Protect Your Precious Hearing With These Solar-Powered Ear Protectors

“All work and no play make Jack a dull boy,” so goes the old proverb. And it’s true! Time does pass a little faster and chores become a bit more fun when you have music while you work. However, it’s not always possible to listen to music or podcasts if you are working in an environment where the wearing of ear protection is mandatory.

In these days of increasing awareness about hearing loss and occupational health more generally, more and more workplaces insist on the wearing of ear defenders. So, what do you do if you want to listen to music as you walk around your workplace in an auditory isolation bubble? The answer is 3M WorkTunes Connect+ Solar Hearing Protectors which also double as Bluetooth headphones.

This clever gadget could be a game changer for anyone working in health and safety situations. A lot of thought has gone into the design and it’s the first time 3M has included a solar charging function in one of its pairs of hearing protectors. By teaming up with Exeger, a Swedish company that invented Powerfoyle, a flexible solar panel that is on has added the upper surface of the headband of the 3M WorkTunes which continuously charges its built-in batteries.

The Powerfoyle solar panel can keep the battery levels topped up in sunlight, under cloudy skies or even artificial light sources. With a massive 40 hours of battery life on a single charge, the 3M WorkTunes can be powered indefinitely using the solar panel. If the batteries should run down, a quick charge with a USB-C cable will soon have the batteries back up to their full strength.

MORE FOR YOU
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Clues And Answers For Monday, October 7th
Former UFC Champion Announces His MMA Return
Major Questions For Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers After Latest Loss

Thanks to Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, the 3M WorkTunes can connect to laptops, smartphones or tablets for streaming music or podcasts. Not only do they receive music streams from a smartphone they can also take and make phone calls.

There are large controls on the protectors for adjusting volume levels, skipping music tracks or answering and rejecting phone calls. The controls are easy to use and have been specifically designed to be easy to use even when wearing safety gloves. A lot of effort has been made to ensure the 3M WorkTunes are ready for the workplace.

Thanks to some premium-quality microphones and Intelligent Background Noise Reduction technology, the 3M WorkTunes can make clear phone calls, even in noisy working environments, like a construction site or a warehouse full of forklift trucks.

When it comes to hearing protection, the 3M WorkTunes provide up to 26dB Noise Reduction Rating, which is the sort of protection levels you get with regular ear defenders which tend to range up to a maximum of 30dB NRR. The 3M WorkTunes comply with U.S. safety regulations for the use of ear protectors and carry an EPA label. They are also rated as a Class 5 device under Australia and New Zealand’s A/NZ1270 standards.

The maximum volume of the speakers in the 3M WorkTunes is limited so they also comply with safety legislation for headphone use. An IP44 rating for water and sweat resistance ensures the music won’t stop, even if the weather turns inclement or the temperature starts to rise.

There are some other clever features built into the 3M WorkTunes that show just how much thought has gone into this product. The ear pads are soft and comfortable, making them suitable for long-term wear. The geometric headband is also designed for comfort and can even be worn over a baseball cap.

Verdict: The 3M WorkTunes Connect+ Solar Hearing Protectors (Model 90573) are a clever piece of technology thanks to the addition of a Powerfoyle flexible solar panel. With continuous charging, the music need never stop and you’ll always be available to take a phone call while at work. It’s good to see a product designed for the workplace that helps protect hearing while still enabling the enjoyment of music, podcasts or the ability to take or make phone or video calls. The chunky controls are perfect anyone wearing safety gloves and the 3M WorkTunes can be worn over a baseball cap, so there’s no need to suffer sunburn when working outside. For anyone who needs effective hearing protection but doesn’t want to be cut off from the outside world and still be able to enjoy music while working, the 3M WorkTunes Connect+ Solar Hearing Protectors are the ideal solution.

Pricing & Availability: The 3M WorkTunes Connect+ Solar Hearing Protector is available now from Amazon.com and is priced at $169.99.

Tech Specs:

• Noise Reduction Rating (NRR): 3M WorkTunes Connect + Solar Hearing Protector is equipped with a Noise Reduction Rating of 26dB.
• Powerfoyle solar panel works with indoor and outdoor light.
• Battery life: 40 hours.
• Automatic power off feature.
• Lightweight, low-profile design with large controls.
• Automatic safe volume control, built-in audio assistance and intelligent background-noise reduction.
• Waterproof rating: IP44.