Leaf blowers are fantastic tools for everyone who needs to move the leaves off their lawns and into specific piles. However, you need to be careful when using one because it can damage your hearing.
Your leaf blower could reach 95 to 115 decibels. If this is the case, you need a hearing protection device; otherwise, you will damage your ears.
This list will break down the seven best ear protection for leaf blowers that are available for you to purchase right now!
Leaf Blower Ear Protection ListChoosing an ear protection leaf blower can prove to be a tough process as there are a number of factors to consider, such as noise reduction ratings, size, and comfort. Some of the best hearing protection for leaf blowers are: |
Let’s look at these in further detail:
The Best Hearing Protection for Leaf Blowers Reviews
1. Husqvarna 531300089 Professional Headband Hearing Protectors
Key Features:
- Padded headband
- Flexible band adjusts
- Clamshell ear cups
- 25dB noise reduction
Husqvarna is known for the chainsaws that it has made over the years. With the knowledge of noisy equipment, there is no wonder why it has come out with its own set of hearing protection that can help everyone while they are completing their tasks.
It boasts that this pair is excellent for noise protection because it fits comfortably. Many other companies have made products that are not flexible, so they end up breaking relatively quickly. However, these are different.
Since they are flexible, you can quickly wear them for any occasion. You will barely notice them on your head as you work.
The Husqvarna hearing protection headband is a lightweight and affordable ear defender tailored for leaf blower operation.
While the noise reduction isn’t as robust as premium brands, the cool, breathable fit makes them a great option for active lawn work.
2. ProCase Noise Reduction Ear Muffs 2 Pack
Key Features:
- NRR 28dB noise reduction
- Padded headband and earcups
- Rotating ear cups
- Foldable design
These ProCase ear muffs come in a pack of two, so it’s an excellent option for those who need an extra set. The headband is made of soft padding, so it reduces the amount of pressure on top of your head while you’re wearing it.
Also, there is a lot of space within the ear cups, allowing your ears to breathe. The noise reduction rating is 28dB. Additionally, the ear cups are rotatable so that they can fit on most ears.
These noise-canceling ear muffs are also able to fit in a handy case. It is suitable for hunting, shooting, sporting events, woodworking, and using your leaf blower.
The ProCase ear muffs are an affordable and effective hearing protection solution tailored for noisy tasks like operating leaf blowers.
Their high NRR rating and comfortable fit make them suitable for extended wear.
3. 3M PELTOR Optime 98 Earmuffs H9A Over-the-Head
Key Features:
- NRR of 25 decibels
- Comfortable, padded ear cups
- Adjustable headband
- Lightweight and portable design
- Affordable price point
If you want the classic yellow ear muffs, you see people wearing, then the PELTOR is right for you. It is recommended to use this hearing protection if you are exposed to 98dB. Additionally, the NRR is 25 dB.
This pair is a classic that everyone sees, so you know that many people use and trust it. They are known to be very durable, so if you want a pair of good-quality earmuffs, then this is the way to go.
Moreover, to help with noise-canceling, purchase a pair of foam earplugs because they are a great way to protect your ear canal from damage. That way, you will not allow leaf blowers to damage your ears.
4. ProCase Noise Reduction Safety Ear Muffs
Key Features:
- NRR of 32dB
- Comfortable, padded ear cups
- Adjustable headband
- Lightweight and portable design
- Affordable price point
These ear muffs from ProCase have a better noise reduction rating than the previously mentioned ear muffs. It has an NRR of 32dB, which means it has a better chance of reducing noise. Again, these ear cups are also made to fit nearly every ear size.
Additionally, these ear muffs are compact and easily stored in many different bags. Made with a solid shell and added noise-dampening foam, your ears are going to be protected from all loud noises.
Moreover, this has a 4.4 out of 5-star rating, but it is also at an affordable price. Overall, this is an excellent set of earmuffs if you need a pair for a reasonable price.
Sure, here is a comprehensive review of the ProCase Noise Reduction Safety Ear Muffs:
5. Sordin Supreme PRO X – Hearing Protection Safety Ear Muffs with Gel Seals
Key Features:
- Built-in microphones amplify low-level noises
- Noise-dampening earcups cut loud leaf blower noise
- Waterproof external microphones
- Textile headband
- Meets ANSI and EN safety standards
This is the most expensive product on this list, but it is well worth it. Made with military-grade hearing protectors, these earmuffs by Sordin will protect you and your ears.
There are four levels of sound amplification, which allow the earmuffs to cancel out noise pollution while amplifying the quieter sounds.
Additionally, each microphone has been waterproofed, so your earmuffs are perfect for the outdoors while lawn mowing or using leaf blowers.
Moreover, the headband is adjustable, so you can adjust these ear muffs to sit comfortably on your head. Also, there is space underneath for you to wear earplugs if you desire. Earplugs are a great way to add extra protection to your hearing.
The Sordin Supreme Pro-X delivers premium hearing protection and enhanced sound awareness critical for the best hearing protection for leaf blowers.
6. ClearArmor 141001 Safety Ear Muffs Folding-Padded Head Band Ear Cups
Key Features:
- SonicSeal system
- Padded headband adjustable
- Tilting ear cups
- Certified per ANSI S3.19/CE 352-1
The ClearArmor ear muffs are ones to think about when you’re in the market for some good hearing protection. ClearArmor knows that prolonged sound exposure can ruin your hearing, so the company made these ear muffs to combat that.
There are three layers of noise-dampening foam that all work together to absorb the different sounds trying to penetrate your ear canal. Additionally, the shell of the cup itself is made to help bounce waves off, so the padding is not being used constantly.
Moreover, this particular pair is ANSI-certified and tested by a separate company.
The ClearArmor safety ear muffs are an industrial-grade hearing protector equipped to guard your ears against loud machines like leaf blowers.
7. ProCase Ear Muffs for Noise Reduction
Key Features:
- A padded headband
- Rotating ear cups
- Compact folding design
- Meets ANSI S3.19 standards
With a 4.5 out of 5-star rating, this pair from ProCase is very popular and well-liked. Just like the previously mentioned ProCase, this one also comes with a padded headband that reduces the pressure on your head while you are wearing it.
This is great for hearing protection because it has effective noise suppression. With multiple layers of noise-cancellation material, this pair of ear muffs is perfect for work with a leaf blower.
Also, it is made with imitation leather, so it is perfect for those who like to protect the environment but still have comfortable material around their ears.
The ProCase ear muffs are a budget-friendly solution to guard your hearing from leaf blower noise. Their robust noise reduction makes them suitable for repeated yard work.
Why Should You Wear Ear Protection for Leaf Blowers?
Many people know that loud noises are terrible for your ears, and being exposed to these sounds for long periods can result in permanent hearing damage.
You know your ears are in trouble when you have that ringing sound in your ears after hearing a loud noise. That is called instantaneous hearing damage. Even though this can go away by itself, it can also cause long-lasting damage.
Lawn mowing and power tools, like leaf blowers, make a lot of sounds. Some of them produce the loudest noise in your house, so wearing the appropriate ear protection is essential.
Also, the best part is that no batteries are involved, so you do not need to worry about battery life. It makes for a nice change when you need to quickly grab your ear muffs for your lawn-mowing task. Moreover, the ear muffs on this list help improve the quieter sound quality by reducing the louder noises.
However, do not get these ear muffs confused with echo cancellation technology used in other headphones.
If you desire headphones with echo cancellation technology, you are looking for a completely different type of device. Additionally, no ear muffs on this list have Bluetooth or are wired.
One of the best things about having wireless ear muffs is that you do not feel like you are being held by something. You can move freely as you continue your work and do not need to worry about a wire getting caught on anything.
Why Is Hearing Protection Important?
You should wear ear protection to protect your hearing. However, many people want more information on how hearing damage happens.
Another word for sound is wave, and its height depends on the loudness of the sound. These vibrations go through the air and make their way into your ear canal. This wave impacts your eardrum.
Remember, your eardrum is like a drum; when a wave of sound hits it and is too loud, it can break your eardrum completely. This is why wearing hearing protection is crucial because it can help prevent your eardrum from breaking.
Noise Reduction Rating
All North American products are rated with the noise reduction rating (NRR). This single number tells the user the quality of the hearing protection device.
This number is the number of decibels (dB) that the original sound is reduced by. You take this number, subtract seven, and then divide it by two. The number that appears is how much the sound is reduced.
Conclusion: Best Ear Protection for Leaf Blower
Once you have picked out the perfect ear muffs for yourself, it’s time to prepare for those noisy chores you must complete.
By reducing the noise levels around you, watch as completing your task becomes smoother and less time-consuming. Also, your ears will thank you for the protection.
Make sure to think about how many decibels your ear muffs need to cancel out for your ears to be safe from the leaf blower.
Use the steps at the end of this post to determine which is the best hearing protection for leaf blowers for you and your noise-canceling needs.
Afterward, enjoy your new ear muffs because your ears will be glad you are using them.
Here is an FAQ section on leaf blower noise and hearing protection:
FAQ
Should I wear ear protection when using leaf blower?
Yes, you should always wear ear protection when operating a leaf blower. Gas-powered leaf blowers typically produce noise levels between 90-115dB, which can cause permanent hearing damage with prolonged exposure.
Even electric leaf blowers generate 80-90dB of noise. To prevent noise-induced hearing loss over time, the CDC recommends wearing earplugs or earmuffs rated for at least 20dB of noise reduction.
Is 25 db noise cancellation good?
25dB of noise reduction is considered decent but minimal hearing protection. For comparison, normal conversation is about 60dB, while gas leaf blowers generate over 100dB of noise.
Earplugs or earmuffs that provide 25dB attenuation will help but may not be enough for extended use of loud equipment. Choose hearing protectors rated for 30dB or higher noise reduction for optimal protection.
What is the noise reduction rating for a leaf blower?
Most gas-powered leaf blowers have noise levels between 95dB and 115dB, while electric blowers generate 80-90dB of noise.
To bring those decibel levels down to a safe range below 70dB, you need hearing protection with a noise reduction rating (NRR) of at least 20-30 dB.
What is the most effective hearing protection?
The most protective hearing accessories are earmuffs and earplugs designed to block out extreme noise while maintaining sound quality. Look for safety earmuffs with high Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR) of 30dB or more to dampen leaf blower noise effectively.