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3M E-A-R Classic 310-1101 NRR 33 Uncorded Foam Earplugs (200 Pairs)
$30.27
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EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 WC Safety Review — 3M E-A-R Classic 310-1101 Cordless Earplugs — NRR 33 Editorial assessment by the WC Safety Editorial Team, based on published 3M specifications and category fit. We did n...
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EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 WC Safety Review — 3M E-A-R Classic 310-1101 Cordless Earplugs — NRR 33
Editorial assessment by the WC Safety Editorial Team, based on published 3M specifications and category fit. We did not laboratory-test this product.
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3M E-A-R Classic 310-1101 NRR 33 Uncorded Foam Earplugs (200 Pairs) Overview
The 3M E-A-R Classic 310-1101 is the original cylindrical PVC foam earplug, carrying a laboratory Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 33 measured under ANSI S3.19 — the top of the foam range. These are uncorded, single-use roll-down plugs supplied 200 pairs per box, making them a high-volume choice for crews issuing fresh plugs each shift across hearing protection programs.
Be realistic about field performance: the printed NRR is a lab ceiling, not what most workers actually get. NIOSH recommends derating foam plugs by 25%, and OSHA's enforcement method estimates real-world attenuation as (NRR − 7) ÷ 2 when comparing to a measured A-weighted noise level. On an NRR 33 plug that lands roughly in the mid-to-high teens of dB(A) of dependable protection — still substantial, but fit and full insertion drive the result. For the math behind selecting a plug, see how to calculate NRR and our primer on what is NRR.
Roll the foam down tight, pull the ear up and back, insert deeply, and hold while it expands. Proper technique matters more than the number on the box — review how to insert foam earplugs before your team relies on these. Because they are disposable, store unused pairs clean and discard after each use rather than reinserting soiled foam. Browse more foam ear plugs or compare against the full NRR 33 ear plugs lineup.
What It Is Built For
| Use case | Fit | Buyer guidance |
|---|---|---|
| High-noise manufacturing / metal fabrication | Excellent | NRR 33 lab rating gives the widest margin above the OSHA 90 dBA PEL; issue a fresh pair each shift from the 200-pair box. |
| Construction, demolition, and roadwork | Excellent | Uncorded plugs stay out of the way under hard hats and respirators; disposable format suits dusty, dirty sites. |
| Around the 85 dBA action level (1910.95) | Good | More protection than needed but safe; over-attenuation can isolate workers, so confirm they can still hear alarms and signals. |
| Tasks needing the plug tethered | Limited | These are uncorded — if drop loss or FOD control matters, choose a corded foam plug instead. |
| Repeated all-day reuse | Poor | Single-use PVC foam is not meant to be washed and reinserted; pick a reusable flanged plug for wearers who remove and refit often. |
Earplugs reduce noise, but the labeled NRR is a laboratory number — real-world protection is lower. NIOSH derates foam by about 25%, and OSHA estimates protection as (NRR − 7) ÷ 2. Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 a hearing-conservation program is required at an 8-hour TWA of 85 dBA. Insert foam plugs correctly (roll, pull the ear up and back, hold) for the rated seal, and use dual protection with earmuffs in very high noise. See how to calculate the NRR you need.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Top-of-range NRR 33 (ANSI S3.19) lab rating for high-noise environments
- Bulk 200-pair box lowers cost per pair for shift-issue programs
- Soft cylindrical PVC foam with slow recovery for a deep, sealed fit
- Uncorded design stays clear of respirator straps and hard-hat suspensions
- Trusted 3M E-A-R Classic platform — the original foam earplug
Cons
- Single-use — not washable or reusable, so consumption is ongoing
- Uncorded, so plugs can be dropped or lost without a tether
- Real-world protection is well below NRR 33 after NIOSH/OSHA derating and depends on fit
- Cylindrical foam can be bulkier in small ear canals than tapered pod-style plugs
How It Compares
Within 3M's foam family, the E-A-R Classic 310-1101 (NRR 33) is the firmest, most cylindrical option — favored where maximum attenuation and a substantial foam body are wanted. The Moldex Softies (uncorded, NRR 33) match the rating with a softer, tapered foam some wearers find easier on small canals. If you need the plug tethered, step to a corded option such as the 3M 1270 reusable corded multi-flange (NRR 25) or the Moldex 6985 Glide corded (NRR 31) — both trade some lab NRR for cord retention or reusability. For wearers who repeatedly remove plugs, a reusable flanged plug from reusable ear plugs outlasts single-use foam. See the highest-NRR ear plugs guide to weigh these head-to-head.
Specifications
| Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) | 33 dB (ANSI S3.19, laboratory) |
| Material / Form | PVC foam, cylindrical roll-down |
| Corded | No (uncorded) |
| Reusable vs Single-use | Single-use / disposable |
| Quantity | 200 pairs per box |
| Brand / Model | 3M E-A-R Classic 310-1101 |
| Test Standard | ANSI S3.19-1974 |
| Fit type | Roll-down, in-ear (aural insert) |
Related Resources
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NRR of the 3M E-A-R Classic 310-1101?
It carries a laboratory Noise Reduction Rating of 33 (ANSI S3.19) — the top of the foam earplug range. Real-world protection is lower; see the derating note below.
Are these earplugs corded or uncorded?
Uncorded. There is no connecting cord, so the plugs sit flush and stay clear of respirator straps and hard-hat suspensions. If you need a tether to prevent drops, choose a corded earplug instead.
How many pairs come in a box?
200 pairs per box, making this a bulk format suited to programs that issue a fresh pair to each worker every shift.
Are the 310-1101 plugs reusable or single-use?
Single-use. The PVC foam is not designed to be washed and reinserted; discard each pair after use and roll down a clean pair next time.
What protection do I really get from an NRR 33 plug?
Less than 33 dB in practice. NIOSH recommends derating foam plugs by 25%, and OSHA estimates real-world attenuation as (NRR − 7) ÷ 2 when comparing to a measured noise level — roughly the mid-to-high teens of dB(A) for an NRR 33 plug. Fit and full insertion drive the result. See our guide on how to calculate NRR.
Do these meet OSHA hearing-conservation requirements?
OSHA 1910.95 sets an 85 dBA action level and a 90 dBA permissible exposure limit; hearing protection must reduce a worker's exposure below those thresholds. At NRR 33 (lab) these provide a wide margin even after derating, but you must confirm the derated value against your measured noise level.
Will NRR 33 be too much protection?
It can be near the action level — over-attenuation may make it hard to hear alarms, signals, or coworkers. Verify that wearers can still detect warnings; if exposures are modest, a lower-NRR plug may be the safer choice for situational awareness.
What material are they made of?
Soft PVC (polyvinyl chloride) foam in a cylindrical roll-down shape with slow recovery, allowing the foam to expand and seal the ear canal after insertion.
How do I insert them correctly?
Roll the foam down to a thin crease-free cylinder, reach over your head to pull the ear up and back, insert deeply, and hold until the foam expands. Improper insertion is the main reason real protection falls short of the rating — see how to insert foam earplugs.
How do these compare to NRR 33 plugs from other brands?
The 3M Classic uses a firmer cylindrical foam, while alternatives like the Moldex Softies use a softer tapered foam at the same NRR 33. Both seal well; canal size and personal comfort usually decide which a wearer prefers.
Can I use these with earmuffs for higher protection?
Yes — dual protection (plugs plus muffs) is used in very high noise, but combined attenuation is not additive. A common rule adds about 5 dB to the higher of the two device NRRs; consult a safety professional and your noise survey for the exact dual-protection value.
Are these the right plugs for my whole crew, or should I mix products?
These suit high-noise tasks and per-shift disposable issue. For workers who tether plugs, repeatedly remove them, or need reusable foam, pair this box with corded or reusable options so each role gets the right form factor. Browse the full hearing-protection range to standardize your program.
Written by Steven Eaton, WC Safety Editorial. Specifications sourced from 3M published data. Compare the range in foam ear plugs.
WC Safety is an independent PPE retailer and Amazon Associate; no paid placement. Match the product to your specific hazard and follow your site PPE program.
Brand / Vendor
3M
Model / SKU
1101
Product Type
Earplug
Price
$30.27 (Amazon)
Rating
4.78 / 5 — 9 reviews
Availability
✓ In Stock on Amazon
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Verified Buyer Reviews
Customer Reviews
★★★★★4.7 / 5· 249 ratings on Amazon
★★★★★
Great ear plug for large ear canals
After struggling with small, tapered plugs, these are great. The seal well, stay in place and significantly reduce noise. I use them under my ear muffs for great protection.
Verified Purchaser · May 25, 20 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Excellent product the best ear plugs out there
As far as I am concerned I think these are the best ear plugs out there. These are the "Plus" version that makes them a little longer so they are easier to roll and place them in your ear. Done correctly they seal the ear canal very well and are perfectly comfortable to wear even for extended periods.
Verified Purchaser · January 30 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Excellent hearing protection.
Roll up into a small diameter, insert into ear, wait until body heat warms up and expands the ear plug. So simple to use once you know how. Caution: be sure your fingers are clean before using any ear plugs, to avoid ear infections.
Verified Purchaser · April 23, · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
20 YEARS !!!
20 years!! I've used these for 20 straight years. I first used them operating lawnmowers, weed-wackers and blowers in lawn care 7 days a week. I have occasionally trialed other varieties. I've always returned due to superior sound proofing and comfort. I have though, found two techniques useful. 1) I trim the end that goes in the ear; just to round it off and make it more comfortable. This is important to me because once an irritation develops in the canal I still need to keep the ear plug in and then I have a painful dilemma! Prudent for me to prevent the chafe from starting in the first place. 2)For those times when an unusual degree of noise needs to be blocked out for a time I moderately swab the plug with baby diaper rash zinc oxide ointment. It appears identical to the zinc oxide we used to smear on our noses at the beach. The ointment seals the ear canal even more and increases the soundproofing. WARNING ! If you use the ointment sealing technique repetitively you can make yourself deaf for all intents and purposes, which can be very dangerous and you don't get a second chance to hear that car, baby, click, whoosh or any of the other myriad warning sounds our lives depend on. But again, excellent earplugs, reliable and consistent.
Verified Purchaser · October 16 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★☆
Good ear plugs for loud work
Great earplugs and you won't need tweezers to remove them from the ears when no longer needed. I use them when doing chainsaw work, lawn mowers etc...They work very well.
Verified Purchaser · September · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Superior Noise Reduction over Standard E-A-R version!
As you can see these are 20% longer than the standard version, which not only makes them easier to install and remove it also increases the Noise Reduction Ratio by 4 dB. Now the extra 4 db NRR results in a 133% increase in actual Noise Reduction if they used dBm as their measurement unit, or 66% if they used dBspl. This is a tremendous amount either way, (I'm an acoustic engineer). This coupled with the ease of installation makes these one of the best disposable ear plugs available anywhere! The price bounces around between $33 and $45 per 200 pairs, so you may have to shop them a little if you are on a limited budget. I highly recommend these!!
Verified Purchaser · February 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Noise canceling,no problem !
Great ear plugs,have used them for years, at concerts and for city noise or neighbors.The product is consistent in production.You have to roll them properly, and unless you have large ear canals you don’t need the plus series.
Verified Purchaser · June 9, 20 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★☆
Shape Matters, Fit Feels Great, That's What She Said
If you're going to shove something deep into a hole, shape matters. Size matters. Feel matters.These 3M earplugs hit just right. Soft but dense, cylindrical, not conical, and just firm enough to slide in with minimal resistance and stay there, at least most of the time.I’ve tried those conical ones before, and nope, never again. They either don’t fill the space properly or pop out like a champagne cork during REM sleep. These, though, fill it. Perfectly. Reusability is a bonus, too. Even after a few uses, they still perform well, although the shape warps slightly, as if they've undergone a minor identity crisis.Occasional downside: They do fall out once in a while, especially mid-sleep. And let me tell you, trying to find a yellow foam noodle in a dark bed at 2 a.m. feels like a low-budget treasure hunt. That's why I got the 200-pack. Sleep first, search party later.Pictured: My Captain of Crush gripper next to fresh and used ones... the visual equivalent of “choose your fighter.”Four stars. For comfort, silence, and a surprisingly pleasurable fit. One star withheld for occasional escape attempts.This review was brought to you by the movement to Make Reading Reviews Fun Again (no political affiliation).You're welcome.
Verified Purchaser · June 11, 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
STOP LOOKING!
You have found what you need.Simply the bestHIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Verified Purchaser · December 1 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
Showing 9 of 249 Amazon reviews.
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