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National Earmuff Day

When the cold bites, these fuzzy sidekicks for your ears come to the rescue, cranking up the coziness on chilly days.

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Celebrate the transition from winter to spring by promoting earmuffs as the practical, stylish alternative to heavy winter hats for unpredictable early-spring weather.

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'Earmuff Season Isn't Over Yet'—highlight March's unpredictable weather and position earmuffs as the smart swap from bulky winter hats
Chester Greenwood's Invention Story—educate customers on the 150+ year legacy of this humble but essential accessory
Spring Style Meets Function—showcase trendy earmuff designs for the awkward in-between season when winter won't quit

History

The beginning of spring is often the last blows of the reign of winter terror, one moment you can be basking in the shining warmth of the returning sun, and the next it’s literally freezing out and biting rain and snow is pounding your poor ears to iceberg lettuce.

Thankfully one masterful Chester Greenwood came up with a solution for this untrustworthy and frankly conniving weather that allows you to abandon the hats of winter for a far more comfortable and practical bit of headwear.

Chester Greenwood is the man who invented that most remarkable of purpose specific headgear, the earmuff!

Now, Mr. Greenwood was simply looking for a way to keep our ears warm in the cold winter months, he couldn’t have possibly imagined all the purposes this seemingly simple and innocent piece of headgear would be turned to.

Now what was the “earmuff” is called the “thermal earmuff”, and has been joined by the “acoustic earmuff”. In case that doesn’t tell you straight-away what they are, these are the heavy-duty sound dampeners worn by construction site workers the world over.

These are much more effective than the simpler earplug, and really serve to save your ears!

FAQ

How do thermal earmuffs actually keep ears warm in cold weather?

Thermal earmuffs keep ears warm by trapping a layer of air between the ear and the insulating material in the ear cups. Materials such as fleece, faux fur, or wool reduce heat loss from the thin skin and cartilage of the outer ear, which has relatively little fat for insulation. This trapped warm air and wind-blocking outer shell help prevent cold-related ear pain and reduce the risk of frostbite in very low temperatures.

What is the difference between thermal earmuffs and acoustic (hearing-protection) earmuffs?

Thermal earmuffs are designed primarily to protect against cold and wind, using soft insulating fabrics without engineered sound-blocking components. Acoustic earmuffs, sometimes called hearing protectors, use rigid cups, sound-absorbing foam, and a close seal around the ear to reduce noise levels that reach the inner ear. Only acoustic earmuffs are tested and rated for noise reduction, usually with a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR), and are used as personal protective equipment in noisy workplaces.

How do hearing-protection earmuffs reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing loss?

Hearing-protection earmuffs work by lowering the intensity of sound that enters the ear canal. The hard outer shell reflects part of the sound, while the internal foam lining absorbs sound energy, especially at higher frequencies that are most damaging to hearing. By reducing exposure to loud sounds over time, properly fitted earmuffs can significantly lower the risk of permanent noise-induced hearing loss among workers, concert staff, and others who spend time in noisy environments.

Are earmuffs always better than earplugs for hearing protection?

Neither earmuffs nor earplugs are universally better; effectiveness depends on the situation and fit. Earplugs can offer very high protection when inserted correctly and may be more comfortable under helmets or with other gear. Earmuffs are easier to put on and take off, are less dependent on technique, and can be preferable in intermittent noise because they are quicker to remove and replace. For very loud environments, experts often recommend “double protection,” using both earplugs and earmuffs together.

Can cold weather itself cause ear damage, or is discomfort just temporary?

Cold air and wind usually cause temporary discomfort, but prolonged exposure in very low temperatures can damage the skin and tissues of the outer ear, leading to frostbite. Repeated exposure to cold wind has also been linked with bony growths in the ear canal, sometimes called “surfer’s ear,” in people who spend years in cold, windy, or cold-water environments. Covering the ears with hats or earmuffs helps reduce these risks, especially in extreme conditions.

What should someone look for when choosing hearing-protection earmuffs for work?

When selecting hearing-protection earmuffs, safety experts recommend checking the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR), choosing a model appropriate for the noise level, and ensuring a snug but comfortable seal around the ear. The headband should be adjustable, and the cushions should fully cover the ears without being pushed out of place by safety glasses or other equipment. Regular inspection of cushions and headbands for wear is important, since damaged or hardened cushions can significantly reduce protection.

Is it safe to wear warm, padded earmuffs while listening to music through headphones?

Wearing thermal earmuffs over earbuds or under larger headphones is generally safe, but users should avoid turning up the volume to overcome the extra insulation. Health agencies warn that listening to music at high volume, especially for long periods, increases the risk of noise-induced hearing loss. A better approach is to use well-fitting headphones or hearing protectors with built-in audio that seal well, so sound stays clear without needing excessive volume.