Should I Cancel My Trip Abroad?

[Bill Bauer]

Yes, it's not that difficult.

I am worried that that might compromise its noise reduction rating.

 

[Tinker Bell]

I am worried that that might compromise its noise reduction rating.

I agree with you. The shape of the headphone ear cups, the foam used around the ear pieces, and how tightly they seal around the ears is a large part of how passive noise canceling earmuffs achieve their noise reduction. Obviously interior padding in the ear cups helps, but that alone is not reducing external noise levels. Any promoted noise reduction ratings are based on the original construction, since that was how the product was tested.

I searched why noise reduction ratings are not provided for active noise canceling devices. According to what I read, the 1970s-era NRR standards (created long before this technology existed) are not used because the tests specified by law have been shown to be inaccurate for active canceling devices.

 

[Darius]

I am worried that that might compromise its noise reduction rating.

3M sells polyurethane silicone gel pads for the Peltor line.
It does not compromise the noise reduction of their product, otherwise they wouldn't sell them.

In fact, my experience is that they seal much better around the ears. This leads to better noise reduction.

 

[Darius]

I agree with you. The shape of the headphone ear cups, the foam used around the ear pieces, and how tightly they seal around the ears is a large part of how passive noise canceling earmuffs achieve their noise reduction. Obviously interior padding in the ear cups helps, but that alone is not reducing external noise levels. Any promoted noise reduction ratings are based on the original construction, since that was how the product was tested.

What makes you think that?

It would make much more sense that the documented noise reduction rating would iclude the gel pads that they sell along side the Peltor line.

Makes zero sense that they would sell an add-on that reduces the effectiveness of the product.

 

[Bill Bauer]

3M sells polyurethane silicone gel pads for the Peltor line.
It does not compromise the noise reduction of their product, otherwise they wouldn't sell them.

In fact, my experience is that they seal much better around the ears. This leads to better noise reduction.

I think I will buy a new pair of Peltor muffs and experiment installing those gel pads. Then I will be able to try both pairs and get a sense whether I continue getting the same protection with those gel pads.

 

[Bill Bauer]

Makes zero sense that they would sell an add-on that reduces the effectiveness of the product.

I am not good when it comes to hands-on do-it-yourself projects like that. I question my ability to install the pads in such a way that the product is still effective.

 

[Tinker Bell]

What makes you think that?

It would make much more sense that the documented noise reduction rating would iclude the gel pads that they sell along side the Peltor line.

Makes zero sense that they would sell an add-on that reduces the effectiveness of the product.

They likely do test them so it should be similar, but I could not find data regarding the NRR achieved with the replacement gels. It would make sense for them to include that information. I did find their legal disclaimer saying failure to install the gel pads correctly could result in injury. It also advised against additional modifications to the earmuffs beyond what they offer.

As long as they are installed correctly, it should be the same. I guess that's the catch, and earmuffs are similar to earplugs in that regard. If the seal is incorrect, they do not achieve the full tested NRR. I think the new recommendations are for manufacturers to provide NRR ranges to take into account some user error.

 

[Darius]

I am not good when it comes to hands-on do-it-yourself projects like that. I question my ability to install the pads in such a way that the product is still effective.

It's not really DIY. The cushion part of the muffs are made by 3M to be user changeable.

Don't worry, you'll be fine. It's easy.

 

[Darius]

They likely do test them so it should be similar, but I could not find data regarding the NRR achieved with the replacement gels. It would make sense for them to include that information. I did find their legal disclaimer saying failure to install the gel pads correctly could result in injury. It also advised against additional modifications to the earmuffs beyond what they offer.

As long as they are installed correctly, it should be the same. I guess that's the catch, and earmuffs are similar to earplugs in that regard. If the seal is incorrect, they do not achieve the full tested NRR. I think the new recommendations are for manufacturers to provide NRR ranges to take into account some user error.

Why are you guys overthinking this so much?

I'd say one would have to be an immense idiot to screw up something so incredibly simple as installing a pair of gel pads. It would be obvious if the seal was incorrect. Environmental noise would seep into the muffs and you'd hear it clearly.