Dr.meter EM100 Adjustable Noise Reduction Ear Muffs: A Full Review

Taking a sensory-sensitive kid to a fireworks show or a monster truck rally without hearing protection usually ends in tears before the main event even starts. I picked up the Dr.meter EM100 earmuffs because I needed cheap noise cancelling headphones that actually fit smaller heads without sliding off every five minutes. These aren't active electronic devices that play music; they are passive, over-ear sound dampeners. The ABS plastic shells and memory foam padding do a solid job of knocking the edge off loud environments. They have an SNR rating of 27.4dB, which basically means the roar of a crowd or a loud engine gets muffled down to a tolerable hum, but you can still hear someone talking right next to you.

Out of the box, the clamping force is pretty intense. The manufacturer actually recommends stretching them over the box or a small soccer ball for a few hours before wearing them, and I highly suggest doing that so they don't squeeze your child's temples. Once broken in, the PU leather ear pads are surprisingly soft for the price. The adjustable headband means they fit toddlers all the way up to adults, though on a larger adult head, they feel a bit maxed out. If you're looking for cheap noise cancelling headphones to keep in the car for unexpected loud events or to help a child focus in a noisy classroom, these easily justify the fifteen-dollar price tag.