Howard Leight Fusion Regular Reusable Earplugs, NRR 27 (RTSFUS30HP)
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 WC Safety Review β the Howard Leight Fusion regular reusable earplugs (RTSFUS30HP) Editorial assessment by Steven Eaton, WC Safety editor, based on published Howard Leight specifications an...
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Editorial assessment by Steven Eaton, WC Safety editor, based on published Howard Leight specifications and category fit. We did not laboratory-test this product.
Howard Leight Fusion Regular Reusable Earplugs, NRR 27 (RTSFUS30HP) Overview
The Howard Leight Fusion regular reusable earplugs (RTSFUS30HP) are washable, multiple-use hearing protection rated NRR 27 in the US, in the regular size that fits most adults. Under OSHA 1910.95, hearing protection is required when noise reaches an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 dBA, and a reusable flanged plug is a clean, low-waste way to meet that day after day.
As Fusion multiple-use earplugs, the design is the draw: a patented 4-flange reusable earplugs SoftFlange profile adjusts to the ear canal for all-day comfort, while a FlexiFirm core in thermal plastic urethane inserts easily without collapsing. These NRR 27 earplugs come with a soft detachable cord and a HearPack storage case, and with proper cleaning they last roughly 2 to 4 weeks of daily use before replacement.
Like any item in hearing protection, match the plug to your measured noise exposure and to how you work. As detachable cord earplugs you can wear them corded around the neck or detach the cord where it could snag; the same Howard Leight FUS30 Fusion is offered in a small size (FUS30S) for smaller ear canals. Compare this reusable earplug against foam and other NRR 27 options, and weigh reusable versus disposable in our hearing guides before ordering.
What These Fusion Earplugs Are Built For
| Use case | Fit | Buyer guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Daily reuse / lower waste | Purpose-built | Washable flanged plug lasts weeks, cutting single-use foam consumption. |
| Clean, quick insertion | Strong | No rolling down; the FlexiFirm core pushes in without touching foam. |
| Moving in and out of noise zones | Strong | The detachable cord keeps plugs together and clean between uses. |
| Very high-noise environments | Consider foam | NRR 27 is solid; a well-fitted foam plug reaches higher for extreme noise. |
| Smaller ear canals | Choose small | This is the regular size; use the FUS30S small size for a closer fit. |
Hearing protection only works when it fits. The labeled NRR is a laboratory value that overstates real-world attenuation, so OSHA and NIOSH recommend derating it β a common method subtracts 7 from the NRR and halves the remainder when estimating protection against a time-weighted average exposure. Choose a size that seals comfortably, insert flanged plugs by pushing gently rather than rolling, wear hearing protection whenever noise reaches an 8-hour TWA of 85 dBA under OSHA 1910.95, clean and inspect reusable plugs regularly, replace them when the flanges tear or harden, and use dual protection (plugs plus muffs) only per your safety program for very high noise. Learn more in what NRR means and foam vs reusable ear plugs.
Pros & Cons
- Washable and reusable β lower waste and cost over time
- Patented 4-flange SoftFlange for comfort and a consistent seal
- FlexiFirm core inserts easily without rolling
- Soft detachable cord plus a HearPack storage case
- NRR 27 attenuation in a clean-handling plug
- NRR 27 is lower than a well-fitted foam plug for extreme noise
- Regular size only β choose the FUS30S for smaller canals
- Needs cleaning and periodic replacement (about 2 to 4 weeks)
- Field attenuation depends on correct size and seal
How It Compares
The Fusion is the reusable, flanged option. Weigh it against the alternatives before ordering:
| Option | Type | NRR | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fusion regular RTSFUS30HP (this page) | Reusable 4-flange, corded | 27 | Daily reuse and clean handling |
| Fusion small (FUS30S) | Reusable 4-flange, corded | 27 | Smaller ear canals |
| Disposable foam plug | Single-use foam | 30-33 | Highest attenuation for extreme noise |
Choose the regular Fusion for reusable comfort, the small Fusion for a closer fit, or a disposable foam plug for the highest NRR. Compare in our disposable vs reusable ear plugs guide and the wider hearing protection range.
Specifications
| Brand | Howard Leight by Honeywell |
| Model | Fusion RTSFUS30HP (regular, corded) |
| Type | Reusable multiple-use flanged earplug |
| NRR | 27 (US) |
| Design / Material | Patented 4-flange SoftFlange, FlexiFirm core, thermal plastic urethane |
| Cord / Case | Soft detachable cord; HearPack storage case |
| Size / Service Life | Regular (small = FUS30S); ~2-4 weeks of daily use with care |
Related Guides
disposable vs reusable ear plugs, foam vs reusable ear plugs, best hearing protection, what is NRR, when you need hearing protection.
Related Resources
hearing protection reusable earplugs NRR 27 ear plugs corded ear plugs foam ear plugs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NRR of the Howard Leight Fusion?
The Fusion is rated NRR 27 in the US. That is solid attenuation for a reusable flanged plug, though lower than a well-fitted disposable foam plug. NRR is a laboratory value, so derate it for real-world use rather than assuming full protection.
Are the Fusion earplugs reusable?
Yes. The Fusion is a washable, multiple-use flanged earplug. With proper cleaning and care it lasts roughly 2 to 4 weeks of daily use before it should be replaced. That cuts waste and ongoing cost compared with single-use foam plugs.
What size is the RTSFUS30HP?
This is the regular size, which fits most adults. Howard Leight also offers a small size as the FUS30S for smaller ear canals. Choose the size that seals comfortably; a plug that is too large or small will not attenuate to its rating.
What is the SoftFlange and FlexiFirm design?
The patented 4-flange SoftFlange design adjusts to the shape of the ear canal for comfort and a consistent seal, while a FlexiFirm core gives the plug enough stiffness to insert easily without collapsing. Together they aim for foam-like attenuation with easier, cleaner handling.
Do the Fusion earplugs come with a cord?
Yes, with a soft detachable cord. You can wear the plugs corded so they hang around the neck between uses, or detach the cord where it might snag. The set also includes a HearPack storage case to keep the plugs clean between wears.
How do I insert a flanged earplug?
Unlike foam, you do not roll it down. Hold the stem or cap, pull the ear up and back, and gently push the flanges into the canal until they seal. If you can still hear normally, push a little further or check the size. Do not force it.
How do I clean and store the Fusion?
Wash the plugs with mild soap and water, let them dry fully, and keep them in the included HearPack case between uses. Inspect the flanges for tears or hardening and replace the plugs when they no longer seal or after the recommended service life.
How does a reusable plug compare with disposable foam?
Reusable flanged plugs are quicker to insert, cleaner to handle, and cheaper over time, but often carry a slightly lower NRR than a well-fitted foam plug. Foam can reach higher attenuation but must be rolled and inserted correctly every time. See our foam vs reusable guide.
How should I apply the NRR to real noise levels?
OSHA and NIOSH recommend derating the labeled NRR because lab conditions overstate field performance. A common OSHA method subtracts 7 from the NRR and halves the remainder when estimating protection against a time-weighted average exposure. Follow your safety program's method.
When is hearing protection required?
OSHA requires hearing protection when noise reaches or exceeds an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 dBA under 1910.95. If you must raise your voice to be heard at arm's length, noise is likely high enough to warrant protection. See our guide on when hearing protection is needed.
Can I use these with earmuffs for very loud work?
Yes. Dual protection - earplugs plus earmuffs - is used for very high noise, but the combined NRR is not the sum of the two. Add about 5 dB to the higher of the two device ratings as a rule of thumb, and follow your safety program for dual-protection thresholds.
How many pairs come in the RTSFUS30HP pack?
The RTSFUS30HP is a retail-ready regular-size Fusion pack; the Fusion is also sold in larger dispenser-box quantities. Check the packaging for the exact pair count and choose the pack that matches how you issue and replace plugs.
Written by Steven Eaton, WC Safety Editorial. Specifications sourced from Howard Leight by Honeywell published data. Compare the range in reusable earplugs.
WC Safety is an independent PPE review site and Amazon Associate; no paid placement. Match the product to your specific noise exposure and follow your site hearing-conservation program.
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