Ear Plugs and Ear Defenders
Compare hearing protection for assessed workplace noise
Browse ear plugs and ear defenders for workplace hearing protection, including disposable, reusable and helmet-mounted designs. Compare the fitting method, pack quantity and attenuation data for the exact product.
Select protection using the workplace noise assessment, considering both sound level and exposure time. The right equipment must fit the wearer and work with any other PPE needed for the task.
Portwest EP02 disposable ear plugs offer a compact option for workplaces that issue hearing protection regularly. The tapered polyurethane foam plugs are supplied as 200 pairs in a dispenser box, with each pair individually bagged and accompanied by fitting instructions. Separate bags make it easier to distribute clean pairs to staff and visitors without handling the remaining stock. Choose hearing protection using the workplace noise assessment and the supplied product documentation. Portwest currently lists EN 352-2 with an SNR of 33dB for EP02; the achieved protection depends on correct fitting and consistent wear. These plugs are disposable, so plan replacement supplies alongside training rather than treating a bulk box as reusable equipment.
Portwest EP04 ear plugs provide a reusable alternative to disposable foam hearing protection. The soft thermoplastic rubber plugs have a triple-flange design and a connecting cord, making them easier to keep together when removed away from the noise area. Each of the 50 pairs is individually bagged with fitting instructions, supporting organised issue to individual wearers. The EP04 is listed by Portwest with EN 352-2 SNR 32dB. Select it against the workplace noise assessment and check the fit for the person wearing it. Reusable plugs need appropriate cleaning, storage and inspection; a cord does not protect hearing while the plugs are hanging outside the ears. Follow the supplied instructions before using the pair again.
Portwest EP07 ear plugs combine reusable thermoplastic rubber construction with a metal-detectable design for food production environments. The blue corded pairs are supplied in a box of 50, individually bagged with fitting instructions. Buyers can compare this model with disposable detectable foam plugs when deciding how hearing protection will be issued, cleaned and accounted for on site. Metal detectability supports a site’s foreign-body controls, but performance must be checked with the actual detection equipment and process. It does not guarantee recovery of every lost component or establish food safety compliance by itself. Select hearing protection against the noise assessment, verify the rating on the supplied documentation and check each wearer’s fit before issue.
Portwest EP08 ear plugs add a retaining cord to disposable polyurethane foam hearing protection. The tapered plugs are supplied in a dispenser box of 200 pairs, with each pair separately bagged and provided with fitting instructions. The cord keeps the two plugs together, which can simplify issue and handling compared with an uncorded foam pair. For buying teams, the key distinction is that EP08 remains a disposable foam product despite having a cord. Select it using the workplace noise assessment, check the wearer’s fit and follow the supplied replacement instructions. Portwest currently lists EN 352-2 SNR 33dB for this model. Correct insertion and continuous wear during the required exposure period determine the protection achieved.
Portwest EP20 Earplug Dispenser provides a convenient supply point for disposable hearing protection in the workplace. Supplied with 500 pairs of uncorded PU foam earplugs, the plastic dispenser uses a turn wheel to release plugs when required. It can stand on a suitable level surface or be mounted on a wall near the point of use. Place the dispenser where workers can access hearing protection before entering a designated noisy area. Select the earplugs against the workplace noise assessment and the attenuation information supplied with the pack. Correct fitting and consistent use are essential. Keep the dispenser clean, refill it with the compatible EP21 product and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for fitting, storage and disposal of used plugs.
Portwest EP21 Earplug Dispenser Refill Pack contains 500 pairs of disposable PU foam earplugs for replenishing the EP20 dispenser. The soft, slow-recovery foam is designed to form a seal when fitted correctly, helping provide the hearing protection specified for the supplied product. The bulk pack supports regular replacement at workplace dispensing points. This listing is for refill earplugs; the dispenser is a separate product. Check the pack’s attenuation and frequency data against your workplace noise assessment before use, including when replacing an earlier batch. Keep refill stock clean and dry, and follow the manufacturer’s fitting instructions. Users should fit plugs with clean hands and replace them as directed rather than attempting to wash and reuse disposable plugs.
Portwest EP30 is a disposable PU foam ear plug with a cord and metal-detectable construction. This distinguishes it from reusable TPR models: the foam plugs are intended for replacement according to their supplied instructions. Each box contains 200 pairs, individually bagged with fitting guidance, making the format practical for controlled issue in food production and other workplaces requiring detectable hearing protection. Portwest currently lists EN 352-2 SNR 33dB for EP30. Check the supplied documentation against the workplace noise assessment and confirm a suitable fit for each wearer. The detectable feature also needs validation with the site’s equipment and process; it supports foreign-body controls without guaranteeing that every missing plug or fragment will be recovered.
Portwest PS41 Super HV ear defenders combine a yellow finish with a folding design for carrying between work areas. The adjustable dual-pin system lets the wearer position the cups, while the compact folded format is useful when storing the defenders after leaving a noisy area. These are headband ear defenders, so buyers should distinguish them from helmet-mounted clip-on models. Portwest documents EN 352-1 with SNR 30dB for PS41. Select the model using the workplace noise assessment and check that both cushions seal properly around the ears. Other PPE, hair and damaged cushions can affect fit. The yellow colour is a visibility feature of the product; it does not replace any required high-visibility clothing or wearer training.
Portwest PS43 HV Extreme ear defenders combine a PU-padded headband with adjustable dual-pin cups. The reflective print is a useful product detail for buyers comparing headband designs, while the cup adjustment lets each wearer check positioning and the seal around the ears. Astral Hygiene lists a grey, one-size option for this model. Portwest currently documents EN 352-1 with SNR 36dB for PS43. Choose attenuation against the workplace noise assessment rather than assuming the highest available rating is always appropriate. Trial the defenders alongside the eyewear and other PPE used on the task. Comfort during a fit trial, the condition of the cushions and consistent wear all matter when managing hearing protection.
Portwest PS47 Endurance HV ear defenders attach to documented compatible safety helmets, combining helmet and hearing protection in one arrangement. The adjustable dual-pin cups can be placed in a stand-off position when protection is no longer required. Astral Hygiene lists orange and yellow options, giving buyers a choice within this helmet-mounted model. Check the exact helmet and defender combination before ordering. Portwest identifies Endurance, Height Endurance and Peak View helmet families, but attenuation depends on the helmet style used. Select using the supplied combination-specific data and the workplace noise assessment. A clip-on fitting does not establish compatibility with every hard hat, and the cups must seal correctly around the ears during required exposure.
Portwest PW41 Super ear defenders have adjustable dual-pin cup positioning and fold down for compact carriage. Astral Hygiene lists yellow and red options, allowing teams to choose a colour while retaining the same model identity. For buyers moving from a basic fixed design, the folding arrangement is a useful feature to compare when planning storage between uses. Portwest currently lists EN 352-1 SNR 30dB for PW41. Confirm the specification supplied with the product and select against the workplace noise assessment. A fit trial should check the cushion seal with any eyewear or other PPE worn for the activity. Maintain the cushions and headband, and wear protection consistently during required exposure.
Portwest PW42 Clip-On Ear Defenders attach to compatible Expertbase safety helmets, allowing hearing protection and head protection to be worn together without a separate headband. The adjustable dual-pin fitting helps position the ear cups around the ears, while a stand-off position keeps them attached to the helmet between tasks. Choose from the red or yellow options shown on this page. Before ordering, check the exact helmet model against the manufacturer’s approved combinations and select hearing protection for the assessed workplace noise. Helmet attachments are not universal. Follow the supplied fitting instructions, check the cushion seal before each use and inspect the fittings regularly so damaged parts are identified before work begins.
Portwest PW43 Comfort Ear Defenders combine a padded adjustable headband with broad foam ear cushions for a practical over-the-head hearing protection option. The ABS cups contain sound-absorbing foam, while the compact, metal-free construction keeps the design straightforward for daily workplace use. This model is a headband ear defender rather than an accessory that clips onto a safety helmet. Choose PW43 according to your workplace noise assessment and check the fit with any eyewear or other equipment worn at the same time. Portwest publishes an SNR of 31dB for this model; real protection also depends on correct positioning and an uninterrupted seal. Inspect the cushions and headband before use, and follow the supplied cleaning and replacement instructions.
Portwest PW47 Endurance Clip-On Ear Defenders are designed for approved Endurance and Height Endurance hard hats. They attach to the helmet rather than using an over-the-head band, keeping the hearing protection with the head protection between tasks. Dual-pin adjustment lets the wearer position the cups, and the stand-off position moves them away from the ears when hearing protection is not required. Confirm the exact helmet and ear defender combination before ordering. Portwest lists SNR 27dB for PW47 and explains that attenuation varies with the hard hat used. Choose protection against the measured workplace noise and follow the supplied fitting guidance. Inspect the cups, cushions and mounting clips before each use, paying particular attention to an uninterrupted seal around each ear.
Portwest PW48 Classic Plus Ear Defenders offer an adjustable over-the-head design with a padded headband and lightweight cups. Red and yellow options are available on this listing, allowing you to choose a colour for your workplace equipment. Portwest describes the construction as non-magnetic, nickel and ferrous free; it is a headband model and does not clip onto a safety helmet. Select PW48 using the workplace noise assessment and check its fit alongside any eyewear or other PPE. The manufacturer’s updated datasheet lists SNR 27dB, so use the documentation supplied with your pair when confirming suitability. Position both cushions fully around the ears, inspect the headband and cups before use, and follow Portwest’s instructions for cleaning, storage and replacing worn components.
Portwest PW62 HV Extreme Clip-On Ear Defenders provide helmet-mounted hearing protection in a grey and orange colourway. The dual-pin system lets you adjust cup positioning, while the mounting arrangement allows the defenders to be repositioned between tasks. Portwest identifies compatibility with Endurance and Height Endurance helmets and specifies a 30mm side-slot fitting. Check the exact approved helmet combination before ordering: slot size alone does not establish compatibility. Select hearing protection using the workplace noise assessment and the manufacturer’s instructions for the assembled equipment. PW62 is supplied as an ear defender accessory, so choose a suitable helmet separately if needed. Before each use, inspect the clips and cushions and ensure that both cups seal around the ears without interference from other PPE.
Compare Plugs, Headbands and Helmet Mounts
Disposable and reusable ear plugs have different cleaning and replacement requirements. Headband ear defenders can be removed and refitted between permitted tasks, while clip-on models require a specifically compatible helmet. Follow the manufacturer’s fitting instructions for the chosen design.
Use the Attenuation Data Correctly
Do not choose solely by the largest printed noise-reduction figure. Selection must account for the actual noise and the need to communicate and recognise warnings. Arrange suitable instruction and check the fit, seal and condition during use.
FAQs
Will clip-on ear defenders fit any safety helmet?
No. Check the manufacturer’s approved helmet and attachment combinations.
Can foam ear plugs be cleaned and reused?
Only reuse a product where its instructions allow it. Disposable foam plugs and reusable plugs have different requirements.
When should ear defenders be replaced?
Inspect cushions, seals, headbands and fittings, and follow the manufacturer’s replacement guidance when parts are worn or damaged.
Compare head protection and safety eyewear when planning compatible PPE.





