Earmuffs are hearing shields that are worn as hearing protection. They have cups lined with sound-dampening material and resemble thermal earmuffs and headphones in look. For use on building sites, these can be worn on a headband or attached to the sides of a hard hat.

Ear plugs are part of personal protection equipment used for hearing safety. In order to shield the user’s ear from the impacts of loud noises, ear plugs are made to be inserted into the ear canal. They are not a replacement for protective equipment, but they work best when worn in hostile, noisy workplaces. They can also be used at home, such as as earplugs for sleeping. It is essential for both comfort and noise reduction effectiveness.