Ear protectors are designed specifically to block out loud ambient noises that can damage your baby’s sensitive hearing. They do not provide any sound on their own. Headphones are designed to transmit music or other sounds from an audio device to your child’s ears. Volume-limiting headphones can be an ideal way to distract your child from other loud noises that may frighten or overwhelm them and some headphones are designed to block external noise as well, functioning in a similar manner to ear protectors. To prevent hearing damage, ear protectors are the best choice. To protect your child from a stimulus that may be overwhelming them, especially in the case of autistic or special needs children, noise-canceling headphones can provide a focus for their attention while also protecting them from external sound.