Ear Defenders

Shop our range of ear defenders and ear muffs, EN352 certified, SNR rated from 25dB to 36dB, and suited to construction, industrial and outdoor environments. Also, explore our Ear Protection range for full hearing safety.

Ear Defenders

Shop our range of ear defenders and ear muffs, EN352 certified, SNR rated from 25dB to 36dB, and suited to construction, industrial and outdoor environments. Also, explore our Ear Protection range for full hearing safety.

Ear Defenders & Ear Muffs for Every Noise Level

Ear defenders, also called ear muffs, protect your hearing by sealing cushioned cups over your ears to physically block noise. Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, employers must provide hearing protection where noise reaches 80 decibels, and it becomes compulsory at 85 decibels or above, as identified through a workplace noise risk assessment. Our range is EN352 certified, with SNR ratings from 25dB to 36dB, so you can match the right level of attenuation to your working environment. They're part of our wider Ear Protection range, which also covers ear plugs and hearing protection dispensers.

Popular Ear Defenders

  • Standard Ear Defender – our entry-level option, EN352-1 certified with an adjustable headband and soft foam cushions, suited to light industry noise.
  • JSP Big Blue Ear Defender – SNR 27 overhead, compatible with JSP EVO range and MK7 safety helmets, built for medium-duty industrial and outdoor use.
  • Super Ear Defender (PW41) – SNR 30, ultra-lightweight and foldable for prolonged wear in hazardous noise environments.
  • Moldex 6120 M5 Ear Defender – SNR 34, a low-profile design with ribbed air cushions for cool comfort during long shifts.
  • JSP Sonis 3 Ear Defenders – our highest attenuation option at SNR 36, built for extreme noise such as heavy engineering, aircraft and quarrying.
  • Centurion Sana Ear Defenders (S725 / S730) – EN352-3 certified for helmet mounting, compatible with the full Centurion helmet range, available in SNR 25 or SNR 30.

Ear Defenders SNR Ratings Explained

SNR (Single Number Rating) shows how many decibels a pair of ear defenders can reduce noise by. For example, an SNR of 35 brings a 100 dB noise source down to around 65 dB. For a more detailed picture, HML values break attenuation down across three frequency bands: H (High, 2000-8000Hz), M (Medium, 1000-2000Hz) and L (Low, 63-1000Hz), useful if your workplace noise is concentrated at a particular pitch, such as low-frequency machinery. Getting the SNR right matters as much as getting the fit right – too little attenuation leaves you exposed, while too much can cut you off from warning sounds and conversation unnecessarily.

What SNR Rating Do Your Ear Defenders Need?

Noise Level (dB) Recommended SNR
85-90 dBSNR 20 or less
90-95 dBSNR 20-30
95-100 dBSNR 25-35
100-105 dB and aboveSNR 30 or more

Workplace Noise Levels: How Loud Is Too Loud?

Risk Level Approx dB Example Noise Source
Safe60-80 dBNormal conversation, car driving, busy traffic
Risky90-100 dBDrilling concrete, sandblasting, band saws, grinding and cutting wheels, concrete pouring
Harmful110-130 dBNail guns, chainsaws, riveting hammers

EN352-1 VS EN352-3 Ear Defenders: Which One To Choose?

EN352-1 covers standard, standalone ear defenders that come with their own headband and can be worn on their own. EN352-3 covers ear defenders designed to attach directly to a safety helmet rather than being worn independently. If you need a combined hard hat and ear defender solution, our Hard Hat Ear Defenders range is built specifically for that. For more on choosing between ear defenders and ear plugs, read our Ear Defenders vs Ear Plugs guide. Hearing protection is just one part of a complete safety kit – browse our full PPE range for head, eye, hand and foot protection too.

Ear Defenders Fit & Care Guide

  • Make sure the cups form a tight seal over both ears with no gaps
  • Keep glasses, hats, hair and jewellery clear of the cushion seal
  • Clean cushions regularly and check for cracking or hardening
  • Avoid overstretching the headband, as this reduces clamping force and protection

Ear Defenders FAQs

What are ear defenders and how do they work?

Ear defenders are earmuffs with two cushioned cups that seal over your ears, held by a headband. They physically block noise rather than filtering it electronically.

Do ear defenders block out all noise?

No, ear defenders reduce noise rather than eliminate it. Their SNR rating shows how many decibels they cut, bringing loud noise down to a safer, more comfortable level.

What's the difference between ear defenders and noise-cancelling headphones?

Ear defenders use passive, physical sound blocking with no electronics involved, while noise-cancelling headphones use active technology to counter sound waves. Our ear defenders are all passive PPE.

What SNR rating do I need for my noise level?

As a guide, SNR 20 or less suits 85-90 dB, SNR 20-30 suits 90-95 dB, SNR 25-35 suits 95-100 dB, and SNR 30 or more suits 100-105 dB and above.

What's the difference between EN352-1 and EN352-3 ear defenders?

EN352-1 covers standard standalone ear defenders worn with their own headband. EN352-3 covers ear defenders designed to attach directly to a safety helmet, so check compatibility before buying.

Can ear defenders be worn with a hard hat?

Some of our ear defenders are helmet-compatible, including the Centurion Sana range and JSP Big Blue. For a combined solution, see our Hard Hat Ear Defenders range instead.

How often should ear defenders be replaced?

Replace ear defenders when the foam cushions harden, tear or lose their seal, as this reduces attenuation. Check headband tension and cushion condition regularly to keep protection at its best.

!