Monster Jam Ear Protection for Kids | NRR 25+ Earmuffs

For the full breakdown, see our best Ear Protection for Monster Jam guide.

Monster Jam trucks are thrilling, but the engine roar at an indoor arena can hit dangerous decibel levels. For children, unprotected exposure to noise above 85 dB can contribute to irreversible hearing damage over time. The practical solution isn’t a special event device—it’s standard children’s hearing protection earmuffs rated at NRR 25 or higher. Here’s exactly what to look for and how to fit them right, so your child stays safe without missing the show.

Why Earmuffs Beat Earplugs for Kids at Monster Jam

Over-the-ear earmuffs are the preferred choice for infants, toddlers, and young children attending Monster Jam. Earplugs are not recommended for very young children who cannot yet describe comfort or fit, and they pose a small choking hazard. Earmuffs are generally more comfortable for kids and easier for parents to check at a glance. The goal is to reduce loud event noise to a safe level—not eliminate it completely—so kids can still enjoy the roaring engines and pyrotechnics without risk.

What NRR Rating Do You Need?

The Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) tells you how many decibels the earmuffs can attenuate. For Monster Jam events, the trusted sources align on a minimum target of NRR 25 dB or higher. A higher NRR provides more protection in louder environments like racing events. Don’t assume any pair of “kids headphones” counts as hearing protection—check the NRR on the packaging. Bluetooth and entertainment headphones generally lack this rating and won’t protect your child’s hearing from the impact of a truck landing ten feet away.

Fit Checklist: Getting the Seal Right

Earmuffs only work if they seal properly around the ear. Apply this three-point fit test at home before the event:

• Coverage: The cups must fully enclose each ear without pressing on the outer cartilage. If the ear touches the inside foam, the muffs are too small.
• Tension: A snug seal requires gentle pressure—not tightness. If the earmuffs leave deep red marks after five minutes or your child complains, they are too tight. If they shift or slide off when the child turns their head, they are too loose.
• No gaps: Hair, hat brims, or eyeglass frames underneath the cushion can break the seal. Tuck long hair behind the ears, and choose low-profile earmuff models that accommodate thin frames.

Bring the earmuffs to the car for the drive to the arena. That gives your child time to adjust to the feel before the trucks fire up.

Common Mistakes Parents Make

The most frequent error is grabbing any pair of padded headphones from the toy bin and assuming they offer hearing protection. Standard kids’ headphones—even high-end Bluetooth models—do not carry an NRR rating. Without it, they offer only cosmetic coverage. The second mistake is choosing earplugs for a toddler who cannot yet say “these hurt” or “these fell out.” Stick with well-fitting earmuffs until your child is old enough to describe comfort and fit reliably. The same NRR 25+ guidance applies to other loud family events like concerts, fireworks displays, and auto racing; buying one good set of earmuffs covers all of them.