What device is worn over the ears to reduce noise exposure?

Ear muffs are specifically designed to reduce noise exposure by covering the entire outer ear, providing an effective barrier against loud sounds. They create a tight seal around the ears, which helps to block out ambient noise, making them particularly useful in environments with elevated sound levels, such as construction sites or manufacturing facilities.

The construction of ear muffs usually includes sound-absorbing materials, helping to diminish harmful noise levels to safer thresholds. This makes them a practical choice for maintaining hearing protection in various occupational settings, offering comfort and ease of use compared to other devices. Additionally, their design allows for prolonged usage without discomfort, which is essential in environments that require sustained noise protection.

While other devices like noise-cancelling headphones may also reduce sound, they are primarily designed for listening to audio with reduced background noise rather than providing adequate protection in extremely loud environments. Headphones and earmolds serve different purposes and do not offer the necessary noise reduction capabilities required for effective hearing protection.