If you work in a noisy construction site workshop or enjoy hunting, you will need hearing protection to prevent hearing loss.
Loud sounds, such as the sound produced when a gun is fired or a power tool roars to life, can cause significant long-term damage to the ears.
Hearing loss occurs gradually with increased exposure to excessive noise, and there isn’t much you can do about it once you lose your hearing.
If you don’t want to wear hearing aids, it is imperative that you protect your ears from loud noises.
This article discusses the types of best behind the neck ear protection options you have and provides you with seven top choices so you don’t have to spend hours scouring the internet.
Behind The Neck Ear Muffs List |
Best Behind The Head Ear Protection Reviews
With so many options on the market, you may wonder what the best behind-the-neck noise-reduction devices are.
We have considered the noise reduction rating (NRR), which refers to how effective a hearing protection device is, as well as comfort, safety, and affordability, to bring you seven great choices to reduce noise-induced hearing loss.
1. 3M – H7B Peltor Optime 101 Behind-the-Head Noise Protection
Key Features:
- 26dB NRR
- Dual-cup design
- Padded headband
- Low-profile
- Liquid/foam-filled cushions
The first of our list of hearing protection for everyday use, the H7B Peltor Optime 101 may be just what you need.
It is available in three different configurations, namely, behind the head, over the head, and as a helmet attachment.
These are great for noisy environments, like office environments. However, they are heavier than many competitors, which may make them unsuitable for extended use.
With its impressive noise reduction rating of 26dB, the 3M Peltor Optime 101 provides excellent hearing protection in high noise environments up to 101 dB.
Its behind-the-head design offers all-day comfort while integrating seamlessly with other safety gear.
With its high-performance noise blocking, versatile fit, and durable, comfortable design, the 3M Peltor is the best behind the neck hearing protector for industrial workers and professionals.
2. 3M Peltor Optime 95 Behind-the-Head Earmuff
Key Features:
- 21dB NRR
- Low-profile cups
- Durable and adjustable
- Cups tilt and pivot
- Meets CSA Class B standards
Another entry from 3M is the Optime 95 ear muffs. This product has a low-profile design, with liquid and foam-filled ear cups for excellent background noise reduction.
It also has a precision thumbwheel that makes adjustments easy. It also includes a low-profile neckband.
The 3M Peltor Optime 95 behind-the-head earmuff provides reliable hearing protection in noise levels up to 95 dBA. Its low-profile, lightweight design offers comfort for long wear while integrating with other safety gear.
With its comfortable low-profile design, steel durability, and effective noise reduction, the 3M Peltor Optime 95 is a top rated behind the neck hearing protector option. It delivers reliable, affordable protection that integrates with PPE.
However, some customers did complain that the product wasn’t as comfortable as regular ear muffs. Apart from this, regardless, these products received great customer reviews.
3. Caldwell E-MAX Low-profile Electronic Hearing Protection
Key Features:
- Dual microphones
- Amplifies soft sounds
- Volume control dial
- Lightweight design
- Foldable arms
These ear muffs provide hearing protection that can protect your ears against damage from surrounding noise. It is battery-powered, meaning you do not need to carry a charging case around.
It also has a compact design to fit easily into your backpack. The ear cups are padded for extra comfort and noise isolation.
It is also available in various colors and has dual microphones for each ear that offer directional clarity and amplification.
The Caldwell E-MAX behind the head ear protection for shooting earmuffs provides top-notch hearing protection and enhanced sound for shooters.
With a noise reduction rating of 21-25dB, it effectively blocks dangerous noises while amplifying ambient sounds.
With its comfortable fit, integrated amplification, and strong noise reduction rating, the Caldwell E-MAX is the best neckband ear protection for shooters and hunters.
4. Sordin Supreme Pro X Neckband Safety Ear Muffs
Key Features:
- 25dB
- 4 levels of sound amplification
- Dual external microphones for 3D audio
- Waterproof microphone design
- Adjustable neckband
Those who need hearing protection for workshops and construction sites may appreciate the design of the Sordin Supreme Pro X.
These ear muffs not only protect hearing but also have integrated speakers that amplify low sound while blocking loud sound from getting into the ear.
Another great benefit is that each ear muff is waterproof, so your device is still protected from a water-related accident.
The earphones also produce three-dimensional sound for a superior listening experience and have an impressive five-year warranty.
The Sordin Supreme PRO X neckband provides top-notch behind the head electronic hearing protection and enhanced sound amplification for indoor and outdoor use.
With best-in-class noise blocking, crystal-clear situational audio, rugged construction, and versatile fit, the Sordin Supreme PRO X is the prime choice for the best behind the neck hearing protection.
It is especially ideal for hunters, law enforcement, and other professionals operating in noisy environments.
5. 3M Peltor Optime 105 is a heavy-duty behind-the-neck earmuff
Key Features:
- Twin-cup neckband
- 28dB
- Foam-filled cushions
- Stainless steel construction resists
- It can be worn with a variety of hard hat styles
The 3M Peltor Optime 105 is a heavy-duty behind-the-neck earmuff designed to provide maximum noise reduction and all-day wearing comfort.
Its twin-cup neckband design and padded cushions aim to deliver high attenuation and a secure fit. In this review, we’ll closely examine the key features, benefits, and overall performance.
With its top-tier noise reduction and all-day comfort, the 3M Peltor Optime 105 is an excellent choice in heavy-duty behind-the-neck protection.
Though it lacks some amenities of electronic models, the core passive performance is outstanding. Highly recommended for extremely noisy industrial surroundings.
6. Sordin Supreme Pro-X Active Ear Defenders – Neckband & Gel Kits
Key Features:
- 25dB
- 4 levels of sound amplification
- Dual external microphones
- Waterproof microphone
- Foam ear seals
- Adjustable neckband
If you are looking for military-grade hearing protection, then these may just be the ones for you. Thanks to improved sound amplification features, they filter out harmful sounds, ensuring that you hear exactly what you need to without damaging your ears.
They also have a cool military design, making them ideal for hunting activities. However, with a high price tag, they may not be the ideal option for everyone.
The Sordin Supreme Pro-X is an innovative behind the neck electronic hearing protection earmuff designed to provide active noise reduction along with situational awareness.
With its microphone-enabled amplification and durable construction, this Swedish-made hearing protector aims to set the standard for hunting, shooting, and rugged industrial applications.
The Sordin Supreme PRO X is the prime choice for behind the neck hearing protection. It is especially ideal for hunters, law enforcement, and other professionals operating in noisy environments.
How Is Loud Too Loud?
At this point, you may be wondering what qualifies as loud noises and warrants using a hearing protection device. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health defines acceptable noise exposure as follows:
- 82 decibels for 16 hours
- 85 decibels for 8 hours
- 88 decibels for 4 hours
- 91 decibels for 2 hours
- 94 decibels for 1 hour
- 97 decibels for 30 minutes
- 100 decibels for 15 minutes
- 103 decibels for 7.5 minutes
- 106 decibels for under 4 minutes
- 109 decibels for under 2 minutes
- 112 decibels for 1 minute
- 115 decibels for 30 seconds
A .22 caliber rifle produces 140 decibels, which can easily cause damage to your ears. Miter saws, for example, are power tools that produce 90 decibels of sound.
So, if you are working at a construction site or workshop where these devices are used throughout the day, you are putting yourself at serious risk of ear damage.
Types of Behind the neck Hearing Protection
You have three different types of ear protection options, namely ear plugs, earbuds, and ear muffs.
Ear Plugs
An ear plug is a tiny device inserted into the ear canal. They seal off the ear completely, protecting it from loud noises, water damage, foreign particles, dirt, and wind damage.
Ear Plugs are commonly used to prevent future hearing loss, limiting the amount of ambient noise that reaches the inner ear.
A tiny string is normally attached to each plug to keep them from getting lost should they slip out. This string goes behind the neck.
Typically, these ear plugs comprise a soft foam that is squeezed between the fingers and inserted into the ear canal. They then swell to take the shape of the canal, sealing it off and preventing sound waves from entering.
If communicating with peers is essential, you can opt for electronic earplugs. These electronic hearing protection devices work to prevent hearing damage caused by loud noises, but they also “listen” to the sounds around you, allowing sounds that fall within a safe decibel range to pass through. This is thanks to a sound-activated compression circuit found within these devices.
Ear Buds
If you are the kind of person who feels uncomfortable with wearing ear protection in the ear, ear buds may be a great alternative. These hearing protection products are meant to cover the ear canal externally rather than internally.
The headband, which can also be worn around the neck, offers just enough pressure to keep the earbuds in position over the ears, reducing loud noise exposure and eliminating the need to insert a plug deep into the ear.
They are usually spherical or cone-shaped and seal the ear’s entrance well. These devices can be reused multiple times, unlike disposable foam earplugs.
Ear Muffs
Ear muffs are similar to headphones in appearance. They have a metal or thermoplastic headband that slips over the head or behind the neck.
These products also have two cup-shaped components with cushions that cover the outer ears, preventing sound waves from getting in.
One significant benefit to using this device is that it can be reused endlessly unless the padding rips or weakens, making it a more cost-effective option long-term. We recommend pairing ear plugs with ear muffs for the best hearing protection.
What About Bluetooth Hearing Protection?
If listening to music is important to you, you can opt for Bluetooth behind the neck hearing protection. These electronic ear muffs keep harmful noise out while flooding your ears with music that you enjoy.
Some of the best Bluetooth hearing protection has excellent sound quality, battery life, and noise reduction rating, so be sure to take these factors into consideration when choosing reliable hearing protection.
Final Thoughts: Best Behind The Neck Ear Muffs
Hearing protection is not an optional extra but a necessity when working or enjoying recreational activities in environments where there is lots of loud noise.
While there are several types of behind the ear protection, we recommend electronic ear protection because it filters out harmful noise while still allowing you to identify potential risks and communicate with friends, family, and co-workers.
You can choose Bluetooth hearing protection if you wish to block out harmful sounds and enjoy listening to music. We hope that this article motivates you to take your hearing health seriously by investing in good ear protection!
FAQ
How do behind the neck ear muffs work?
Behind the neck ear muffs feature a band that goes around the back of your head rather than over the top. This design helps secure the muffs in place more firmly while putting less pressure on the top of your head.
What are neckband ear defenders?
Neckband ear defenders are a type of hearing protection comprised of a firm yet flexible neckband worn around the neck, with padded earpiece pods on each end that fit over the ears.
The neckband’s grip helps keep the ear defenders in the proper wearing position, with soft cushioning blocking noise.