3M WorkTunes Earplugs, In-Ear Bluetooth Hearing Protector (NRR 19)
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 WC Safety Review β the 3M WorkTunes earplugs, in-ear Bluetooth hearing protector (90670) Read the full 3M WorkTunes Earplugs, In-Ear Bluetooth Hearing Protector (NRR 19) review β Editorial ...
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Read the full 3M WorkTunes Earplugs, In-Ear Bluetooth Hearing Protector (NRR 19) review β
Editorial assessment by Steven Eaton, WC Safety editor, based on published 3M specifications and category fit. We did not laboratory-test this product.
3M WorkTunes Earplugs, In-Ear Bluetooth Hearing Protector Overview
The 3M WorkTunes earplugs (90670) are an in-ear electronic hearing protector with Bluetooth 6.0, rated NRR 19 dB. Magnetic earbuds ride on a neckband so they stay put when you pull them out, and the device works as both hearing-protection plugs and 3M WorkTunes Bluetooth earplugs for calls, music, and podcasts β you protect your hearing and stay connected without a bulky headband.
Compared with passive plugs, the draw is communication: as Bluetooth hearing protection the 90670 lets you take calls and hear streamed audio while it attenuates ambient noise. It runs a 10-hour battery for a full shift, carries an IPX4 rating for water and sweat resistance, and ships with three ear-tip sizes for a range of canals. The tradeoff is attenuation: at NRR 19 this is a lower-profile, lower-rating option than a deep foam or tri-flange plug, so match it to moderate noise or step up for the loudest work.
Fit and volume decide how well it protects. Seat an ear tip that seals β a loose tip both leaks noise and thins the audio β and keep the volume moderate, because loud music inside a sealed plug adds to your total sound dose. As 3M 90670 earplugs they suit jobsite, yard, and shop work where hearing calls matters; As NRR 19 earplugs they fit a hearing protection program, and for higher attenuation you can compare ear muffs or passive reusable ear plugs. compare formats in our best hearing protection guide and check the rating math in our NRR explained guide.
What These WorkTunes Earplugs Are Built For
| Use case | Fit | Buyer guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Moderate noise with calls / audio | Purpose-built | Bluetooth 6.0 lets you protect and stay connected; NRR 19 suits moderate noise once derated. |
| Under a hard hat / tight spaces | Strong | The in-ear neckband design has no headband to conflict with a hard-hat suspension, unlike earmuffs. |
| Full-shift wear | Good | A 10-hour battery covers a workday; when it dies the plugs still seal for passive protection. |
| Very high continuous noise | Step up | NRR 19 is lower-tier; for the loudest work choose a higher-NRR plug or earmuff, or double up. |
| Wet / sweaty conditions | Good | IPX4 handles sweat and light rain; it is splash resistance, not submersion, so do not soak them. |
Hearing protection only works when it seals and when its rating covers your noise. The printed NRR 19 is a laboratory figure; under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 apply the NIOSH derate before assuming it covers your exposure β real-world attenuation runs below any laboratory NRR, and an electronic in-ear protector loses value if the tip does not seal or if you play audio loud enough to add to your sound dose. For very high or continuous noise, choose a higher-rated plug or earmuff, keep entertainment volume moderate, and follow your hearing-conservation program. Browse hearing protection and ear muffs.
Pros & Cons
- Bluetooth 6.0 for calls, music, and podcasts while protected
- Low-profile in-ear design fits under a hard hat with no headband conflict
- 10-hour battery covers a full shift; still seals passively when dead
- IPX4 water and sweat resistance for jobsite and yardwork
- Three ear-tip sizes for a range of ear canals
- NRR 19 is lower than foam, tri-flange, or earmuff options β not for the loudest work
- Audio played too loud can add to your sound dose and offset the protection
- Needs charging; electronics add cost and failure points versus a passive plug
- Tip must seal correctly or both protection and audio suffer
How It Compares
Match the format to your noise level and whether you need audio:
| Format | NRR | Audio | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| WorkTunes Earplugs (this page, 90670) | 19 dB | Bluetooth | Moderate noise with calls and music, low profile |
| WorkTunes / electronic earmuffs | Higher | Bluetooth / radio | Higher attenuation with audio, over-the-ear |
| Passive foam / tri-flange plugs | Often higher | None | Maximum attenuation, no electronics |
Choose the WorkTunes earplugs for a low-profile protector with Bluetooth, electronic earmuffs for higher attenuation with audio, or passive plugs for the highest NRR. Compare formats in our best hearing protection guide and the ear muffs range.
Specifications
| Brand | 3M WorkTunes |
| Model / SKU | WorkTunes Earplugs, 90670 |
| Type | In-ear electronic hearing protector (Bluetooth) |
| NRR | 19 dB (derate per NIOSH for real-world use) |
| Wireless | Bluetooth 6.0 (calls, music, podcasts) |
| Battery | Up to 10 hours |
| Water resistance / Fit | IPX4; magnetic neckband; three ear-tip sizes |
Related Guides
best hearing protection guide, NRR explained, when you need hearing protection, electronic vs passive ear muffs, OSHA 1910.95 hearing conservation.
Related Resources
hearing protection ear muffs reusable ear plugs shooting hearing protection
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NRR of the 3M WorkTunes earplugs?
They are rated NRR 19 dB. That is a lower, low-profile rating than a deep foam or tri-flange plug, which reflects the in-ear electronic design. Apply the NIOSH derate under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 and confirm the derated figure covers your measured noise before relying on it.
Do the WorkTunes earplugs have Bluetooth?
Yes. The 90670 uses Bluetooth 6.0 to take calls and stream music or podcasts while providing in-ear hearing protection. The magnetic earbuds connect around the neck so they stay secure when you pull them out.
How long does the battery last?
3M lists a 10-hour battery life, enough for a full workday. Charge it between shifts; when the battery dies the earbuds still function as passive in-ear plugs for protection, but confirm charging and runtime details on 3M's listing.
Are they water resistant?
They carry an IPX4 rating for water and sweat resistance, which suits jobsite sweat, yardwork, and light rain. IPX4 is splash resistance, not submersion, so do not soak them.
Can I hear phone calls and warnings while protected?
Yes - that is the point of an electronic protector. You can take Bluetooth calls and hear streamed audio while the plugs attenuate ambient noise. Keep the volume moderate: audio played too loud inside the plug can add to your noise dose and defeat the protection.
Do they come with different ear tips?
Yes, 3M includes three ear-tip sizes so you can fit a range of ear canals. A correct tip that seals is essential - a loose tip both leaks noise and drops the audio quality, so try the sizes to get a firm seal.
Is NRR 19 enough for loud work?
NRR 19 is on the lower side. For moderate noise with the benefit of communication it is reasonable once derated, but for very loud continuous work a higher-NRR plug or earmuff protects more. Measure your noise, derate per NIOSH, and step up protection if the exposure demands it.
How do these compare to WorkTunes earmuffs?
The WorkTunes earmuff models are over-the-ear and typically carry a higher NRR, while these in-ear earplugs are far lower-profile and lighter, at a lower NRR. Choose earmuffs for higher attenuation and these earplugs for a compact fit under a hard hat or in tight spaces. Compare in our ear muffs collection.
Can I wear them under a hard hat?
Yes - the in-ear design has no headband to conflict with a hard-hat suspension, which is an advantage over earmuffs. Ensure the ear tips seal and the neckband does not catch on your collar or the hat.
Does the volume have a limit?
Follow 3M's guidance on volume limiting for the model. Regardless of any electronic limit, keep music and call volume moderate: the protection value depends on total sound energy at your eardrum, so loud audio inside a sealed plug can offset the noise reduction.
How do I clean and store them?
Wipe the earbuds and tips with a damp cloth; replace the tips when they harden or stop sealing. Store them charged in a clean case away from heat, and inspect the tips and cord before each use so the seal and the electronics stay reliable.
Where can I compare other hearing protection options?
Browse the hearing protection collection, or start with our best hearing protection guide to weigh electronic in-ear, passive plugs, and earmuff formats side by side.
Written by Steven Eaton, WC Safety Editorial. Specifications sourced from 3M published data. Compare the range in hearing protection.
WC Safety is an independent PPE review site; we did not laboratory-test this product. Match the protector to your measured noise exposure and follow your site hearing-conservation program.
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