Howard Leight R-01522 Corded Earplugs — NRR 26
$9.85
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EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.1/5WC Safety Review — Howard Leight R-01522 Corded Earplugs Best For: corded reusable flanged hearing protection at NRR 26 dB with a retention cord. Not For: non-noise hazards, or noise that ea...
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EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.1/5WC Safety Review — Howard Leight R-01522 Corded Earplugs
Best For: corded reusable flanged hearing protection at NRR 26 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 26 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-01522 Corded Earplugs Overview
The Howard Leight R-01522 Corded Earplugs are corded reusable flanged ear plugs from Howard Leight, rated NRR 26 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-01522 belong to the corded ear plugs range. They are reusable and washable across many shifts; for the trade-offs see foam vs reusable ear plugs.
What NRR 26 dB Means
NRR is a laboratory rating; NIOSH suggests derating it for real-world use. Here is how NRR 26 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 | Add earmuffs |
| 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-01522?
Buy them if you want reusable flanged hearing protection with a retention cord at NRR 26 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-01522 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 26 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 26 dB protection · corded for loss prevention · washable, reusable · pre-sized flanges (check sizing if offered)
NRR 26 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-01522 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-01522 vs the Alternatives
How they compare to close options:
- R-01522 vs AirSoft: AirSoft is NRR 27 (reusable flanged); the R-01522 is NRR 26 (reusable flanged).
- R-01522 vs SMF-30 SmartFit: SMF-30 SmartFit is NRR 25 (reusable flanged); the R-01522 is NRR 26 (reusable flanged).
- R-01522 vs LT-30: LT-30 is NRR 32 (single-use foam); the R-01522 is NRR 26 (reusable flanged).
Howard Leight R-01522 Quick Answers
Does the cord lower protection?
No — the cord is for retention only; the seal sets the attenuation.
Are the Howard Leight R-01522 washable?
Yes — rinse, dry and reuse.
Plugs or muffs?
Both for the highest noise; see ear plugs vs ear muffs.
Howard Leight R-01522 Specifications
| NRR | 26 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-01522 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-01522 Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NRR of the Howard Leight R-01522?
The Howard Leight R-01522 are rated NRR 26 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-01522 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-01522 reusable or single-use?
They are reusable and washable across many shifts.
How do I insert the Howard Leight R-01522?
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-01522?
Yes — rinse the flanges with mild soap and water, dry, and reuse.
Are the Howard Leight R-01522 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-01522?
They are pre-sized flanges (check sizing if offered).
What noise levels suit NRR 26?
NRR 26 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-01522 NIOSH/EPA labeled?
Yes — NRR 26 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-01522 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-01522
Product Type
Ear Plugs
Price
$9.85 (Amazon)
Rating
4.1 / 5 — 10 reviews
Availability
Check current availability on Amazon
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Verified Buyer Reviews
Customer Reviews
★★★★☆4.1 / 5· 72 ratings on Amazon
★★★★★
My favorite earplugs
These are the earplugs I reached for by choice when I worked in manufacturing and I still love them for riding in a car full of noise on trips. I have a pair in the house and two in the car. Love them. One caveat - they fit some ears better than others. I get a tight, comfortable fit but my husband can't get them to seal at all. Still recommend them because when they fit, boy do they.
Verified Purchaser · April 14, · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Works Great!
I use these while doing video at drag races where I am almost next to the cars with open headers. No ear ringing after using these and much better than the generic foam ones. The bright orange color helps me find them in my bag when I haphazardly throw them in without putting them in its case. Not sure how they would do for firearms, but for my needs, they get the job done at a decent price.
Verified Purchaser · June 16, 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★☆
Great product
Excellent product: Ear plugs very easy on the ears and do not cause itching. But they are made only in orange color, making them too noticeable.
Verified Purchaser · April 4, 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Best of the many that I've tried!
I have boxes of ear plugs in a variety of styles that I've accumulated over the years, and these are the only ones I use.I wear them for motorcycling, and since they are reusable, they do not require rolling them to fit in my ear, and they don't cause irritation making contact with my helmet. Being corded they don't disappear, and they are all day comfortable.They may seem a little pricey, but considering you only need to replace them if you lose them they are actually a bargain when compared to the use and toss foam ones.
Verified Purchaser · October 18 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★☆☆
they used to be good earplugs to sleep in
June 2022 UPDATE: I changed my review from 5-star to 3-star because the inconsistent sizing on these is just impossible to deal with. I love the ones that fit, though even in the beginning I did notice the sizes of them would change from purchase to purchase, but they still worked. However, the last two packages I've bought have had plugs that are so large they are unusable. Comparing them to the first ones I bought, they are about twice as large, which is going to be too large for most people to use.My original review from November 2020:I bought these because of the new neighbors in the house next door who played their music in their house and in their cars really loud all hours of the day and night. They finally got kicked out but now the landlords are in the middle of weeks of loud repairs from the damage they left behind, and they sometimes go until midnight with their power tools.I tried several sets of ear plugs for sleeping and these have been the best, though I do have to cut the cord off of them since I don't want a cord around my face when sleeping. They're lightweight and you can insert them in just right to get a really good seal that blocks out a ton of sound, though it's easy to nudge them just a little so you get a looser seal, which still works for what I need.The only problem I've had with them is that the posts inside can be a little long, which push against the ear canal and cause sore spots. I've trimmed just a tiny bit, about 1/2 cm, off the posts and that fixes the problem.So far they've washed really well, I can use them 6-7 times with washing before replacing them. They are light material so after a while they get a little floppy from use, so they do need to be replaced every so often.The sizes of these plugs are not consistent, I have bought six pairs total (three 2-packs) and some are noticeably larger than others and fit differently. I couldn't tell you why but I assume it's QA issue.
Verified Purchaser · November 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
These ear plugs work great for me
These ear plugs work great for me! they are very handy because of the rubber string enables me to wear them around my neck and have them always available!! It's a NOISEY WORLD when you have Tinnitus!!!!!
Verified Purchaser · January 21 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★☆☆☆☆
Keep shopping
I had high hopes and was optimistic. I didn't feel I needed perfection....just not painful and "good enough." I couldn't even wear these for 2 minutes without wanting to take them out quickly. They were not nearly as comfortable as I was hoping....they weren't as painful as the full-on plastic only ear plugs I have tried. MILD improvement there, but I still couldn't wear them.They didn't work. They didn't block sound. The price wasn't bad, but at the same time - no price is worth something that doesn't do what you are buying it for.I am only posting this comment to share with others before they purchase. I VERY rarely if ever post negative comments, but this was needed. I got some foam-only ones that are tapered. They are heavenly!! Try those!
Verified Purchaser · February 1 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
I love these because these are the only ones that'll stay ...
I love these because these are the only ones that'll stay in while I sleep. And they are really good and blocking out sounds. My husband gets up every night and it used to wake me up. But now I don't even know that he's left the house for work sometimes till I wake up. So basically I finally get a good nights sleep because I'm a very light sleeper.
Verified Purchaser · August 10, · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★☆
These are well made and you cant lose them. ...
These are well made and you cant lose them. It helps muffle all the noise around me. That way its more barable.Short of regular head phones that would block out all the noise these little ear pieces do a decent job. I live in an area with a lotof children and dogs and it gets noisy, these ear pieces help out. They are also helpful on the bus when you have a busload of people and the noise gets to be too much. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for this type of product.
Verified Purchaser · September · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★☆
Not as sturdy as older models
Have used similar earplugs from this manufacture for years when I travel. Like they are corded for using on airplanes and hotel rooms so don't lose. This newer batch though do not seem as well made. For one set, the ear plug broke off from the cord after only a few uses. Hopefully, this was a fluke.
Verified Purchaser · January 19 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
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