3M Peltor X-Series Over-the-Head Earmuffs, NRR 27 dB, One Size Fits Most, Black/Chartreuse X4A (Pack of 1)

I needed an alternative to ear plugs during my sleep because of loud noises from neighbors (my ENT doctor told to stop using ear plugs for long hours because they resulted in ear wax accumulation/cerumen impaction). So this ear muff was the option. The noise reduction level was really satisfactory. It blocked out most of the loud noises from my neighbours. However, as expected, the issue was I couldn't really lay on my side on my pillow because of the hard muffs. Also they were very tight. So I put them over stacks of books for 2 days and they became looser. The first few nights i found it very hard and too tight for my head. So I switched back to ear plugs. But now I'm more used to the ear muffs too so I could use it when laying on my sides as well. So anyway, I keep switching between both plugs and muffs during the loud hours of the night. Then I remove them during the quiet hours and wear them again when my neighbors wake up and start making noises again. Anyway it was a good investment, as I could easily opt between muffs and plugs whenever I wanted.

First, the pros. Out of several different ear muffs I have for noise cancellation, this is by far the best one. I have the Peltor X4A, which is made in Poland. It's the highest noise cancellation that is still a slim profile.Though you can get other ear muffs for 1/2 the price, this one is well worth the money in how silent everything becomes. The spec sheet lists 40 db average cancellation at 1 khz, and a bit more all the way up to 3 khz. This is great if you need one for gun ranges or other extremely loud environments. I paired it with Mac's 33 db disposal earplugs and had excellent results for an indoor gun range.This is also very comfortable to wear. Despite being a slim profile muff, there is a lot of empty space inside the muffs. This allows ear plugs to not touch the sides, giving better noise protection.These don't fold as small as the other ones I have due to the design, but that is an easy compromise. To wear them well, start with the sides up, put them on your head, and then just drag the sides down until they reach a comfortable position. The seal provided by the earpads are excellent.My one and only gripe regarding this, is that the seals are too air tight. This causes a vacuum effect similar to when you pop your ears in an airplane. This actually made the ear muffs hard to wear initially. After using it for about a week, I found the seals are slightly less tight / I'm more used to it. Finally, the plastic bands are comfortable, but are pretty tight initially. After the break in period of about a week, I found this much more comfortable.So overall, very good noise cancellation if that's what you are going for. Pretty slim to wear, and fairly comfortable. Would purchase again.

Light, very good noise reduction. I use it every day. Very happy with the product100% recommended

I was looking for a product that can help me focus better while working on my computer or reading books, articles, etc. at my home. The key application was usage inside my house.I was a bit apprehensive while ordering this model because the users rating for this model- X4A was only about 3.5 stars and there were only around 10 ratings, while some other models from 3M have more than 100 ratings, with average rating of 4.4 stars!!!However, I am pleasantly surprised after brief usage, after receiving it.Quick feedback:I got it just today evening and the first impression is that its performance is awesome!!It feels as if 90% of sound is blocked and it's better than what my active noise canceling solutions provide.It's weight appears tolerable to me; it's subjective thing but I am still mentioning this as I moved from ear buds.I got it for ~ Rs3300 and I feel that it's good value for money at this price.I am wondering as to why other users have given it such a low rating!My prior experience with noise canceling earphones:I used Bose QuietComfort 20 (wired earphones with active noise cancellation) for several years.Then I upgraded to a newer model- Bose QuietControl 30 (Bluetooth wireless), and have been using it for several years now.Last year, I got ear infection repeatedly in quick successions (within a week or two weeks) and doctor suggested to avoid earphones! So, I thought to search for some alternative solution, not involving ear buds.I was deliberating whether to go for active noise canceling headphones or something else.Then I found these ear muffs.I spent several hours to find the right brand, right model while I had flexible budget.I was looking for the most suitable solution.So, why did I choose model X4A over X3 or X5?X4A is sleeker than the other two models.X3 provides similar noise reduction and is cheaper by Rs1000 but it appears 'bulkier'.X5 specs are better than that of X4A for noise reduction, but:1. X5 also appears bulkier than X4A,2. X5 is about 100 g heavier than X4A.3. I also suspected that grip of X5 over the head would be tighter which may make it difficult to use continuously for hours everyday.4. X5 is costlier by about Rs 2000, though this was not the decision making criterion here.Potential key negative aspect of the product:It feels pretty tight on area around ears, after few hours of continuous use.I am not sure whether it would still be tolerable after few days of continuous use.I will update my feedback if it turns out to be too difficult to use on a daily basis, for several hours each day.Special Note on Combo of Active and Passive noise suppression:I was able to use my Bose wireless ear buds below these ear muffs without any difficulty!This provides even better isolation and also the ability to watch audio-visual content.Update on 22nd June, 21:Feedback after two and half weeks of use:1. It has become much more easy to use- the sensation on and around the ears due to the pressure of pads has reduced significantly.2. Isolation is very good. Floor cleaning robot is barely audible with these earmuffs on.3. Picking up my pulse: I noticed that there was a repetitive sound. After a while I realised that it was my own pulse! The ear cups must be pressing against some artery around my ear and picking my pulse which I was able to hear due to absence of noise!4. Tip to reduce uneasiness around ears:Push the earlobes inside the rim of ear cups with your finger, this allows you to move the cups slightly up. This creates more space for the upper parts of the ears which now may not be in direct contact of the cups.This significantly reduces the sensation of unease caused by long and continuous use of earmuffs.5. Caution/safety concern:Be aware that you may miss listening to your family member who is shouting for help in an emergency situation in another part of your house!Suggestions:1. Make some alternate arrangement to be able to draw the attention of the wearer of these earmuffs, like some strong electronic buzzer which can be triggered by using a remote control.2. Keeping your mobile phone in your visual range may help, so that you don't miss an incoming call in an emergency.

They work very well, better than the fold up ones I have. The fold up ones get awkward, these are simple, don't fold up into a little ball. They also mute the noise better. Used for mowing, about 2 hours, and trap shooting.

Excellent quality, fits perfectly, adjusts easily and is not made in China, thanks 3M