What type of hearing protection is typically used in high-noise environments?

In high-noise environments, circumaural ear muffs are often the preferred choice for hearing protection due to their design and effectiveness in reducing noise exposure. These earmuffs provide a snug fit around the entire ear, which helps to block out harmful noise levels more effectively than other types of hearing protection. They are designed to provide a higher Noise Reduction Rating (NRR), making them suitable for environments where noise levels may exceed safe thresholds.

Circumaural ear muffs also have the added advantage of being able to accommodate users who may find other forms of hearing protection less comfortable or effective. For instance, they can be worn over other personal protective equipment, such as hard hats, and are less likely to fall out during physical activity compared to soft ear plugs. This feature makes them particularly valuable in industrial settings where safety and comfort are paramount.

In contrast, other options like soft ear plugs and custom-molded ear plugs may be suitable for different contexts but may not provide the same level of protection in extremely high-noise situations. Noise-cancellation headphones, while effective for reducing sound in everyday environments, are not typically designed for industrial noise levels and often do not meet the required specifications for hearing conservation in workplaces. Thus, circumaural ear muffs