What type of open-ear headphones would work in a noisy, cold workplace?

An ear-clip model such as the Soundcore C50i could be worth considering. They’re comfortable, stay outside the ear canal, and reportedly sound fairly good for their price—usually around $40. They can still let you hear people at lower volume, while turning them up makes music easier to hear over background noise. Just be careful with volume in a loud workplace.

You may want to search for open-ear, ear-clip, or bone-conduction headphones rather than traditional earbuds. They sit around or just outside the ear canal, so they’re generally more comfortable for people who dislike in-ear designs while still leaving you aware of your surroundings. At this price, sound quality and bass will be limited, and loud machinery may still overpower them, so check the temperature rating and battery performance before buying.

Open-ear headphones are probably the category you’re looking for. Some clip onto the outer ear, while others use bone conduction or rest near the ear without sealing the canal. They’re less likely to cause the plugged-up feeling associated with in-ear earbuds, and they allow conversations and alarms to remain audible. However, they won’t truly cancel the cooler noise, and their cold-weather battery life may be reduced.

If earwax is the main concern, cleaning the earbuds regularly and taking breaks may help, since buildup isn’t necessarily caused by the earbuds alone. Avoid putting cotton swabs deep into the ear canal, though, because they can push wax farther in or irritate the ear. If you’re having recurring blockage, itching, or infections, it would be safer to ask a medical professional before switching to another listening device.