Web Analytics

Ion Audio Tough Sounds Review | Hearing Protection Headphones with Bluetooth and Radio

In this review, I will be taking a look at a mid-range Bluetooth hearing protection from Ion Audio called Tough Sounds. This is a good product by a quality manufacturer that has received an average of 4/5 stars on Amazon. I’d encourage you to read on to learn more about what these headphones have to offer and whether or not they might be a good fit for you and your situation.

 

Quick Review

Ion Audio Tough Sounds Quick Review
  • Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) - 55
  • Battery Life - 50
  • Sound Volume/Quality - 50
  • Size & Comfort - 85
  • Durability - 75
  • Other Features - 50
  • Price - 90
65

Summary

These Bluetooth hearing protection headphones have an overall rating of 67/100. They offer great hearing protection, built-in AM/FM radio and a few other features for a good price. However, the trade-off for the lower price is a lower sound quality and sketchy radio reception.

Protect Your Hearing Now!

 

In-Depth Review

I’ll now be going through the basic elements of any Bluetooth hearing protection devices you should be considering one-by-one. If you’d like a brief explanation of each of them you can do so by reading this article.

 

Noise Reduction Rating (NNR)

The NRR of these headphones is 25 dB. This is an excellent level of noise protection and should be good enough to protect your ears from a wide range of every day loud activities.

 

Ion-Audio-Tough-Sounds-Review---Bluetooth-Hearing-ProtectionBattery Life

According to the manufacturer’s information, the battery life of these headphones should exceed 20 hours per charge; however, there are many customer reviews on Amazon that claim the actual charge is much less and more along the lines of 10 hours per charge.

The battery should last about 1,000 charges but, unfortunately, the battery is not replaceable by the consumer. If you do need to replace the battery you’ll have to take it to a professional. But, if you truly get 1,000 charges out of your headphones, you’ve gotten more than your money’s worth.

 

Sound Volume/Quality

The sound quality of these headphones is about average, which is to be expected given the price point they fall into. If you’re looking for “blow you away” sound, these aren’t for you, but if you’re just looking for “good enough” sound at a decent price, then these will do just fine for you.

 

Size & Comfort

The ear cushions on these headphones are extremely comfortable, but the adjustable headband may not expand to a large enough size for those of us who have a “larger than normal” head size…myself included!

The lightweight construction of these headphones ensures that your neck won’t get sore after long hours of wearing them.

Protect Your Hearing Now!
Durability

Going off the last point of their lightweight construction, this very fact means that they may need to be treated with a bit of care. In fact, there are a few customer reviews on Amazon of the hinges that attach the earmuffs to the headband breaking after a while.

 

Other Capabilities

In addition to everything mentioned above, there is also a built-in AM/FM radio with 20 presets available so you can save all of your favorite radio stations. However, the radio reception isn’t all that great at times, especially on the AM frequencies. Another consequence of the radio feature is an antenna that sticks off the headphones. This may increase the radio reception, but also creates another component that can be damaged or broken.

There is also a built-in microphone which allows you to talk on the phone if you’re connected by Bluetooth to your smartphone. If you’re not into Bluetooth or have an older device, you can plug your audio source into the 1/8″ stereo input jack. The headphones also come with a short (6-8 inch) USB to USB chord to use for charging.

 

Price

As I already mentioned, these headphones from Ion Audio are in the low to mid-range price point. They will cost you about $60 new on Amazon.

 

Who Are These Headphones For

These Tough Sounds headphones from Ion Audio will work well for normal day-to-day use such as yard work, chainsaw, lawn mower, blower work, etc.

However, I would not recommend them for heavy industrial use or extremely loud sounds as they are not a high-end product. If this is the environment you’re working in I would recommend a much high-quality set of protection.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Ion Audio Tough Sounds Hearing Protection Headphones with Bluetooth and Radio is, overall, an average product. It’s in the mid to low-level price point and you get what you pay for. If you’re looking for some ear protection that does the job and allows you to listen to the radio or Bluetooth without breaking the bank, then these may be the ones for you!

If you have any questions or thoughts regarding these Bluetooth hearing protection headphones from Ion Audio, please leave them in the comment section below! I look forward to hearing from you!

Dustin “Kirby” Garness

Protect Your Hearing Now!

Related Posts

About The Author

Dustin G.

5 Comments

  1. Craig miller December 31, 2016

    I have just purchased a pair of ion radio headsets.
    I am pleased overall, besides the ability for clear reception whilst on a call.
    There is large amount of static, and the call in inaudible.
    Could you please review.

    Reply
    • Dustin G. January 28, 2017

      Hey Craig,

      I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment regarding your experience with the Ion Tough Sounds headset and I’m sorry you’re having trouble with the sound clarity while on phone calls.

      I have not rated this device particularly well because there are many negative reviews on Amazon regarding poor sound quality, poor durability, and reception/connection problems. Unfortunately, I’m not very surprised that you’re having trouble with the call quality.

      I think one problem may be with the fact that there is no boom microphone to get a microphone close to your mouth. This means the closest microphone is up by your ear…which isn’t very close to your mouth at all. Another issue may simply be a poor connection with your phone. Do you keep your phone on your body when you’re taking calls using this headset or do you have your phone further away?

      I’m sorry you’re having problems with th calls, but at least they’re working for you in other areas!

      I don’t know what your price ranges are, but I would suggest looking at these Liberate earbuds as they work great, can take calls well, and will protect your ears!

      Let me know if you have any further questions or concerns regarding your Ion Audio Tough Sounds or any other Bluetooth hearing protection devices!

      Peace,
      Dustin

      Reply
  2. Vinay November 27, 2019

    Hi Dustin,

    thanks for this great website. I’m currently using Vic Firth SH2 drum headphones which are great but because it has a cable, not great near moving machine parts. Bluetooth seems like nice technology. I’m considering the Ion Tough Sounds 2 model which is similar as what you have here but with a claimed 27dB damping and also IPX4 waterproof (rain) rating. I’ll probably just get them because the price is right, but I’m curious what you think of these and how they compare to the original Tough Sounds featured in this article here.

    Reply
  3. Mike gutowski May 23, 2020

    my radio seems to stay on . there are dots and volume and battery life signs on all the time. what should I do to Turn it all the way off? the day after I use it the battery dead and has to be charged !

    Reply
    • Dustin G. February 10, 2021

      Hey Mike,

      I’m not exactly sure why that might be happening. I would recommend getting in touch with their customer support and seeing if they can help you out.

      Dustin

      Reply

Leave a Reply