Howard Leight AirSoft Corded Earplugs β NRR 27
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5WC Safety Review β Howard Leight AirSoft Corded Earplugs Best For: corded reusable flanged hearing protection at NRR 27 dB with a retention cord. Not For: non-noise hazards, or noise that ea...
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Best For: corded reusable flanged hearing protection at NRR 27 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 reusable flanged plug at NRR 27 dB β 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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Howard Leight AirSoft Corded Earplugs Overview
The Howard Leight AirSoft Corded Earplugs are corded reusable flanged ear plugs from Howard Leight, rated NRR 27 dB. The permanent cord keeps the pair together so a plug isnβt 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 youβre protecting against.
The Howard Leight AirSoft belong to the corded ear plugs range and the NRR 27 ear plugs group. They are reusable and washable across many shifts; for the trade-offs see foam vs reusable ear plugs.
What NRR 27 dB Means
NRR is a laboratory rating; NIOSH suggests derating it for real-world use. Here is how NRR 27 dB lines up with common environments (always confirm with a noise survey):
| Environment | Approx. noise | Fit for NRR? |
|---|---|---|
| Power tools / workshop (~95 dBA) | ~85 dBA after derating | Good fit |
| Heavy equipment / construction (~100 dBA) | ~90 dBA after derating | Good fit |
| Manufacturing / plant floor (~90 dBA) | ~80 dBA after derating | Good fit |
| Firearms / impact (140 dB peak) | Impulse noise | Add earmuffs (dual) |
Who Should Buy the Howard Leight AirSoft?
Buy them if you want reusable flanged hearing protection with a retention cord at NRR 27 dB. Consider another plug if you need a different level or style: compare SMF-30 SmartFit, LT-30, FUS30S Fusion. 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 Howard Leight AirSoft 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 27 plug you wonβt lose between tasks.
Shooting & range use
For range and shooting use, pair a high NRR with muffs for impulse noise.
Pros & Cons
NRR 27 dB protection Β· corded for loss prevention Β· washable, reusable Β· pre-sized flanges (check sizing if offered)
bulkier than uncorded Β· requires cleaning Β· cord can snag in some tasks
Howard Leight AirSoft vs Other Corded Ear Plugs
| Ear plug | NRR / type |
|---|---|
| SMF-30 SmartFit | NRR 25 Β· reusable flanged |
| LT-30 | NRR 32 Β· single-use foam |
| FUS30S Fusion | NRR 27 Β· reusable flanged |
| R-01522 | NRR 26 Β· reusable flanged |
Howard Leight AirSoft vs the Alternatives
How they compare to close options:
- AirSoft vs SMF-30 SmartFit: SMF-30 SmartFit is NRR 25 (reusable flanged); the AirSoft is NRR 27 (reusable flanged).
- AirSoft vs LT-30: LT-30 is NRR 32 (single-use foam); the AirSoft is NRR 27 (reusable flanged).
- AirSoft vs FUS30S Fusion: FUS30S Fusion is NRR 27 (reusable flanged); the AirSoft is NRR 27 (reusable flanged).
Howard Leight AirSoft Quick Answers
Does the cord lower protection?
No β the cord is for retention only; the seal sets the attenuation.
Are the Howard Leight AirSoft washable?
Yes β rinse, dry and reuse.
Plugs or muffs?
Both for the highest noise; see ear plugs vs ear muffs.
Howard Leight AirSoft Specifications
| NRR | 27 dB (EPA / ANSI S3.19) |
| Type | Corded 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 | Howard Leight |
Fit & Sizing
The Howard Leight AirSoft are reusable flanged corded 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 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)
Howard Leight AirSoft Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NRR of the Howard Leight AirSoft?
The Howard Leight AirSoft are rated NRR 27 dB (EPA-labeled per ANSI S3.19). Real-world protection is usually lower, so NIOSH recommends derating the NRR when estimating exposure.
Are the Howard Leight AirSoft 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 β the cord does not change the NRR.
Are the Howard Leight AirSoft reusable or single-use?
They are reusable and washable across many shifts.
How do I insert the Howard Leight AirSoft?
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 Howard Leight AirSoft?
Yes β rinse the flanges with mild soap and water, dry, and reuse.
Are the Howard Leight AirSoft 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 Howard Leight AirSoft?
They are pre-sized flanges (check sizing if offered).
What noise levels suit NRR 27?
NRR 27 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 Howard Leight AirSoft NIOSH/EPA labeled?
Yes β NRR 27 dB is EPA-labeled under ANSI S3.19. WC Safety sells authentic Howard Leight hearing protection through legitimate channels.
Can I buy the Howard Leight AirSoft 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 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.
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