National Earmuff Day is celebrated on March 13 every year. Earmuffs are categorized as clothing accessories or personal protection equipment (P.P.E), specially designed to cup and protect the ears from either cold weather or noise. Designed by Chester Greenwood in the 19th century, earmuffs are a regular part of winter fashion and a necessity for construction workers. Their comfy fit and practical yet stylish design make earmuffs a crowd favorite. It’s a day to celebrate earmuffs by putting them on or giving them out.
History of National Earmuff Day
The creation of earmuffs is all thanks to a 15-year-old boy named Chester Greenwood. Faced with the problem of keeping his large ears warm during the winter season, he sought the help of his grandmother. After a day of ice-skating, he designed two ear-shaped loops of wire and enlisted his grandmother in sewing tufts of wool over the loops. They created a working model. This is how the first ever earmuff was made!
The earmuff became more than just an accessory to block out the cold and evolved into ear protectors, mostly used by construction workers who had to work in extremely noisy environments. On March 13, 1877, he was awarded a patent for these ear protectors, writing his name in the history books. For almost 60 years, Greenwood continued manufacturing ear protectors, providing more jobs to the community of Farmington, Maine, which is now the ‘Earmuff Capital of the World.’
Earmuffs have now become an essential accessory for those living in cold regions. Ear protectors, also known as acoustic earmuffs, are a lifesaver or perhaps an ‘ear-saver’ for construction workers. Some earmuffs have a ‘noise reduction rating’ of 33 decibels, able to almost completely block out any sounds.
Greenwood also has other inventions credited to his name, including an advertising matchbox, a variation of a steel-toothed rake, and a machine for producing wooden spools. The state of Maine honored Greenwood by declaring December 21 to be Chester Greenwood Day. Located in Farmington, the Chester Greenwood House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
National Earmuff Day timeline
Chester Greenwood and his grandmother invent earmuffs.
Greenwood is awarded a patent for his invention of earmuffs.
The State of Maine declares December 21 as Chester Greenwood Day.
A health care earmuff embedded with Bluetooth is patented.
National Earmuff Day FAQs
What materials are used to make earmuffs?
The headbands on earmuffs are made of either metal or plastic. The cups at the ends of the headband are made of plastic as well, while the cushion that hugs the side of the head is usually made of foam.
What is the highest level of protection that earmuffs provide?
The maximum Noise Reduction Rating (N.R.R) of an earmuff is 33 decibels.
Can dogs wear earmuffs?
Yes! There are earmuffs made specifically for dogs. A dog’s sense of hearing is one of its keenest senses, so its ears need to be protected from loud noises, as well as cold weather.
National Earmuff Day Activities
Wear them
If winter is still lurking around in your location, protect your ears by adding earmuffs to your outfit. If not, prepare for the coming winter by purchasing some new earmuffs.
Donate
Celebrate by donating as many earmuffs as you can to a charity or orphanage. Even if winter is completely gone, those earmuffs will come in handy later on.
Share on social media
Let others know a special holiday is being celebrated. Share all you know about National Earmuff Day with others. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #nationalearmuffday to get it out to more people!
5 Important Facts About Chester Greenwood
Birth
Greenwood was born on December 4, 1858.
Education
He attended school in Farmington, Maine, where he was born.
Personal Life
He married Sarah Isabel (Whittier) Greenwood, and the couple had four children together.
Career
He studied engineering and patented over a hundred inventions.
Death
He died on July 5, 1937, at the age of 78 in Farmington, Maine.
Why We Love National Earmuff Day
Protection
Imagine a world without earmuffs, especially in cold regions. We love earmuffs because they help us fend off the chilly winter winds and keep our ears from freezing.
Comfort
As opposed to the discomfort of tying scarves over our ears, earmuffs are much easier and more comfortable to wear. We don’t have to worry about them falling off or irritating our skin.
Style
Not only do they provide comfort and protection but they also make a lovely fashion statement. They manage to look fashionable while keeping our precious ears safe.
National Earmuff Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 13 | Thursday |
| 2026 | March 13 | Friday |
| 2027 | March 13 | Saturday |
| 2028 | March 13 | Monday |
| 2029 | March 13 | Tuesday |
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