3M has issued a “Stop Use and Recall” notice for Peltor X4 series earmuffs manufactured during a specific time period.
3M discovered that X4 hearing protection earmuffs manufactured between March 2020 through September 2022 may develop cracks on the exterior surface.
They say that “ALL products produced in this timeframe must be removed from service even if no cracks are visible on the cups.”
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The recall looks to affects all colors and styles of X4 earmuffs produced during this period.
3M says there have been no reports of injuries or accidents associated with this issue.
The company will be replacing affected products.
3M Stop Use and Recall Notice
3M Details and Notice Page
I was made aware of this Stop Use and Recall notice thanks to an alert from Amazon, based on my 2021 order of X4A hearing protection earmuffs.
I have a new-in-box X4A on the shelf with a 7/2020 date code, and will be sending them back to 3M for replacement.
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Their form is straightforward and requires return of the affected product.
3M recently agreed to pay $6 Billion to resolve litigation over military-use earplugs, and so it seems they’re not taking any more chances on defects or potential defects.
John
No surprise there. I’m surprised 3M just doesn’t dissolve the Peltor models and start over. They are getting sued to the hilt over the lack of hearing protection that their models claimed to give. My cousin has gone partially deaf in one ear (nearest to artillery) from his time in Afghanistan thinking their standard issue Peltors were doing any good.
Josh
That’s interesting. I have had the Peltor X5 earmuffs for several years & they are excellent. I even bought my dad a pair.
Wayne R.
Can someone really have a legitimate expectation of preserved hearing when they’re next to artillery?
Gordon
Safety third. Never expect someone else to watch out for your safety. Also, it’s widely known that if you need the best of the best hearing protection, nothing beats plugs and muffs. Artillery is around 185db, the best ear muffs on the market are only 35NRR. 150db is still hearing damage area. You need at least another 10 NRR to be at the limit of safe for impulse noises. Earplugs should give a minimum of 25NRR putting you well into the safe range.
As for the X4 line. I found it to be the best NRR for the size. the X4A is incredibly slim yet still has an NRR of 27. Walker also has a slim 27NRR earmuff but it didn’t fit me as well as the X4A, and fit is where the majority of NRR comes from.
Personally, I have a lot more faith in a company like 3M that recalls a product BEFORE there are any injuries.
Frank D
I do not think there is anything wrong with Peltor or with the 3M earplugs for that matter really. What does dissolving and starting over solve?? There is a limit to what ear plugs and ear muffs can do.
As an individual I bought a box of 100 3M silicone plugs and hand out the spares I have on hand to anybody I see doing construction without hearing protection.
With sensitive hearing and some documented loss, a few decades ago; I became a die hard fan of silicone ear plugs and actually double up ear plugs and ear muffs while running serious outdoor equipment that I own or rent. There is only so much either can do, but everything is a heck of a lot quieter when I double up … and no extra ringing in my ears 🙂
Anyhow. That is not to negate or minimize the issues veterans have, or how they are the victims of standard issue equipment and promised protection … versus the real world they work in … with extremely loud explosive sounds.
AlexK
When available, I have always chosen 3M for disposable ear plugs and the ones that come in a little case and I keep draped around my neck until needed. In general, I’ve trusted 3M products.
I didn’t hear about the military lawsuit. Is this reason to switch to a different brand?
Jim Felt
Is there “another” brand? No. I’m serious.
Jeff
Honeywell, under the Howard Leight brand has a strong presences in over the ear and in plugs. Not many others with a big market in overall hearing protection. A few smaller companies targeted towards firearms like Walker, and some others doing just foam plugs like Hearos and Mack’s.
MM
My go-to’s for working as long as I can remember have been Howard Leight MAX foamies. They have a very high NRR, they’re comfortable, they’re easy to insert, and they’re reasonably priced. I also like the “QB2” banded style ear plugs. The NRR on those isn’t as high but they are good enough for most tasks and they are extremely easy to take on and off even if you’re wearing work gloves. Those are my favorite for mowing or using gas OPE.
Generally speaking I love 3M products, they’re usually excellent quality. Most of their earplugs are fine if not great. The “E-A-R Classic”, which is just a cylinder of foam without any rounded edges, is terrible though. The 3M “E-A-Rsoft FX” are essentially identical to the Leight Max, I like those a lot.
mikedt
Howard Leight Super Leight’s are my go-to plug for motorcycle riding. A claimed 33db of attenuation. I can wear them all day without discomfort.
Greg
I like the surefire line of hearing protection.
https://www.surefire.com/earpro/
Alexk
Now that you mention it, I don’t know if there were. This past year I noticed Milwaukee had some, but I don’t know if any other brand was sold at HD, where I usually go to.
Adam
I’m pretty sure I have at least one pair of these. Thank you for the heads up.