The 3M Peltor Combat Arms Earplugs (CAE) Version 4.1 are designed to help reduce exposure to hazardous noise, including steady-state and peak noise from weapons fire. You'll still hear what's going on around you, but they protect your ears like any earplugs. Smart, eh?

These plugs are especially useful for sports shooters in conjunction with active hearing protectors. The open mode allows you to hear what you want to hear while providing more protection than just the cups alone if you are shooting a rifle with a muzzle brake for example.

Open and Closed operation

This product features a special acoustic filter that lets lower-level sound through with relatively little noise reduction for greater situational awareness and provides an increasing amount of peak noise reduction as sound levels increases above 110 dB. This is called the Open Mode.

When used in the Closed Mode the product offers protection against steady-state and peak impulse noise. This is useful when riding a helicopter or other vehicles, or if you grow weary of Carl's stupid songs.

The Open Mode is activated when the rocker switch featuring ‘CAE’ is pressed and the Closed Mode is activated when the rocker switch featuring ‘3M’ is pressed. Either mode can be used to protect your hearing against damage from gunfire. Since you won't see the text when the plugs are in, it's better to devise a mnemonic of your own to remember which one is which:

• TOP - Closed
• BOTTOM - Open

If you use these in conjunction with cups and the rocker switch is in the way, you can easily remove them by hand for constant Open mode. This is not an official recommendation but works in practice.

Size information

Chances are you have a pretty good idea of the size of your ear canal. If you don't, here's a chart of plug sizes and a comparison to common household objects. Note: if you are injured due to shoving an alkaline battery into your ear, we won't be held accountable. Just think of all the people who benefit from being able to choose the right size.

Product specs

• Specially designed soft retainer helps ensure the earplug remains seated
• Patented mechanical filter for protection against high level of peak impulse noise
• Rocker switch for easy switching between Closed Mode and Open Mode
• Made from soft and durable material
• Available in three sizes for best individual fit
• Offers high attenuation against peak impulse noise- can be used up to 160dB peak
• Easy to wash and clean
• A durable storage case featuring a convenient metal chain included
• Supplied with a soft polyester cord as standard

Made by 3M Peltor

Peltor is a well-known and trusted Swedish manufacturer of industrial protection. The brand was purchased by American 3M in 2008.