3M™ PELTOR™ WS ALERT XP+ Bluetooth FM Radio Headband Headset
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Active Ear Defenders Buying Guide
In order to choose the correct active ear defenders, you must consider the working environment, the type of active hearing protection, the relevant certifications, and the features which you require for your workplace/leisure requirements.
What are Active Ear Defenders?
Active Ear Defenders are audio devices worn in the workplace that use built-in microphones and sound processing to reduce harmful noise while allowing safe sounds to pass through.
These defenders are ideal in environments where you still need to hear speech, alarms, or machinery warnings clearly. Microphones on the outside of the ear cups detect sound and instantly process it, lowering loud noise while letting important sounds come through.
Types of Active Hearing Protection
There are 2 types of active hearing protection:
Level Dependent:
- Allows safe sounds (e.g. speech, alarms), suppresses only harmful peaks.
- Ideal for environments where awareness is key.
Full Suppression:
- Filters all sound equally to reduce distractions and fatigue.
- Best for long exposure to steady, high-level noise.
Key Features to Look for:
Ensures voices and environmental sounds (like alarms or machine noise) are picked up and reproduced clearly — crucial for situational awareness and communication.
Longer battery life means fewer interruptions. Choose between replaceable batteries for convenience or rechargeable models for long-term savings and eco-friendlines
Allows you to stay connected to team comms, mobile devices, or control rooms — without removing your ear protection.
Lets you fine-tune how much ambient sound you want to hear, balancing protection with awareness depending on the task or environment.
Designed to fit with safety helmets, visors, or communication systems so you don’t have to sacrifice hearing protection for other essential PPE.
An IP rating confirms the product can withstand exposure to dust, dirt, and moisture — ideal for outdoor, industrial, or all-weather environments.
Safety Certifications to look for:
EN 352-1-Basic Ear Defender Standard
This is the core standard for earmuffs (passive or electronic), ensuring the product provides effective noise reduction (attenuation), proper fit, and durability.
EN 352-4-Level-Dependant Ear Defenders
This standard applies specifically to electronic ear defenders that allow ambient sound (like voices or alarms) to pass through safely while still blocking hazardous noise.
EN 352-6-Communication Ear Defenders
This applies to ear defenders that include built-in communication systems, like two-way radios, Bluetooth, or audio inputs.
Best Use Cases in Different Environments
| User Type | Recommended Type | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fire & Rescue | Level-dependent, radio-enabled | Stay alert + communicate on the move |
| Airport Ground Crew | Full suppression, helmet-compatible | Protect from sustained jet noise |
| Armed Forces / Shooting | Tactical level-dependent | Allow commands, block gunshots |
| Manufacturing Supervisors | Bluetooth-enabled, low-profile | Talk + listen while working |
| Utility Engineers | Helmet-mounted, IP-rated | For outdoor and weather-resistant work |
Active Ear Defenders FAQs
Most models last 8 to 40 hours, depending on usage, battery type, and features like Bluetooth or ambient sound mode.
Only ATEX-certified models are safe for explosive environments. Always check for the ATEX mark and zone compatibility before use.
Yes — many electronic defenders come in helmet-mounted versions or are designed to fit under visors and other PPE. Check product compatibility.
Yes. Level-dependent (active) defenders respond quickly to impulse noise, suppressing harmful peaks while still allowing ambient sound.
SNR (Single Number Rating) is the European noise reduction rating, used in the UK.
NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) is the US equivalent.
SNR tends to give slightly higher values, but both measure how much noise the protection reduces