MAX-30 Corded Foam Earplugs | NRR 33 dB | Box of 100 Pairs
Howard Leight MAX-30 corded foam earplugs combine an NRR of 33 dB with a contoured bell shape and polyurethane foam. Each box contains 100 individually bagged pairs for workplace hearing protection programs. The connecting cord keeps each pair together between uses.
The foam must be rolled before insertion, then allowed to expand inside the ear canal. These are single-use earplugs, not push-in or reusable flanged plugs. The smooth surface helps resist dirt buildup, while the bell-shaped profile helps reduce backing out.
Howard Leight MAX-30
SMAX-30
100 pairs per box
NRR 33 dB
Polyurethane foam
Corded; single-use
Key Features
- Contoured bell shape with a smooth outer surface.
- Roll-down foam expands to form an in-ear seal.
- Cord keeps the two plugs connected.
- Individually bagged pairs simplify employee distribution.
Common Uses and Applications
- Manufacturing and metal fabrication.
- Construction and industrial maintenance.
- Employee and contractor hearing protection stations.
Use in these settings depends on measured noise exposure and the protection achieved by each wearer. A job title or industry alone does not establish that an earplug provides enough attenuation.
Fitting Instructions
With clean hands, compress each plug into a slim, crease-free cylinder. Reach over your head, lift the ear upward and backward, and insert as instructed. Keep the plug in position for 30–40 seconds as it expands. Remove slowly with a twisting motion. Follow the complete manufacturer instructions linked below.
Choosing Earplugs for Your Crew
Compare comfort, secure fit and compatibility with other required PPE before standardizing on one model. Include workers in the selection process and offer alternatives when a satisfactory fit cannot be achieved. Check site rules before choosing corded hearing protection around moving equipment.
For purchasing, count pairs rather than individual plugs: one box supplies 100 paired sets. Plan replenishment around crew size, shifts and replacement needs. Keep unused stock protected from contamination and make replacement pairs accessible before employees enter designated noise areas.
Hearing Protection Standards and Selection
The manufacturer reports attenuation testing under ANSI S3.19-1974. NRR is a laboratory rating, not a guaranteed reduction for every wearer. Do not simply subtract 33 from a workplace noise reading to determine protected exposure.
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 addresses occupational noise exposure, hearing conservation, attenuation evaluation, fitting and training. Buying a rated earplug does not by itself satisfy an employer’s hearing conservation obligations.
NIOSH recommends individual quantitative hearing protector fit testing to determine personal attenuation. Use the results with exposure measurements when selecting protection.
Manufacturer Documentation
Howard Leight MAX brochure — MAX-30 ordering details, attenuation and fitting instructions (PDF)
FAQ
Is this MAX-30 or MAX-33?
The manufacturer model is MAX-30. The number 33 refers to its NRR, not its model number.
Does the cord make these reusable?
No. They remain single-use foam earplugs. Replace soiled or damaged plugs and follow the package instructions.
Does one box contain 100 plugs?
No. It contains 100 pairs, equivalent to 200 individual plugs.
