Howard Leight R-01521 Corded Earplugs — NRR 27
$8.99
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EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.0/5WC Safety Review — Howard Leight R-01521 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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EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.0/5WC Safety Review — Howard Leight R-01521 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 earplugs alone can't bring under ~85 dBA (add earmuffs).
Bottom Line: a solid corded reusable flanged plug at NRR 27 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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Howard Leight R-01521 Corded Earplugs Overview
The Howard Leight R-01521 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 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 Howard Leight R-01521 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 R-01521?
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 AirSoft, SMF-30 SmartFit, LT-30. 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 Howard Leight R-01521 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 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 27 dB protection · corded for loss prevention · washable, reusable · pre-sized flanges (check sizing if offered)
NRR 27 dB protection · corded for loss prevention · washable, reusable · pre-sized flanges (check sizing if offered)
Cons
bulkier than uncorded · requires cleaning · cord can snag in some tasks
bulkier than uncorded · requires cleaning · cord can snag in some tasks
Howard Leight R-01521 vs Other Corded Ear Plugs
| Ear plug | NRR / type |
|---|---|
| AirSoft | NRR 27 · reusable flanged |
| SMF-30 SmartFit | NRR 25 · reusable flanged |
| LT-30 | NRR 32 · single-use foam |
| FUS30S Fusion | NRR 27 · reusable flanged |
Howard Leight R-01521 vs the Alternatives
How they compare to close options:
- R-01521 vs AirSoft: AirSoft is NRR 27 (reusable flanged); the R-01521 is NRR 27 (reusable flanged).
- R-01521 vs SMF-30 SmartFit: SMF-30 SmartFit is NRR 25 (reusable flanged); the R-01521 is NRR 27 (reusable flanged).
- R-01521 vs LT-30: LT-30 is NRR 32 (single-use foam); the R-01521 is NRR 27 (reusable flanged).
Howard Leight R-01521 Quick Answers
Does the cord lower protection?
No — the cord is for retention only; the seal sets the attenuation.
Are the Howard Leight R-01521 washable?
Yes — rinse, dry and reuse.
Plugs or muffs?
Both for the highest noise; see ear plugs vs ear muffs.
Howard Leight R-01521 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 R-01521 are reusable flanged corded ear plugs. To fit them, push the pre-molded flanges gently into the canal until sealed; no rolling needed — 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 R-01521 Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NRR of the Howard Leight R-01521?
The Howard Leight R-01521 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 R-01521 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 Howard Leight R-01521 reusable or single-use?
They are reusable and washable across many shifts.
How do I insert the Howard Leight R-01521?
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 R-01521?
Yes — rinse the flanges with mild soap and water, dry, and reuse.
Are the Howard Leight R-01521 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 R-01521?
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 R-01521 NIOSH/EPA labeled?
Yes — 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 R-01521 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
Howard Leight by Honeywell
Model / SKU
R-01521
Product Type
Ear Plugs
Price
$8.99 (Amazon)
Rating
4.0 / 5 — 10 reviews
Availability
Check current availability on Amazon
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Verified Buyer Reviews
Customer Reviews
★★★★☆4.1 / 5· 277 ratings on Amazon
★★★★★
Comfortable, quiet
I bought these to use in the shop but I actually use them for sleeping at night when my wife snores. I have been using them for over 5 years now and just bought a second pair. I cut the cord off so it doesn’t get tangled at night. I have tried other earplugs in the past but I prefer these by far. Excited to have 2 new pairs. The others still worked okay, but after this many years they had softened up a little too much.
Verified Purchaser · December 7 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Decibels
Nice earplugs reusable good for certain decibels
Verified Purchaser · January 11 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★☆
Good earplugs for shooting. Work great at reducing loud noise. Could be a little more comfortable.
I've been on the hunt for the perfect set of earplugs for shooting. I seem to have a bigger ear canal in my left ear than my right and quite often an in-ear set of plugs that work in my right, don't seal in my left ear. These do. These seal both ears and do an excellent job of reducing the sound my ear receive.The only reason I give 4 stars instead of 5 is that they are a little uncomfortable. But they do work well!
Verified Purchaser · March 1, 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Good ear plugs.
Very good ear plugs.
Verified Purchaser · February 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★☆☆☆☆
Skip these inconsistent plugs.
I purchased two, two packs for my son and into use while we target shoot. The first pack offered good ear protection, but the earplug separated from the cord the first trip. The second trip, we had to open the second package because of the issues with mine and my son dropped his somewhere while changing targets. The second package did not offer the same level of protection. We both commented that the shots seemed quite a bit louder. It was almost like a completely different set of plugs.
Verified Purchaser · April 22, · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★☆☆
Painful
They seemed to reduce the noise well, but were too painful to use for more than an hour.
Verified Purchaser · November 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
My favorite
These are my favorite earplugs for the range. They are comfortable and do a good job of noise reduction
Verified Purchaser · August 1, · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
PERFECT
My husband Loves these. He uses them while he's working in the yard with machinery. He's had several of these, but the last ones finally gave out. He was so concerned he wouldn't find another pair "just like" the ones he had. I went on Amazon and found them. YAY for Amazon!
Verified Purchaser · April 23, · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★☆
Great sound reduction but only okay comfort
I like this style of flanged earplugs. Started wearing this type on construction sites. These last forever, are easy to clean, easy to insert, stay seated, and have excellent sound reduction. This particular set is also inexpensive. However, these are less soft/squishy than similar pairs I have owned, and are much less soft/squishy than other types of plugs (the ones made for concerts). They are comfortable enough while actively working or going dancing at a club, but they start to bug me on long motorcycle rides, maybe itch a bit. I'm happy to own these but will probably keep looking for a pair that is more squishy while still durable. They are pretty visible to others.
Verified Purchaser · June 14, 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★☆☆
Ear plugs work
I ordered these ear plugs because I had a previous pair, liked them but could not find in a store. The description advertised 2 pairs and a carrying case was included, however, I only received one pair, so I returned them. I then ordered them again, hoping the 2nd time I would receive the correct quantity. But again I only received one pair and no carrying case. I do like the ear plugs, but disappointed that I didn't receive what was described.
Verified Purchaser · March 31, · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
Showing 10 of 277 Amazon reviews.
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