Top Picks
Advance Procom Bluetooth Helmet Mounted Ear Defenders
$402.00
Dynamic Bluetooth Ear Defenders
$103.00
EXC Helmet Mounted Ear Defenders 30 SNR
$31.00
DYNAMIC GPA Face & Hearing Protection
$48.00
Peltor 32SNR Ear Defenders & Protos Bracket Bundle
$94.00
Integral Helmet Bluetooth Communication System
$552.00
Buyer's Guide
Hearing Protection Buyer's Guide
A wood chipper is louder and more sustained than a handheld chainsaw, so the right attenuation level depends on the noise source, not just personal preference. This guide covers matching SNR to the job, helmet-mounted vs headband defenders, and Bluetooth features worth the extra cost.
Matching Attenuation (SNR) to the Noise Source
A wood chipper runs louder and more sustained than a handheld chainsaw, so the SNR (Single Number Rating) that's comfortable and adequate for one can fall short for the other. Higher SNR (32-36) suits chipper and prolonged high-noise work, while a lower rating (24-27) can be enough for lighter chainsaw use — over-protecting isn't free either, since it isolates you from useful sounds like a colleague shouting a warning.
Helmet-Mounted vs Headband Defenders
Helmet-mounted ear defenders (Sordin XLS, EXC, Peltor X4/X5) attach directly to a helmet's mounting points, need to sit securely without unbalancing the helmet on a long climb. Standalone headband defenders work without a helmet at all, useful for ground-based tasks or as a lighter alternative when full helmet protection isn't needed. Check your helmet's mounting compatibility before buying helmet-mounted defenders separately from a full set.
Bluetooth & Communication Features
Bluetooth-enabled ear defenders let you take calls or listen to music through hearing protection without removing it, useful for anyone working solo for long stretches. The Protos Integral BT-COM goes further with team communication between multiple users on a site — worth the extra cost for crews that need to talk to each other regularly over noisy machinery rather than shouting or stopping work to communicate.
Combined Face & Hearing Protection Sets
A combined visor and ear defender set (STIHL G500, FUNCTION and DYNAMIC ranges) covers both needs in one mounted unit, simpler to buy and guaranteed to fit together. Buying separately makes sense if you want to mix a preferred visor type with a different attenuation level than the matched set offers — just confirm both pieces are compatible with your helmet's mounting system first.