Weight: 6.2 ounces (175 grams)
• Dimensions: 6.69 x 3.54 x 4.33 in (17 cm x 9 cm x 11 cm)

Description

Perfect for tiny garden helpers, these CE and ANSI-certified ear defenders for kids do a great job protecting their growing hearing.

These adorable ear protectors have a ultra-soft material, are ultra-lightweight, and are silicone-free.

These award-winning children gardening ear muffs are an effective noise reduction device with a potential sound reduction of up to 26 decibels.

They are extremely flexible and easily adjustable, allowing for even the smallest heads to be accommodated safely and comfortably.

Pros

• This convenient storage bag will help keep these ear protectors preserved if they are not in use.
• The ear defenders will grow with your child and will fit up to age 16 with an adjustable headband.
• The double layer of noise reducing foam is there for extra little ear protection.

Cons

• These ear protectors are not waterproof. 

All parts are wipe-down so muddy hands don’t need to be a problem.

6. 3M Kids Hearing Protection with Adjustable Headband

Specifications

• Noise reduction rating (NRR): 23 decibels
• Material: plastic and layers of noise-dampening  foam
• Color: blue or purple
• Weight: 14.9 ounces (422 grams)
• Dimensions: 4.75 in x 4 in x 5.81 in (12 cm x 10 cm x 14.7 cm)

Description

Parents should not forget ear protection for children working in your garden while you are operating heavy machinery.

These affordable ear protection by 3M will help protect kids’ developing ears with 23 decibels of noise reduction.

These gardening ear defenders are ANSI rated and built for comfort and fit.

Pros

• Great value for money
• 3M is a trusted brand for personal protection
• Generously sized and comfortable

Cons

• Some parents are concerned that this garden ear defender does not reduce as much noise as specified.                               

The flexible reinforced and padded headphones ensure a comfortable fit for children between the age of 3 and 12. 

7. ANTENG Noise Reduction Safety Ear Muffs

Specifications

• Noise reduction rating (NRR): 28 decibels
• Material: ABS plastic and noise-dampening foam
• Color: Black and yellow
• Weight: 6 ounces (170 grams)
• Dimensions: 7.48 in x 4.53 in x 7.48 in (19 cm x 11.5 cm x 19 cm)

Description

The ANTENG safety ear muffs are a smart option for ear protection when taking on noisy work in the garden, like trimming hedges or blowing leaves.

They consist of an ABS exterior that has high-density acoustic foam inside, soft foam padding on the inner side, and an ear cushion that is lined with synthetic leather.

These ear defenders are lightweight, portable, and even foldable, while the headband is flexible, highly adjustable, and also provides significant comfort for easy transport.

Pros

• Since these earmuffs are portable and take up no room in your luggage, you can use them for traveling.
• Reviewers claim these ear defenders are comfortable whether someone is wearing glasses or goggles.

Cons

• These ear defenders are a great purchase but do not offer the greatest noise reduction in this selection. 

The ear cups also rotate through 360 degrees making it easy to achieve a comfortable fit while you are hard at work in your yard.

8. SureFire EP5 Sonic Defenders Max Full-Block Earplugs

Specifications

• Noise reduction rating (NRR): 26 decibels
• Material: Plastic, medical-grade, hypoallergenic polymer
• Color: Black
• Weight: 0.16 ounces (4.53 grams)
• Dimensions: 4.25 in x 1 in x 5 in (10.79 cm x 2.5 cm x 12.7 cm)

Description

The sonic ear defenders are made for both military and industry applications and offer complete block sound protection.

They have a hypoallergenic, adjustable, soft, triple-flanged stem that helps to seal the ear canal and block sound.

These re-useable ear defenders have an NRR of 26 decibels, which is suitable for almost all noisy gardening and landscaping work.

Don’t expect to hear anyone yelling at you because these are intended to block out all sound!

Pros

• Made in the USA
• Hypoallergenic
• A reusable alternative to earplugs with six-month product life
• Discrete and low-profile

Cons

• Because these ear defenders sit in the ear they need to be replaced every six months.

This pair of sonic defenders is reusable and comes in three sizes for maximum comfort. 

9. FRIEQ 37 dB NRR Sound Technology Safety Ear Muffs

Specifications

• Noise reduction rating (NRR): 37 decibels
• Material: Stainless steel, LRPu) foam, plastic ear cups
• Color: Green 

Description

For top-notch protection, these ear defenders have NR of 37 decibels – one of the highest levels in the industry.

The retractable stainless steel connections on the headband and fully rotatable ear cups will be able to give you the perfect fit if you’re wearing a very small or large head, these adjustable ear defenders will fit any size of head.

Although the ear defenders perform at a high level with a dense LRPu foam, the safety earmuffs are lightweight, and you will be able to tolerate wearing them for sustained periods.

Pros

• These ear defenders work well to reduce noise.
• You will feel comfortablehours upon hours as you mow or use the weedwhacker with the padded ear cups and the padded headband.

Cons

• Reviewers report that these ear defenders are extremely snug and the level of sound insulation drops if they are loosened.

When you’re done, these earmuffs are easy to fold up and store.

10. 3M TEKK Protection Basic Earmuff

Specifications

• Noise reduction rating (NRR): 20 decibels
• Material: Plastic, foam
• Color: Black 
• Weight: 9.6 ounces (272 grams)
  Dimensions: 2.8 in x 8 in x 8 in (7.1 cm x 23 cm x 23 cm)

Description

The budget-friendly earmuffs from 3M are an inexpensive option for dependable ear protection for your yard work.

These earmuffs have an NRR of 20 decibels, the lowest of the group, but will still provide a safe reduction of noises 85 decibels and above.

In spite of the low price, you will still receive some valuable features with these ear defenders, including soft foam ear cushions, fully adjustable earmuffs and generous-sized cups to ensure comfort while you wear them.

Pros

• These earmuffs are inexpensive, however they offer similar performance levels and customer satisfaction as the more expensive ear defenders.
• They can be adjusted to fit kids.
• They can be used for jobs involving loud sounds such as mowing or using a chainsaw.

Cons

• The NRR is lower than many competitor products.

Frequently asked questions for gardening ear defenders

What are the different types of ear defenders?

If you’re looking for some effective gardening ear defenders, you obviously have some choice and will wear what you find most comfortable.

The more common inside this choice would be:

• Earplugs – either individually or earplugs on a wire or band behind your head.
• Cup ear defenders
• Digital ear defenders with radio and Bluetooth use.

What else can I do to prevent being exposed to excessive noise in the yard?

Here are some quick tips for protecting your hearing when handing yard tools and machinery:

• Consider selecting electric tools as opposed to noisy gasoline models.
• Regular maintenance also helps with noise levels. Keeping the moving parts of your tools lubricated means less noise and smoother operation.
• You also may want to vary the duration of your yard work. Generally, shorter periods provide less time exposed to the noise of mowing, and letting you get into habits as you would be alternating tasks.

Rounding Up

Hearing protectors for gardening are a must for using gardening tools in a safe manner. They can be easy to forget, but your ears will appreciate the TLC!