3MPro-Comms Electronic Hearing Protector, Wireless Earmuffs With Bluetooth Technology & External Noise-Canceling Boom Microphone, Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) 26 dB, Premium Gel Cushions (90546-SIOC)

TL;DR - great at-home earmuffs for adults with auditory sensitivity. Can be worn with earplugs but not AirPods.Disclosure: I bought these for my husband who is ASD and ADHD neurodivergent with hyperacusis. In other words, he’s mildly autistic, has severe ADHD, and is sensitive to sound. Neurodivergence in general and autism in particular are still highly misunderstood, and the stigma associated with “being autistic” is painfully alive and well. My husband is open about his own reality, so I am, too, and I use the terminology he prefers (i.e., being autistic versus having autism). Others have different preferences, though, so if you know someone on the spectrum, please be respectful and follow their lead, especially with regards to disclosure and terminology.Context: Most people seldom notice everyday background noise. My husband, however, is not most people. For him, the incessant barrage of little sounds can be intensely uncomfortable, both mentally and physically, and highly distracting. I picked these up for him to wear when working from home, and they’re now one of his can’t-live-without items.Effectiveness: These do a great job at REDUCING THE INTENSITY OF SOUND, which is what they’re designed to do.To put that in other words, THESE MUFFS ARE NOT NOISE CANCELLING, NOR ARE THEY SUPPOSED TO BE.These are simple barrier ear protection. If you’re not sure what that means, cover your ears with your hands. Yep, that’s all these do - just much more effectively than your hands. True noise cancellation requires creating a sound that negates the other sounds - hence the term “cancellation.” These muffs have no electronic components at all. They don’t need Bluetooth or a charger. You just put them on your head and voila, you’re the living embodiment of the Hear No Evil monkey figurine your grandma had on her mantle, except better because you can still use your hands.So, what effects do these muffs have on sound?-Loud noises like the neighbor’s kids shrieking are muffled enough to be bearable. That alone is enough to make them worth it.-Mid-volume sounds become ambient. If I speak at a normal volume, my husband says it sounds like a TV on in another room. He can understand me if he’s paying attention, but otherwise, it’s just background noise. [Yes, I’m aware that statement opens the door for a flood of jokes - I just don’t care. It’s the easiest way to explain the effect, so I’m rolling with it.]-Low volume ambient sounds like a lawnmower or the click of our dog’s nails on the wood floor are entirely suppressed.Because these muffs provide relief from noise without completely cutting off the outside world, they’re viable for daily use. They can also accommodate earplugs for additional noise reduction, which I’ll touch on more later.Comfort: These are surprisingly comfortable! The whole set is very light despite its bulk, and the cushions are soft and pliable. They’re not hot like over-ear headphones, nor do they put uncomfortable pressure on the head. My husband can even nap in them - sleeping on his back, of course.Size: THE SIZE CANNOT BE ADJUSTED! Not surprising for the price, but still important to note. I’m honestly not certain how to measure something like this, so I’ll try to give a frame of reference:- My husband: adult male, 5’11”, 165 lbs, wears 30x32” pants, 15.5” neck in dress shirts, and size 10.5 shoe- Me: adult female, 5’5”, 125 lbs, wears size 4/6 clothes, 8.5 shoe, 5.5/6 ringI am probably the smallest someone could be and still wear these comfortably. They don’t slip or even rest on the tops of my ears, but they do feel the tiniest bit loose.My husband is clearly in the size range these were intended for because they fit him perfectly. He can still pull one side a significant distance from his head, so they would also work for someone considerably larger than him, though I don’t know the upper limit of the range.Durability: These are industrial/construction earmuffs - the type stereotypically worn by big, sweaty dudes wielding jackhammers. They feel a little flimsy because they’re so lightweight, but I think it would actually take some real effort to break them.Appearance: These are definitely focused on function over form. They’re bulky, highly noticeable, and decidedly unfashionable. Whether that’s actually a problem is up to you. For me, the high visibility is great because I can easily see when I need to get my husband’s attention before speaking.Compatibility: These cannot be worn with AirPods or other earphones with stems. It seems like they should work, but the padding presses on the stem in a way that’s super uncomfortable. That said, they probably can be worn with earphones that sit more fully with the ear because they work with Loop Switch 2 earplugs, which are structurally similar.To sum it all up, are these the absolute best, be-all, end-all, holy grail product for every autistic adult with auditory sensitivity? Probably not. Everyone’s different. They’ve been beyond helpful for my husband, though, so if you’re in a similar boat, I highly recommend giving them a try.

I've recently had the privilege of using the 3M Pro-Protect+ Gel Cushions Electronic Hearing Protector with Bluetooth Wireless, and it's been nothing short of a revelation. This isn't just a hearing protector—it's a carefully crafted piece of technology that brings together comfort, durability, and innovation in one stunning package.As someone who frequently operates loud machinery, I've found the 3M Pro-Protect+ to be an essential companion during my grass cutting sessions. The fit is superb, with the gel cushions providing a snug yet comfortable seal around my ears. It's evident that 3M has invested significantly in ergonomic design, resulting in a product that you can wear for hours without experiencing discomfort.But the comfort is just the beginning. The inclusion of Bluetooth wireless technology transforms this hearing protector into a multifunctional device. Now, I can enjoy my favorite tunes or podcasts while working, without any compromise on the protector's primary function. This seamless integration of entertainment and protection makes yard work not just bearable, but actually enjoyable.One of the standout features of the 3M Pro-Protect+ has to be its exceptional battery life. It's truly impressive, easily lasting through long work sessions without needing a recharge. This reliability gives me the peace of mind to focus on my tasks without worrying about the device's power level.Furthermore, the build quality of this hearing protector is commendable. It's clear that it's designed for rigorous outdoor use, boasting a durability that ensures it can withstand the demands of hard work in varying weather conditions.In conclusion, the 3M Pro-Protect+ Gel Cushions Electronic Hearing Protector with Bluetooth Wireless is more than a tool—it's an investment in comfort, entertainment, and longevity. Whether you're a professional landscaper or a DIY enthusiast, this device will elevate your outdoor work experience to new heights.

Read reviews on multiple ear protection products with Bluetooth. Decided on these because of the reviews and the fact these are a 3M product.Pros:-Connect quickly to Bluetooth, no lag or waiting to connect to my iPhone.-Sound is good (Don’t expect a Bose or Beats for ear protection with Bluetooth. They protect your ears well and the sound is good enough for me). I have some Skull Candy Crusher headphones that I use to watch movies. The 3Ms are no where close on sound, but I bought them to use outside when weed eating or cutting grass.-Fit great over a ball cap. They are a bit heavy, but they form to your ears well. Headgear adjusts easily.-Uses regular batteries, with no charging. These will tell you the battery level as soon as they come on. I’ve used them for about 10 hours so far and no change in battery level, still shows high.-Packaged great. Shipped super fast.Cons:-Ear-pads have almost a rubber feel to them and do make you sweat, but I do like them better than foam ones. Easy to wipe off though. I just take an old tooth brush to the outside of the cans to knock the grass off of the headphones and they are good to go.-They are bulky, but so far I don’t really notice their size.-Sound adjusts on its own sometimes for outside environment. Took some getting used to, but I know it is to protect your ears from loud noises.Had them for a couple weeks now and I’m happy so far. Just my advice. I read the reviews on the 3M headphones with Bluetooth/AM/FM and almost bought those. They have issues with the battery compartment either breaking or not staying closed, so I did not order those……These 3M headphones do not have that issue.