# 🎧 How effective is the noise reduction on the 3M Pro-Protect + Gel Cushions?

*Published: 2024-03-22 | Updated: 2024-05-24 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/answers/how-effective-is-the-noise-reduction-on-the-3m-pro-protect-+-gel-cushions*

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## Product: 3M Pro-Protect Hearing Protector
**Brand:** 3M

The 3M Pro-Protect + Gel Cushions do a pretty solid job with noise reduction. They have a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 26 dB, so they're designed to protect your ears in loud settings, like if you're around heavy machinery or in a busy workshop.

A cool thing about these earmuffs is the Bluetooth feature—it lets you make calls or listen to music without giving up hearing protection. Plus, the gel cushions are a nice touch for comfort, which is great if you're wearing them for a long time, like in demanding work environments.

Something else that stands out, according to our research, is the "awareness mode." This uses external mics to help you stay aware of what's going on around you—handy if you're on a construction site. 

But fair warning, there have been comments about the mics not always delivering super clear sound, especially in really loud places, which can mess with call clarity and the ambient sound quality.

As for battery life, you're looking at up to 60 hours on two AA batteries. That's a win if you’re in a place where charging frequently isn't an option. 

But some folks wish it used rechargeable batteries for more convenience.

In short, these earmuffs offer good noise reduction and comfort, though the ambient mics and Bluetooth could use a bit of fine-tuning. So while they get the job done, a few improvements here and there could make them even better.

## Current Prices

| Retailer | Price | Availability |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| Mercari | $60.00  | Check |
| Amazon | $78.57  | Check |

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*Where this comes from: This answer is based on ShopSavvy's product database, real-time pricing from thousands of retailers, and analysis of user reviews to give you a well-rounded picture.*