Earmuffs vs. Earplugs: Which Is Better for You? — A Practical, Evidence-Based Guide

When it comes to protecting your hearing, the choice between earmuffs and earplugs isn’t one-size-fits-all. Both can reduce dangerous noise exposure, but which is better depends on the situation, the noise level, comfort and fit, and whether you need to hear certain sounds (speech, range commands, alarms). Below is an objective, evidence-based look at the strengths and limits of each, with practical scenarios and recent guidance.   1.How hearing protection is measured? Hearing protectors are rated using the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) — a laboratory number (in decibels) that helps compare potential attenuation between products. Higher NRR can indicate more...