So you want to protect your child’s hearing — good for you! Children are regularly exposed to a variety of loud sounds — and some of those are loud enough to cause permanent hearing damage (1). But how do you convince your little one to wear a set of ear protectors — and keep them on?
We’re moms, so we understand this battle well! We’ve compared dozens of the top brands of hearing protection devices for babies and kids to find the best, most comfortable, easily adjustable, affordable, and stylish noise-canceling headphones and earmuffs on the market.
Whether you’re heading to the movies, a concert, a sporting or automotive event, traveling, or just hanging out at home, these ear protectors will keep your little one’s hearing intact.
And with loud sounds diminished and these stylish headphones comfortably in place, your battles will finally be over — at least the ones pertaining to wearing headphones.
- No interference when sleeping
- Provides great fit
- Cushioned ear cups fully cover ears
- High NRR for great protection
- Adjustable and suitable for all ages
- Safety standards certified
- Padded headband and soft ear cups
- Light on the ears
- Great for daily use
- Variety of designs
- Built-in microphone
- Multifunctional wire control
- Light-duty hearing protection
- Compact design
- 90-day money-back guarantee
Product Reviews
Here are our favorite noise-canceling headphones for kids.
Baby Banz Earmuffs Hearing Protection
Best for Infants and Toddlers
The slim and lightweight design of these Baby Banz earmuffs means there’s much less bulk on your little one’s head.
While moms have enough baby stuff to carry around, these don’t add much weight and are compact enough to fit into the smallest spaces.
This headset has multiple safety certifications and boasts a generous NRR of 31 decibels. All you need to do to provide safe ear protection is ensure the cups fit snugly.
The soft headband material won’t irritate your little one’s head, and the cushioned cups allow plenty of room for growing ears.
When you combine the selection of fun prints and colors with the comfort factor of these earmuffs, you might find your little one doesn’t want to take them off at the end of the day!
Pros
- No interference when sleeping.
- They provide a great fit, even for smaller than average babies.
- The padded headband sits directly on the head, and the cushioned ear cups fully cover the ears.
Cons
- Babies younger than 3 months may not be big enough to fit these.
Our Ratings
Decibel Defense Hearing Protection Ear Muffs
Best for Sporting Events
Offering a whopping NRR of 37 decibels, these earmuffs are a great option if you like to watch sports live and ultra-loud.
They provide hearing protection suitable for all ages — even through to adulthood. You can adjust the earmuffs adjusted to fit any head size, which is valuable if you’re sharing them. However, we found that it took two hands and a little time to adjust them for a new user, so it’s better if you don’t have to resize them constantly.
The headband is wide and comfortable, making it well-suited for extended periods of wear. The padded ear cups provide additional comfort.
We love that these are both practical and fun. They fold away for simple storage and carrying yet come in vivid, striking colors our kids were crazy about.
Pros
- High NRR for great protection.
- Adjustable and suitable for all ages.
- Safety standards certified.
- Easy to wear with glasses.
Cons
- We found these headphones work best for high-frequency noise, not low-frequency sounds.
- Because of the larger adjustability range, they can be a little tricky to resize between users.
Our Ratings
Muted Designer Hearing Protection
Best for Autism
These ear protectors come in a variety of trendy patterns, including flamingoes and airplanes. In addition to the cute designs, it’s important to have something comfortable; after all, your child may spend hours every day wearing them. These earmuffs come with a padded headband and soft ear cups.
Many autistic children have exceptional hearing (2). However, that gift can bring incredible sensitivity.
For many, the daily exposure to regular life can be overwhelming. If your child wears earmuffs to prevent sensory overload, you’ll want them to have something they look forward to wearing.
Besides being comfortable, these are safety certified and meet ANSI requirements. An NRR of 27 decibels means they should reduce the external buzz while allowing your child to hear and take part in what’s happening around them.
These earmuffs are highly adjustable, allowing them to fit your child from toddler to adulthood. This is another great feature for children who struggle with change.
Pros
- Comfortable padded headband and soft ear cups.
- Lightweight — great for extended wearing.
- Great for daily use or noise-level reduction at events.
- Tough and durable construction holds up to everyday use.
Cons
- The headband tension can make them a little challenging to put on.
- Older children with larger heads may find these too tight.
Our Ratings
HearTek Kids Earmuffs
Best Budget Noise-Canceling Headphones
These earmuffs are a great option if you’re only looking to spend a little but still want a quality product.
The HearTek earmuffs come in a variety of colors and patterns to suit your child’s preferences.
The mounted ear cups help distribute the weight and pressure of the earmuffs evenly to provide ultimate comfort. The padding allows for longer periods of wear, and the cups self-adjust to protect ears with a snug fit.
However, although they are advertised to fit toddlers to teens, you can’t adjust the headband width, so these may not fit your child for as long as some other options.
We love how small the headphones become when collapsed and stored in the included travel bag.
These muffs strike the perfect balance between protecting hearing and allowing your child to hear what’s happening around them.
They’re perfect for loud activities like sporting events and parades. They boast an NRR of 27 decibels and are certified ANSI S3.19, so you know they will provide a safe amount of protection (3).
We love that these earmuffs are made in the United States by a family-owned business.
Pros
- Comfortable and attractive.
- Easy to travel with.
- Affordable.
- Safety tested and approved.
Cons
- Unable to adjust the width.
Our Ratings
IClever HS19 Kids Volume Limiter Headphones with Microphone
Best for iPads
These headphones from iClever are fun and attractive for your child, but our favorite feature is that they also offer volume capping. You won’t need to worry about your kids pumping up the volume louder than they should.
This headset is made to withstand the abuse it might experience in the hands of a child. They’re durable and have been designed to bend and twist.
Compatibility is another plus. They’re geared to work with various tech platforms, including cell phones, tablets, and computers.
Pros
- Multifunctional wire control.
- Built-in microphone.
- Softly padded headband and ear cushion.
Cons
- Sizes run smaller than average.
Our Ratings
Fnova Hearing Protector Earmuffs
Best Hearing Protection for Big Kids
These professional-grade noise-canceling ear defenders boast an NRR of 34 decibels. This level of hearing protection is suitable for preteens heading to their first concert and standing too close to the speakers.
The colored accent on the ear cups is just enough to add a little personality, and your child can choose from several colors to find the perfect pair to suit their style.
Their solid construction includes two layers of noise-dampening foam and a hard plastic outer shell.
These earmuffs are adjustable and can easily fit a growing child. You can even expand them enough to fit an adult. Swivel cups and a padded headband should spare you from getting your head squeezed.
They’re collapsible and portable while still being tough enough to go the distance. The 60-day warranty means you should have time to put them through their paces.
Pros
- Attractive design comes in a variety of colors.
- High NRR.
- Lightweight for easy portability.
- Built to be long-lasting and withstand serious use.
Cons
- Additional earplugs (included) are required to gain the full NRR of 34 decibels.
- Users have said they don’t offer a good fit on above-average-sized heads.
Our Ratings
Vanderfields Kids Hearing Protection Earmuffs
Best Noise-Canceling Headphones for Airplanes
These earmuffs are great for traveling since they’re ultra lightweight and compact. With today’s airlines, where space is at a premium and carry-on items are limited, features like this can make all the difference.
With an NRR of 26 decibels, they should reduce noise levels enough for your child not to be disturbed while sleeping.
The padded ear cups allow for hours of continuous wear, and they’re adjustable for a closer fit. The lined headband should also add to comfort levels, even while resting on an airplane.
They fit children, teens, and smaller adults, and the variety of funky colors should also be a hit with the kids.
We really like how they dampen noise just enough to take the edge off but don’t block out sound completely. This means my children should still be able to hear me when I speak to them. Whether they actually listen or not is the issue!
Pros
- Light-duty hearing protection.
- Attractive and fun.
- Compact design.
- 90-day money-back guarantee.
Cons
- They don’t provide the most comfortable fit for larger heads.
Our Ratings
Product Selection Criteria
When we evaluate soundproof headphones, these are the criteria we look at:
- Safety Certifications: If the ear protection is sold with the NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) label, it’s been thoroughly tested and approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
- Noise Reduction Rating: The NRR indicates how much noise (in decibels) is cut out by wearing hearing protection. The higher the number, the more sound they should block out.
- Comfort: Kids won’t wear anything for long if it irritates them. We always look for padded earphones with soft materials for babies to get the best, most comfortable fit.
- Adjustability: If you’ve birthed more than one baby, you’ll know that no two baby heads are shaped the same. We carefully evaluate the adjustability of the headband and earcups to ensure they will fit snugly on any child.
- Aesthetics: Older babies and toddlers are more likely to wear ear protection if the design and colors appeal to their tastes.
FAQs
Do Babies Need Ear Protection for Loud Noises?
Absolutely, babies need ear protection for loud noises. Their ears are more sensitive than adults, and exposing them to loud sounds can potentially cause hearing damage.
Using baby earmuffs or hearing protection in noisy environments like concerts, festivals, or sporting events is a good practice to safeguard their hearing.
At What Age Can Babies Wear Ear Protection?
Babies can wear ear protection from as young as a few months old. There are earmuffs specifically designed for infants that are safe, comfortable, and effective in reducing noise levels.
Can Infants Wear Earplugs?
It’s not recommended for infants to wear earplugs because they can be a choking hazard and might be uncomfortable for their tiny ear canals. Instead, opt for baby earmuffs that are designed for their safety and comfort.
What Is Too Loud for a Baby?
Any noise over 85 decibels can be too loud for a baby. For context, normal conversation is about 60 decibels, so anything louder than busy city traffic should be a concern. Always err on the side of caution and protect their ears in loud environments.
Is Noise Canceling the Same as Ear Protection?
Noise-canceling isn’t the same as ear protection.
These headphones reduce background sounds, but they don’t provide the same level of hearing protection as earmuffs designed specifically for loud environments. For infants and toddlers, ear protection earmuffs are generally the best choice.
How Do I Protect My Baby’s Ears at a Concert?
To protect your baby’s ears at a concert, use baby earmuffs designed for hearing protection. They should fit snugly without being too tight, covering the entire ear. Also, try to keep a safe distance from the main sound sources like speakers.
