10 Best Hearing Protection For Lawn Mowing [2023 Reviews]

We all love our yards, and we want to give them the best treatment, amongst which lawn mowing is the most popular. However, mowing your lawn consistently without ear protection can lead to hearing problems. The only way to protect yourself is to get the best hearing protection for lawn mowing to avoid hearing loss.

Finding the perfect fit for your yard work requires a bit of research, which is what we have done for you. This article contains detailed information on things you need to know about hearing protection, along with a list of our 10 favorite ear muffs for lawn mowing.

For those who wants to skip straight to the final verdict, here are our top picks.

Why Use Them For Lawn Mowing?

Just as most lawn owners, you are dedicated to keeping yards neat, and you probably use lawn mowers for that purpose. Lawnmowers are essential and easy to use, but they also produce a lot of noise that can cause hearing loss.

You may think your electric lawn mower protects you from needing to protect your ears. However, the noise these lawnmowers make is only a little bit lower than gas-powered lawn mowers. This means you need hearing protection from both types, although the gas-powered type requires a higher degree of noise protection.

It is recommended that you use hearing protection when you are in proximity to noise above 85 dB. Lawnmowers produce 75 to 95 dB of noise, which is higher than the sound of traffic. You should not subject yourself to more than 8 hours of this noise, even with hearing protection.

Comparison Table

We have designed a comparison table below for your easy reference.

However, it is important to note that the positions are in no particular order of importance. Some models may be preferred by others, therefore, please do read in details, which one may suit you the best. 

Top 10 Hearing Protections Reviews

1. 3M PELTOR X5A Over-the-Head Ear Muffs (Editor's Choice)

The X-series from 3M is the latest in innovative ear muffs, with their superior noise-blocking power and durable design. The X5A has a high NRR (noise reduction ratio) of 31 dB, which is quite high for earmuffs for lawn mowing. It has a range of advanced tools that keep sound out throughout use.

The headband is electrically insulated with a wire running through it, which is called a dielectric. The wires are covered in a non-conductive material to prevent electrical dangers. You can replace the ear cushions and foam liners for easy cleaning.

These earmuffs can be worn for at least 8 hours without heat buildup and pressure on your head. Although this product is ideal for industrial use, you can use it for large-scale yard work.

2. Husqvarna 531300089 Professional Headband Hearing Protectors

Husqvarna earmuffs come with a universal size that fits everyone. These earmuffs are amongst the best for lawn mowing with their high NRR of 25 dB. You can wear these earmuffs for hours without feeling it because of the extremely lightweight. 

These earmuffs are flexible and comfortable to wear, and they have soft padding on the ear cushions. The pressure adjustment on the headband allows you to adjust the tightness of the band across your head. It is supposed to be used without hard hats, but it is well-equipped to protect your ears from the loudness of your lawnmower.

3. ClearArmor 141001

ClearArmor has an innovative SonicSeal technology that keeps loud noises out when you’re working. This technology consists of a SolidBlocker shell, a ¼ inch thick shell that reflects sound off the earmuff cups, which is solidly joined to a sound-ring that prevents sound leakage. There are also three (3) layers of foam that absorb any stray noises that may get past the SonicSeal technology.

The design of the earmuffs is geared towards comfort and safety, with a padded headband and padded ear cups that are soft to touch. You can adjust the height of the headband to your size, and the ear cushions can be swiveled to get the fit. This set of earmuffs are solidly built and can withstand abuse without falling apart.

4. Howard Leight by Honeywell Earmuff (R-01526) 

These earmuffs from Howard Leight are perfect for home use because it doesn’t block out normal sounds. The airflow control technology in these earmuffs allows noises lower than 82 dB, such as conversation sounds, to filter through the earmuffs.

You can use these earmuffs in the shooting range and industrial environments, even with the slim ear cushions. They also fold into a more compact shape for easy storage.

One significant advantage that these earmuffs have is their headphone feature, which lets you listen to music while working. Also, you don't have to worry about changing batteries often because of its low power consumption.

5. Pro For Sho 34dB Safety Ear Protection 

These earmuffs give you high noise-canceling performance with a safe and comfortable user experience. They come in a compact design. They are durable and reliable and can be used to block the loudest noises.

Unlike many other earmuffs that provide only one size, you can get different colors and sizes, from children to adults. With the high NRR of 34 dB, you can be sure that even the slightest sounds will not filter through. 

The design of the padded headband ensures that you don’t get headaches, and the slim ear cups are soft to the touch. You can also fold them after use for ease of storage.

6. Mpow 035  

With an NRR of 28 dB and NRR Sound technology, you can be sure that you’re getting the best noise reducing quality with this Mpow 035.

If you’re looking for earmuffs to use on the shooting range, and with power tools, then this is the perfect choice for you. These Mpow earmuffs have negligible weight, so you don't feel heavy after wearing it for hours. It is quite compact and portable. You can also adjust the earmuff cups to fit your head shape.

7. Decibel Defense Professional

Decibel Defense earmuffs have one of the highest NRR you can find in the market. The sound blocking is effective for all levels of noise from shooting, and heavy-duty machinery sounds to lawnmowers. They are also tested and trusted with certification from trusted sites.

These earmuffs are made with a tough, lightweight, and durable plastic material that can withstand a lot of abuse. The design gives users a comfortable and soft touch so that you can wear them for hours without injury. They are suitable for all ages, and they allow you to wear glasses. You can also adjust the headband to accommodate different head sizes.

8. 3M WorkTunes Connect Hearing Protector 90541-80025T 

These earmuffs are advanced and innovative without sacrificing any functionality. The redesigned headbands and cups are more comfortable, and the battery cover is hidden away from view.

The Voice Assist technology makes control easier, and it also offers three levels of bass boost for your music. You can scan through radio stations while on the go, and the improved grip on the ear cups makes it easier to use the controls.

You are not limited to radio with these earmuffs, because there is a 3.5 mm headphone jack that allows you to pick your favorite songs.

9. Tacklife Noise Reduction Safety Muffs 

These noise-canceling earmuffs are close to the top of our list, because of its unique design and features. The headband is adjustable, which opens it up to children above the age of 10.

This product is portable and lightweight, with comfortable earmuff cups and a padded headband. You can fold it into a more compact size for more accessible storage. The noise-blocking performance is effective for heavy-duty machinery and shooting ranges.

You can customize this product to your size and preference with the adjustable headband and rotatable ear cups. The pressure that gives you a snug fit is low enough that it doesn’t cause you discomfort.

10. 3M WorkTunes Connect + AM/FM Hearing Protector with Bluetooth Technology 

The NRR of these earmuffs are suitable for lawnmowers and also for other noisy gardening tools. This feature keeps all the hazardous noise away, only letting in ambient sounds. Their design makes them comfortable enough to be used for long periods without discomfort.

With the AM/FM digital radio option and Bluetooth technology, you get premium sound streaming. There are simple controls for controlling volume and song selection, and audio assist feature. There is also an inbuilt microphone for making calls while on the go.

This pair of earmuffs are designed for excellent comfort with the headband and padded cups able to be adjusted. Due to the Bluetooth technology, you don't need to tether your phone to the headset with a cord.

The Importance Of Knowing About Noise Levels

How to Pick the Right Hearing Protectors?

Hearing protectors are an absolute necessity to use when mowing your lawn. They are especially useful if you use your lawnmower frequently. This prolonged exposure can damage your hearing over time, so an excellent noise reduction hearing protection is required.

Getting the best pair of hearing protection is a straightforward process if you know what you’re doing. There are simple factors that you should take into consideration before you commit to one product. Apart from the prevention of hearing loss, noise reduction hearing protectors make your yard work faster and more convenient.

Types of Hearing Protection

Earplugs

Earplugs are small round-shaped rubber plugs made from foam and silicone that block noise, wind, dirt, and moisture. They are cheaper than earmuffs because of their small size and material, and they don’t interfere with your glasses, hair, or headwear. 

One of the disadvantages of earplugs is that they are easy to lose, and they often don’t fit your ears when they aren’t custom-made. They also tend to wear out pretty quickly, which can reduce their effectiveness.

Earmuffs

Earmuffs have cushioned cups that are placed firmly over the ears, and headbands that keep them on your head. They can also work as headphones that allow you to listen to music while blocking out noise. They generally cost more than earplugs, and some of them act as thermal caps for your ears.

Factors To Consider When Choosing Hearing Protection

1. Noise Reduction Rating

As we’ve mentioned before, push lawn sweepers tend to be smaller than tow-behind lawn sweepers. This means that if you have a large yard and you still go for a push lawn sweeper, you will have to put in a lot more effort and time into clearing your lawn than you would have done with a tow-behind lawn sweeper.

Even after you’ve decided to get a tow-behind lawn sweeper, you have to choose among different sizes. They come in any size from 40 to 50 inches. The bigger your lawn, the bigger your lawn sweeper should be.

2. Convenience

When buying a product, your comfort and convenience should always be at the front of your mind. Earmuffs usually come in a one-size-fits-all package, so you need to find one that is adjustable. Also, the cups over your ears should be soft enough and also not too tight.

3. Durability

Depending on how often you mow your lawn, you should look at the quality and durability of these muffs. If you’re a frequent user, then you should go for earmuffs with higher quality and a longer lifespan. You can get away with a less superior one if you only use it once in a while.

4. Price

Price is always an essential part of shopping for a product. Higher rates don't always mean better quality. However, you shouldn’t be afraid to spend when you locate the right hearing protection for your activities. Some of the products have lower prices but deliver good enough performance.

5. Surrounding Noise Level

You should always consider the noise around you before you buy an ear protector. For example, if you work with other people using the same loud equipment, you will need earmuffs with much higher NRR than if you mow your lawn alone. It is also better to use earmuffs for noisier environments.

Final Verdict