Passive Ear Muffs

Passive ear muffs (what most people think of as an ear muff) for hearing protection are an affordable yet effective solution for workplaces, backyard projects and shooting. They are available in a number of styles including headband, folding headband, cap-attach and neckband.

Which Passive Ear Muffs are right for me?

Hearing Protection in Australia & NZ

In Australia and New Zealand, hearing protection must comply with the AS/NZS 1270:2002 standard. This certification ensures that ear plugs and earmuffs have been independently tested and rated for their effectiveness in reducing noise. It’s a crucial requirement for workplace safety and helps consumers make informed choices about what level of protection they need.
One key part of this standard is the SLC80 rating — which tells you how many decibels of noise the product will block out for 80% of wearers. Based on this number, products are also grouped into Class 1 to Class 5, with Class 5 offering the highest level of protection. This makes it easy to match ear plugs to specific environments, whether it’s a quiet workshop or a high-noise construction site.
At Earjobs, we stock a wide range of certified hearing protection products — so whether you’re buying for yourself or your team, you can be confident they meet strict local standards.
What is a decibel.

A decibel (dB) is a unit used to measure the intensity of sound. It’s not a linear scale — every increase of 10 dB means the sound is 10 times more powerful. That means a 90 dB sound isn’t just a bit louder than 80 dB — it’s twice as loud. Everyday sounds like normal conversation sit around 60 dB, but lawnmowers (90 dB), concerts (100–110 dB), and construction sites (over 120 dB) can be dangerously loud.
Hearing damage can occur after prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 dB, and the higher the volume, the shorter the safe exposure time. That’s why hearing protection — especially in workplaces or loud recreational settings — is so important. The right ear plugs reduce the sound level to within a safe range, helping you protect your hearing long term.
Passive Ear Muffs Explainer

Passive ear muffs are a simple, reliable way to protect your hearing by physically blocking out sound — no batteries, no electronics, just solid noise reduction. They work using foam-filled ear cups that create a tight seal around the ears to reduce incoming noise across a wide frequency range.
They’re ideal for environments where you don’t need to hear conversations or ambient noise — like mowing the lawn, using power tools, attending motorsport events, or working on noisy job sites. Because they’re non-electronic, they’re also more affordable and require no charging or setup.
When should I use passive ear muffs?

Passive ear muffs are perfect when you need reliable, no-fuss hearing protection in consistently loud environments. They’re ideal for DIY projects, construction, factory work, shooting ranges, or any situation where you're exposed to loud, repetitive noise for long periods.
They’re also great for sensory protection, particularly for people who experience noise sensitivity, autism, or sensory processing issues, and want to reduce external stimulation at school, work, or in public spaces.
Choosing the right passive ear muffs

Choosing the right passive ear muffs comes down to fit, comfort, and noise reduction level. Look for a model with a certified SLC80 rating that matches the noise level of your environment. For industrial use or shooting, a higher protection rating (Class 4–5) is ideal. For home use or casual noise reduction, a lower class may be more comfortable and lightweight.
You’ll also want to consider headband design (over-the-head, behind-the-neck, or cap-mounted), adjustability, and ear cushion materials — soft padding makes a big difference for long wear. If you're buying for a child or someone with a smaller head, be sure to check out our kids-sized passive muffs for a better fit.
Bulk quantities and custom branding

Looking to place a large order for your workplace, event, or team? We offer bulk pricing on a wide range of ear plugs, ear muffs, earphones and hearing protection accessories — with flexible options to suit offices, factories, schools, hospitality venues, festivals, and more.
We also offer custom branding on select products, perfect for promotional giveaways, safety programs, or corporate kits. Whether you need 1,000 disposable plugs or branded reusable packs, our team can help tailor a solution to your needs. Contact us or email wholesale@earjobs.com.au for a fast, personalised quote.