Lightweight foldable ear defenders with 30dB SNR attenuation. Adjustable headband, deep cushioned cups and palm-size folding design make these practical for medium-noise work environments where comfort over a full shift matters.
These Portwest Classic Foldable Ear Defenders are a straightforward, well-specified pair of noise-reducing ear defenders for medium-noise work environments. With an SNR rating of 30dB, they are suited to environments where sustained noise exposure sits in the medium-to-high range — construction sites, workshops, manufacturing floors, and similar settings. For anyone looking for reliable foldable noise cancelling ear defenders that can be worn all day without becoming a nuisance, these are a sensible choice at a sensible price.
The adjustable dual-pin headband system gives you multiple positioning options, which matters more than it sounds. A poorly fitted set of ear defenders provides significantly less protection than the rated figure suggests, so getting the fit right is not optional. The deep cup cushions help form a proper seal around the ear, which is what actually does the work. Comfort and attenuation go together here — if they are not comfortable, they come off.
Why the Folding Design on These Ear Defenders Makes a Practical Difference
The foldable palm-size design is one of the more useful features on these defenders. When you are not wearing them, they fold down small enough to slip into a pocket or hang from a belt loop without getting in the way. More importantly, folding them when not in use helps keep the cup cushions clean and away from dust, grit, and general site debris. Contaminated cushions degrade the seal over time, so this is not just a convenience feature.
They are ultra-lightweight, which helps with prolonged wear. Heavy ear defenders become uncomfortable quickly, particularly in warmer conditions or when worn over longer periods. These are designed to stay on without constant adjustment or discomfort.
Standards and Certification
The Portwest Classic Ear Defenders meet EN 352-1 with an SNR of 30dB, ANSI S3.19 with an NRR of 25dB, and AS/NZS 1270 with an SLC(80) of 31dB at Class 5. CE certified under Category III, which covers PPE used in situations of serious or permanent risk. They come individually packed, which also makes them suitable for vending machine dispensing and retail display.
At under a fiver, these are genuinely priced for trade use. Whether you are kitting out a team, stocking a site welfare unit, or simply replacing a worn pair, the price point makes it easy to keep spares on hand. As hearing protection goes, these are the kind of thing that should be in every site bag — not fancy, not complicated, just dependable foldable noise cancelling ear defenders that do what they are supposed to do.
Pro Tip: Always check the headband adjustment before use: an SNR of 30dB assumes a correct fit, and a gap of just a few millimetres around the cup cushion can reduce effective attenuation significantly.
These ear defenders are commonly used on construction sites, in woodworking and joinery workshops, during power tool use, and in light manufacturing environments. They suit anyone who needs reliable hearing protection for medium to high noise levels across a full working day. The compact folding design also makes them practical for tradespeople who move between noisy and quiet areas regularly.
Best For
Construction sites
Woodworking and joinery
Power tool use
Light manufacturing
Medium to high noise environments
Full-shift wear
Available In
Classic style
Individually packed
Suitable for vending machine dispensing
Key Features
SNR 30dB noise attenuation
Adjustable dual-pin headband
Deep cup cushions for seal and comfort
Folds to palm size for storage
Ultra-lightweight construction
CE certified Category III
EN 352-1 compliant
Not suitable for: Not suitable for very high noise environments such as demolition work with pneumatic breakers or shooting ranges, where a higher SNR rating would be required. Not designed for use underwater or in hazardous atmospheric environments.
Extend the headband to fit your head size using the dual-pin adjustment system. Position the cups centrally over each ear, ensuring the cushions form a full seal around the ear without gaps. Tighten or loosen the headband until the fit is firm but comfortable.
When not in use, fold the ear defenders down to palm size to protect the cushions from contamination. Check the cup cushions periodically for wear or deformation, as damaged cushions reduce the effectiveness of the seal and therefore the actual attenuation achieved.
Extend the headband by pulling each arm outward using the dual-pin adjustment system.
Place the headband over the top of the head, centred front to back.
Position each cup directly over the ear, pressing lightly to check the cushion makes full contact with the skin around the ear.
Adjust the headband length until the cups are held firmly in place without causing discomfort.
Fold down to palm size after use to keep the cup cushions clean and protected.
What does SNR 30dB mean in practice?
SNR stands for Single Number Rating. An SNR of 30dB means that in a typical mixed-noise environment, these ear defenders reduce the sound level reaching your ears by approximately 30 decibels. In practice, this makes them suitable for noise levels up to around 105dB. The NRR rating of 25dB applies under the US ANSI standard and is used for compliance calculations in North America.
Are these comfortable to wear for a full working day?
Yes, the Portwest Classic ear defenders are designed for prolonged wear. They are ultra-lightweight, and the adjustable headband and deep cup cushions allow you to get a fit that stays comfortable over longer periods. That said, comfort is personal, and the dual-pin headband adjustment helps accommodate different head sizes and shapes.
Can these be used with other PPE such as hard hats or safety glasses?
These are over-head style ear defenders, so wearing them alongside a hard hat is possible but may affect the headband tension and the cup seal. For use with a hard hat, helmet-mounted ear defenders are generally a better fit. Safety glasses can usually be worn with these without significantly affecting the cup seal, though thick temple arms may reduce it slightly.
The Portwest Classic Foldable Ear Defenders are constructed with a lightweight plastic headband using a dual-pin adjustment mechanism and deep foam-cushioned ear cups. They meet EN 352-1 at SNR 30dB, ANSI S3.19 at NRR 25dB, and AS/NZS 1270 at SLC(80) 31dB Class 5. CE certified under PPE Category III, which applies to hearing protection used against serious or irreversible noise-induced hearing damage.
SKU
PW41
SNR Rating
30dB
NRR Rating
25dB
SLC(80) Rating
31dB
Australian/NZ Class
Class 5
Standard
EN 352-1
Additional Standards
ANSI S3.19, AS/NZS 1270
CE Category
Category III
Design
Foldable, palm-size
Headband
Adjustable dual-pin mounting system
Packaging
Individually packed
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