3M E-A-R UltraFit 340-4003 Cordless Earplugs β NRR 25
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 5.0/5WC Safety Review β 3M E-A-R UltraFit 340-4003 Cordless Earplugs Best For: corded reusable flanged hearing protection at NRR 25 dB in a low-profile uncorded design. Not For: non-noise hazards...
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Best For: corded reusable flanged hearing protection at NRR 25 dB in a low-profile uncorded design.
Not For: non-noise hazards, or noise that earplugs alone can't bring under ~85 dBA (add earmuffs).
Bottom Line: a practical reusable flanged plug at NRR 25 dB β the uncorded low-profile fit suits tight spaces and high-volume single-use.
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-R UltraFit 340-4003 Cordless Earplugs Overview
The 3M E-A-R UltraFit 340-4003 Cordless Earplugs are cordless reusable flanged ear plugs from 3M, rated NRR 25 dB. With no cord to catch or snag, they keep a low profile for tight and confined spaces β the most economical choice for high-volume single-use. Start with our hearing-protection guide and what NRR means, then confirm the noise level youβre protecting against.
The 3M E-A-R UltraFit 340-4003 belong to the cordless ear plugs range and the NRR 25 ear plugs group. They are reusable and washable across many shifts; for the trade-offs see foam vs reusable ear plugs.
What NRR 25 dB Means
NRR is a laboratory rating; NIOSH suggests derating it for real-world use. Here is how NRR 25 dB lines up with common environments (always confirm with a noise survey):
| Environment | Approx. noise | Fit for NRR? |
|---|---|---|
| Power tools / workshop (~95 dBA) | ~86 dBA after derating | Good fit |
| Heavy equipment / construction (~100 dBA) | ~91 dBA after derating | Add earmuffs |
| Manufacturing / plant floor (~90 dBA) | ~81 dBA after derating | Good fit |
| Firearms / impact (140 dB peak) | Impulse noise | Add earmuffs (dual) |
Who Should Buy the 3M E-A-R UltraFit 340-4003?
Buy them if you want reusable flanged hearing protection in a low-profile uncorded design at NRR 25 dB. Consider another plug if you need a different level or style: compare E-A-Rsoft SuperFit 312-1256, E-A-Rsoft FX 312-1261, E-A-R Push-Ins 318-1000. 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 β or whenever earplugs alone canβt bring exposure under about 85 dBA β wear them with earmuffs (dual protection). The 3M E-A-R UltraFit 340-4003 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 low-profile uncorded NRR 25 plug that wonβt snag in tight spaces.
Shooting & range use
For range and shooting use, pair a high NRR with muffs for impulse noise.
Pros & Cons
NRR 25 dB protection Β· no cord to snag, low-profile for tight spaces Β· washable, reusable Β· pre-sized flanges (check sizing if offered)
bulkier than uncorded Β· requires cleaning Β· cord can snag in some tasks
3M E-A-R UltraFit 340-4003 vs Other Corded Ear Plugs
| Ear plug | NRR / type |
|---|---|
| E-A-Rsoft SuperFit 312-1256 | NRR 33 Β· single-use foam |
| E-A-Rsoft FX 312-1261 | NRR 33 Β· single-use foam |
| E-A-R Push-Ins 318-1000 | NRR 28 Β· reusable flanged |
| E-A-Rsoft 312-1250 | NRR 33 Β· single-use foam |
3M E-A-R UltraFit 340-4003 vs the Alternatives
How they compare to close options:
- E-A-R UltraFit 340-4003 vs E-A-Rsoft SuperFit 312-1256: E-A-Rsoft SuperFit 312-1256 is NRR 33 (single-use foam); the E-A-R UltraFit 340-4003 is NRR 25 (reusable flanged).
- E-A-R UltraFit 340-4003 vs E-A-Rsoft FX 312-1261: E-A-Rsoft FX 312-1261 is NRR 33 (single-use foam); the E-A-R UltraFit 340-4003 is NRR 25 (reusable flanged).
- E-A-R UltraFit 340-4003 vs E-A-R Push-Ins 318-1000: E-A-R Push-Ins 318-1000 is NRR 28 (reusable flanged); the E-A-R UltraFit 340-4003 is NRR 25 (reusable flanged).
3M E-A-R UltraFit 340-4003 Quick Answers
Are cordless plugs less protective than corded?
No β same plug body and seal means the same NRR; a cord is only for retention.
Are the 3M E-A-R UltraFit 340-4003 washable?
Yes β rinse, dry and reuse.
Plugs or muffs?
Both for the highest noise; see ear plugs vs ear muffs.
3M E-A-R UltraFit 340-4003 Specifications
| NRR | 25 dB (EPA / ANSI S3.19) |
| Type | Cordless reusable flanged ear plugs |
| Material | thermoplastic/TPE |
| Reuse | Reusable and washable across many shifts |
| Sizing | Pre-sized flanges (check sizing if offered) |
| Metal-detectable | No |
| Brand | 3M |
Fit & Sizing
The 3M E-A-R UltraFit 340-4003 are reusable flanged cordless ear plugs. To fit them, push the pre-molded flanges gently into the canal until sealed; no rolling needed β the seal, not just the NRR number, is what protects your hearing. They are pre-sized flanges (check sizing if offered) and reusable and washable across many shifts. Browse more options in reusable ear plugs, the full cordless 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-R UltraFit 340-4003 Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NRR of the 3M E-A-R UltraFit 340-4003?
The 3M E-A-R UltraFit 340-4003 are rated NRR 25 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-R UltraFit 340-4003 cordless?
Yes β uncorded for a low-profile fit with no cord to catch, and the most economical option for high-volume single-use.
Are the 3M E-A-R UltraFit 340-4003 reusable or single-use?
They are reusable and washable across many shifts.
How do I insert the 3M E-A-R UltraFit 340-4003?
To fit them, push the pre-molded flanges gently into the canal until sealed; no rolling needed. A proper seal is what delivers the rated protection.
Can I wash the 3M E-A-R UltraFit 340-4003?
Yes β rinse the flanges with mild soap and water, dry, and reuse.
Are the 3M E-A-R UltraFit 340-4003 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-R UltraFit 340-4003?
They are pre-sized flanges (check sizing if offered).
What noise levels suit NRR 25?
NRR 25 dB suits common industrial noise once derated; for very high or impulse noise, add earmuffs for dual protection. See what NRR means.
Are cordless ear plugs less protective than corded?
No. A cord is only for retention; an uncorded plug with the same body and seal delivers the same NRR.
Are the 3M E-A-R UltraFit 340-4003 NIOSH/EPA labeled?
Yes β NRR 25 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-R UltraFit 340-4003 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 β see ear plugs vs ear muffs.
Written by Steven Eaton, WC Safety Editorial β 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 cordless 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.
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