Which of the following is an example of passive hearing protection?

Passive hearing protection refers to devices that do not require electronic components to function and simply serve to block out noise from the environment. Disposable earplugs are designed to create a seal in the ear canal, thereby physically obstructing sound waves and reducing the overall noise level that reaches the eardrum.

These earplugs are made from materials that absorb and reduce sound, making them effective in various noisy environments. They offer straightforward and reliable protection without the need for any power source or electronic mechanism, distinguishing them clearly as passive hearing protection.

In contrast, devices like active noise reduction headsets, noise-canceling headphones, and digital communication headsets incorporate electronic components that analyze incoming sounds and emit counteracting sounds to reduce noise. These technologies actively work to modify the sound environment rather than simply blocking it, which is why they are classified as active hearing protection rather than passive.