April 16, 2025 News
What Are Bluetooth Earplugs?
Bluetooth earplugs combine certified hearing protection with wireless audio streaming, giving users the ability to listen to music, take calls, and stay connected—all while reducing exposure to harmful noise levels.
They’re built for people who work in loud environments like construction sites, warehouses, manufacturing plants, and outdoor trades, where both communication and protection matter.
Unlike standard earbuds, Bluetooth earplugs are designed with Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR) and meet safety standards that help protect your hearing long-term.
The Origin: Invented in a Garage by Shaun Knudsen
Bluetooth earplugs weren’t created by a massive tech company, they were born from necessity in a garage.
Shaun Knudsen, founder of Plugfones, was working in a loud job site environment where he constantly switched between standard earplugs and earbuds. The process was frustrating and unsafe, and he couldn’t find a product that solved both needs.
So, Shaun built one himself at home.
He began prototyping earplugs that could play audio while still blocking out harmful noise. Working out of his garage, Shaun created the first versions of Plugfones—audio-enabled earplugs that fit and functioned like traditional hearing protection but offered the added benefit of Bluetooth connectivity.
That single invention would go on to define an entirely new product category.
From Garage Project to Global Innovation
Today, Plugfones is a global brand, with over 1,000,000 units sold worldwide and customers in every kind of industry—from blue-collar trades to outdoor enthusiasts and DIYers.
The company’s mission hasn’t changed since day one: protect your hearing without sacrificing your ability to listen.
Plugfones continues to innovate the category it created, introducing models like the Sovereign Duo, a truly wireless earplug with best-in-class battery life, upgraded NRR, and rugged durability. What began as a homegrown solution is now a global leader in Bluetooth earplug technology.
Why Use Bluetooth Earplugs?
Bluetooth earplugs are more than a convenience—they’re a better, safer way to work. Here’s why:
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Certified hearing protection with NRR ratings that reduce ambient noise
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Audio playback at safer volumes—since outside noise is blocked, you can listen to music or take calls without blasting your ears
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Hands-free calling and audio streaming, even in loud environments
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Improved focus and reduced distractions on the job
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No need to switch between devices—stay protected and connected all day long
Whether you’re mowing the lawn or managing a high-decibel job site, Bluetooth earplugs let you stay safe, compliant, and connected.
The Legacy of Plugfones
From one man’s frustration to more than a million units sold, Plugfones is the original Bluetooth earplug with audio—built for people who need more than just hearing protection.
Shaun Knudsen’s garage-built innovation continues to shape the industry, and Plugfones remains committed to advancing comfort, clarity, and protection for professionals around the world.
Are Plugfones for you? Check out some ways you can use Plugfones
Do you find yourself riding down the highway and all you can hear is the sound of the wind whipping around you? Do you work with loud tools or frequent the local shooting range? See some of the ways you can use Plugfones to protect your hearing while enjoying your favorite music.