What type of protection do earmuffs and earplugs provide?

Earmuffs and earplugs are specifically designed to reduce noise exposure and protect the hearing of individuals in loud environments. They are constructed with materials that block or absorb sound waves, thereby helping to prevent hearing loss and other auditory issues caused by prolonged exposure to excessive noise levels.

Hearing protection is essential in many settings, such as construction sites, airports, and manufacturing plants, where noise levels can exceed safe limits. By adequately fitting and wearing these devices, individuals can significantly lower the risk of hearing damage, making them a critical component of personal protective equipment in various industries.

Other forms of protection mentioned, such as thermal, visual, and respiratory protection, serve entirely different purposes and are not related to noise reduction.