3M Pro-Protect + Gel Cushions Electronic Hearing Protector User Manual

1. Product Overview

The 3M Pro-Protect + Gel Cushions Electronic Hearing Protector is designed to offer superior hearing protection while maintaining situational awareness and communication capabilities. It features active microphones to allow you to hear sounds around you and communicate with others, alongside Bluetooth Wireless Technology for seamless connection to mobile devices for calls and music. The premium gel ear cushions ensure comfort during extended wear.

Figure 1: 3M Pro-Protect + Gel Cushions Electronic Hearing Protector.

Figure 2: Key features of the 3M Pro-Protect Electronic Hearing Protector, including adjustable headband, premium gel cushions, canted ear cups, auto shut-off, Bluetooth, and external microphones.

2. Key Features

• Active Microphones: Enable communication and awareness of surroundings.
• Bluetooth Wireless Technology: For making/receiving calls and streaming music.
• Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 26 dB: Provides effective hearing protection.
• Extended Battery Life: Over 60 hours with a 4-hour auto shut-off feature to conserve power.
• Durable Recessed Microphones: Designed to prevent damage and reduce wind noise.
• Team Communication: Ideal for groups needing to communicate in noisy environments.
• Ergonomically Designed Controls: Easy to operate, even when wearing gloves.
• Audio Assist Technology: Provides guidance for setup and operation.
• Premium Gel Cushions: Super-soft and conformable for enhanced comfort during prolonged use.
• Canted Ear Cups: Designed for a more comfortable and secure fit.

Figure 3: The 3M Pro-Protect Electronic Hearing Protector highlighting its NRR of 26 dB and Bluetooth capabilities.

3. Setup

3.1 Battery Installation

1. Locate the battery compartment on one of the ear cups.
2. Open the battery cover.
3. Insert two AA batteries, ensuring correct polarity (+/-).
4. Close the battery cover securely.

Figure 4: Easy-to-replace AA batteries ensure no downtime.

3.2 Bluetooth Pairing

1. Ensure the hearing protector is powered on.
2. Activate Bluetooth on your mobile device.
3. Search for "3M Pro-Protect" in your device's Bluetooth settings.
4. Select the device to pair. Audio Assist Technology will confirm successful pairing.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1 Power On/Off and Volume Control

• Press and hold the power button (usually the top button on the ear cup) to turn the unit on or off.
• Use the volume up (+) and volume down (-) buttons to adjust the audio level for both Bluetooth and active microphone functions.

Figure 5: Ergonomically designed controls for easy use, even with gloves.

4.2 Active Microphones for Situational Awareness

The integrated active microphones allow you to hear conversations and important sounds in your environment without removing the hearing protector. The system intelligently reduces hazardous noises while amplifying ambient sounds to a safe level. This feature is crucial for maintaining awareness on job sites or in other environments where communication and environmental sounds are important.

Figure 6: The 3M Pro-Protect is ideal for teams or groups of workers who need to communicate on the job site while helping protect their hearing.

4.3 Bluetooth Audio and Calls

Once paired, you can stream audio from your device directly to the hearing protector. To answer or end a call, press the multi-function button (refer to the diagram in Section 1 for button location). The integrated microphone allows for clear communication during calls.

Figure 7: Bluetooth® Technology allows you to stream music and make calls while wearing the hearing protector.

5. Noise Reduction and Safety Information

The 3M Pro-Protect Electronic Hearing Protector provides a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 26 dB, which is crucial for protecting your hearing in noisy environments. Prolonged exposure to noise levels above 85 dB can cause permanent hearing damage. Always ensure the hearing protector is worn correctly to achieve the stated NRR.

Figure 8: Chart illustrating decibel levels of common sounds and the importance of hearing protection above 85 dB.

Figure 9: The hearing protector helps protect you from hazardous noises.

6. Maintenance

6.1 Cleaning

To clean the hearing protector, wipe the exterior surfaces with a damp cloth. Do not immerse the unit in water or use abrasive cleaners. Ensure the gel cushions are clean and free from debris for optimal comfort and seal.

Figure 10: Side view of the hearing protector, showing the smooth surfaces for easy cleaning.

6.2 Battery Replacement

Replace AA batteries as needed. The 4-hour auto shut-off feature helps extend battery life, but regular checks are recommended for consistent performance.

7. Troubleshooting

• No Power: Check battery installation and ensure batteries are fresh.
• No Bluetooth Connection: Ensure the unit is in pairing mode and within range of your device. Try restarting both devices.
• Poor Audio Quality: Check Bluetooth connection stability. Ensure ear cups are properly sealed around your ears.
• Active Microphones Not Working: Verify the unit is powered on and volume is adjusted. Ensure microphones are not obstructed.

For more detailed troubleshooting or persistent issues, please refer to the official user manual linked in the Warranty and Support section.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

3M industrial and occupational products are intended, labeled, and packaged for sale to trained industrial and occupational customers for workplace use. These products are not intended, labeled, or packaged for sale to or use by consumers (e.g., for home, personal, primary or secondary school, recreational/sporting, or other uses not described in the applicable product packaging or literature), and must be selected and used in compliance with applicable health and safety regulations and standards (e.g., U.S. OSHA, ANSI), as well as all product literature, user instructions, warnings, and other limitations, and the user must take any action required under any recall, field action, or other product use notice. Misuse of 3M industrial and occupational products may result in injury, sickness, death, or property damage. For help with product selection and use, consult your on-site safety professional, industrial hygienist, or other subject matter expert.

For additional product information and the complete user manual, please visit the official 3M website or download the PDF manual:

Download User Manual (PDF)

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