Some people react to loud noise with anxiety and irritability, an increase in pulse rate and blood processor, or an increase in stomach acid. Very loud noise can reduce efficiency in performing difficult tasks by diverting attention from the job. If you must work in an excessively noisy environment, you should wear protectors. You should also wear them when you are using power tools, noisy yard equipment, or firearms. Hearing protection devices decrease the intensity of sound that reaches the eardrum.
Earplugs are small inserts that fit into the outer ear canal.
To be effective they must totally block the ear canal with an airtight seal. They are available in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit individual ear canals and can be custom made. For people who have trouble keeping them in their ear, they can be fitted to a headband. Earmuffs fit over the entire outer ear to form an air seal so the entire circumference of the ear canal is blocked, and they are held in place by an adjustable band. Ear muffs will not seal around eyeglasses or long hair, and the adjustable headband tension must be sufficient to hold earmuffs firmly around the ear.