3M E-A-Rsoft FX 312-1274 Corded Earplugs — NRR 33
$19.99
Final price set by Amazon · may vary
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5WC Safety Review — 3M E-A-Rsoft FX 312-1274 Corded Earplugs Best For: corded single-use foam hearing protection at NRR 33 dB with a retention cord. Not For: non-noise hazards, or noise that ...
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EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5WC Safety Review — 3M E-A-Rsoft FX 312-1274 Corded Earplugs
Best For: corded single-use foam hearing protection at NRR 33 dB with a retention cord.
Not For: non-noise hazards, or noise that earplugs alone can't bring under ~85 dBA (add earmuffs).
Bottom Line: a solid corded single-use foam plug at NRR 33 dB — the cord earns its keep on jobs where dropped plugs get lost.
Editorial assessment by the WC Safety Editorial Team. Scoring reflects published NRR/specs, fit type, build quality and application fit. WC Safety did not laboratory-test this product.
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3M E-A-Rsoft FX 312-1274 Corded Earplugs Overview
The 3M E-A-Rsoft FX 312-1274 Corded Earplugs are corded single-use foam ear plugs from 3M, rated NRR 33 dB. The permanent cord keeps the pair together so a plug isn’t lost, and lets you hang them around your neck between tasks. Start with our hearing-protection guide and what NRR means, then confirm the noise level you’re protecting against.
The 3M E-A-Rsoft FX 312-1274 belong to the corded ear plugs range and the NRR 33 ear plugs group. They are single-use (replace when soiled or no longer springy); for the trade-offs see foam vs reusable ear plugs.
What NRR 33 dB Means
NRR is a laboratory rating; NIOSH suggests derating it for real-world use. Here is how NRR 33 dB lines up with common environments (always confirm with a noise survey):
| Environment | Approx. noise | Fit for NRR? |
|---|---|---|
| Power tools / workshop (~95 dBA) | ~82 dBA after derating | Good fit |
| Heavy equipment / construction (~100 dBA) | ~87 dBA after derating | Good fit |
| Manufacturing / plant floor (~90 dBA) | ~77 dBA after derating | Good fit |
| Firearms / impact (140 dB peak) | Impulse noise | Add earmuffs (dual) |
Who Should Buy the 3M E-A-Rsoft FX 312-1274?
Buy them if you want single-use foam hearing protection with a retention cord at NRR 33 dB. Consider another plug if you need a different level or style: compare E-A-R Classic 311-1110, E-A-R UltraFit, VP311-4106 Neons. For the highest ratings see highest-NRR ear plugs.
Hearing protection only works when worn correctly for the full exposure. The NRR is a laboratory rating; real-world attenuation is typically lower, so OSHA and NIOSH recommend derating it when estimating protection. For very high noise — or whenever earplugs alone can’t bring exposure under about 85 dBA — wear them with earmuffs (dual protection). The 3M E-A-Rsoft FX 312-1274 reduces noise; it does not eliminate it or protect against non-noise hazards.
Best Applications
Industrial & construction noise
Power tools, plants and construction work at sustained high noise suit a corded NRR 33 plug you won’t lose between tasks.
Shooting & range use
For range and shooting use, pair a high NRR with muffs for impulse noise.
Pros & Cons
Pros
NRR 33 dB protection · corded for loss prevention · soft single-use comfort · one size fits most
NRR 33 dB protection · corded for loss prevention · soft single-use comfort · one size fits most
Cons
bulkier than uncorded · replace regularly · cord can snag in some tasks
bulkier than uncorded · replace regularly · cord can snag in some tasks
3M E-A-Rsoft FX 312-1274 vs Other Corded Ear Plugs
| Ear plug | NRR / type |
|---|---|
| E-A-R Classic 311-1110 | NRR 29 · single-use foam |
| E-A-R UltraFit | NRR 25 · reusable flanged |
| VP311-4106 Neons | NRR 32 · single-use foam |
| 90586 | NRR 25 · reusable flanged |
3M E-A-Rsoft FX 312-1274 vs the Alternatives
How they compare to close options:
- E-A-Rsoft FX 312-1274 vs E-A-R Classic 311-1110: E-A-R Classic 311-1110 is NRR 29 (single-use foam); the E-A-Rsoft FX 312-1274 is NRR 33 (single-use foam).
- E-A-Rsoft FX 312-1274 vs E-A-R UltraFit: E-A-R UltraFit is NRR 25 (reusable flanged); the E-A-Rsoft FX 312-1274 is NRR 33 (single-use foam).
- E-A-Rsoft FX 312-1274 vs VP311-4106 Neons: VP311-4106 Neons is NRR 32 (single-use foam); the E-A-Rsoft FX 312-1274 is NRR 33 (single-use foam).
3M E-A-Rsoft FX 312-1274 Quick Answers
Does the cord lower protection?
No — the cord is for retention only; the seal sets the attenuation.
Are the 3M E-A-Rsoft FX 312-1274 washable?
No — single-use foam; replace when soiled.
Plugs or muffs?
Both for the highest noise; see ear plugs vs ear muffs.
3M E-A-Rsoft FX 312-1274 Specifications
| NRR | 33 dB (EPA / ANSI S3.19) |
| Type | Corded single-use foam ear plugs |
| Material | polyurethane foam |
| Reuse | Single-use (replace when soiled or no longer springy) |
| Sizing | One size fits most |
| Metal-detectable | No |
| Brand | 3M |
Fit & Sizing
The 3M E-A-Rsoft FX 312-1274 are single-use foam corded ear plugs. To fit them, roll them down between your fingers, pull the ear up and back, and insert — they expand to seal the canal — the seal, not just the NRR number, is what protects your hearing. They are one size fits most and single-use (replace when soiled or no longer springy). Browse more options in foam ear plugs, the full corded ear plugs range, or all hearing protection.
Helpful Hearing-Protection Guides
- Best hearing protection
- What NRR (noise reduction rating) means
- Foam vs reusable ear plugs
- Corded vs cordless ear plugs
- Highest-NRR ear plugs
- Ear plugs vs ear muffs
- OSHA hearing conservation (1910.95)
3M E-A-Rsoft FX 312-1274 Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NRR of the 3M E-A-Rsoft FX 312-1274?
The 3M E-A-Rsoft FX 312-1274 are rated NRR 33 dB (EPA-labeled per ANSI S3.19). Real-world protection is usually lower, so NIOSH recommends derating the NRR when estimating exposure.
Are the 3M E-A-Rsoft FX 312-1274 corded?
Yes. The permanent cord links the pair so you don't lose a plug, and lets you wear them around your neck between tasks — the cord does not change the NRR.
Are the 3M E-A-Rsoft FX 312-1274 reusable or single-use?
They are single-use (replace when soiled or no longer springy).
How do I insert the 3M E-A-Rsoft FX 312-1274?
To fit them, roll them down between your fingers, pull the ear up and back, and insert — they expand to seal the canal. A proper seal is what delivers the rated protection.
Can I wash the 3M E-A-Rsoft FX 312-1274?
They are single-use foam — replace rather than wash once soiled or no longer expanding.
Are the 3M E-A-Rsoft FX 312-1274 metal-detectable?
No. For food or pharma lines where a lost plug must be detectable, see our metal-detectable ear plugs.
What size are the 3M E-A-Rsoft FX 312-1274?
They are one size fits most.
What noise levels suit NRR 33?
NRR 33 dB suits common industrial noise once derated; for very high or impulse noise, add earmuffs for dual protection. See what NRR means.
Do corded ear plugs reduce the NRR vs uncorded?
No. The cord is only for retention; the plug body and seal determine attenuation.
Are the 3M E-A-Rsoft FX 312-1274 NIOSH/EPA labeled?
Yes — NRR 33 dB is EPA-labeled under ANSI S3.19. WC Safety sells authentic 3M hearing protection through legitimate channels.
Can I buy the 3M E-A-Rsoft FX 312-1274 in bulk or by the case?
Yes. Use the Request a Quote option for case and dispenser pricing on volume orders.
Should I choose ear plugs or ear muffs?
Plugs suit tight spaces, heat and all-day wear; muffs are faster on/off. Many high-noise jobs use both — see ear plugs vs ear muffs.
Written by Steven Eaton, WC Safety Editorial — industrial hearing-protection desk. Reviewed by the WC Safety Editorial Team. NRR and specifications sourced from manufacturer published data (EPA-labeled, ANSI S3.19). Compare the range in corded ear plugs or read our hearing-protection guide.
WC Safety is an independent PPE retailer and Amazon Associate; no paid placement. Follow your written hearing-conservation program and a professional fit/exposure assessment. General information, not medical advice.
Brand / Vendor
3M
Model / SKU
312-1274
Product Type
Ear Plugs
Price
$19.99 (Amazon)
Rating
4.5 / 5 — 6 reviews
Availability
Check current availability on Amazon
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Verified Buyer Reviews
Customer Reviews
★★★★☆4.0 / 5· 13 ratings on Amazon
★★★★★
Very good product, serves the purpose for me.
I'm using these earplugs for night time sleep and they fit my ears nicely, no complains. I can still hear my allarm clock in the morning. I just wish that this great idea of using earplugs visited me 10 years ago, so many sleepless nights in the past...
Verified Purchaser · May 3, 201 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★☆
Suitable Snoring Protection!
Not perfect but the best I've found. I use them to block out my husband's sleeping and they are the most comfortable and successful earplugs I've tried. I use them for 2-3 nights at a time and then open a new pack.
Verified Purchaser · May 5, 201 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★☆☆
Don't seem to cancel much noise and get painful in the middle of the night
These don't seem to block much sound. To be fair they seem to block about the same miniscule amount of sound as the others and are pretty ineffective. Unlike simpler foam earplugs these do get really painful when I wear them to sleep.
Verified Purchaser · November 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Great set of ear plugs for target practice
Using these for target practice. Nice and soft so it wont hurt your ears while inserting them.
Verified Purchaser · September · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Work excellent
They block all annoying noises very well. You gotta stick them all the way into your ears!
Verified Purchaser · November 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Five Stars
Great set of plugs.
Verified Purchaser · July 19, 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
Showing 6 of 13 Amazon reviews.
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