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How to Protect Your Hearing with Noise-Cancelling Devices

Explore ways to prevent hearing loss.
Last update on Oct, 22, 2025

October is Hearing Loss Prevention Month, which makes it the perfect time to focus on practical steps you can take to protect your hearing, such as muffling sounds with the right noise-cancelling ear protection. Though these are not a replacement for hearing aids, they lessen the need to turn up the volume on your hearing devices- and every little bit helps when it comes to our hearing!

Whether you work in a noisy environment, enjoy louder recreational activities such as shooting, or simply want a quieter space to focus, understanding different types of hearing protection devices can make a big difference.

Read on to explore the top options for ear noise protection help, and look at how noise-cancelling headphones tie into lifelong hearing health.

Ear Noise Protection Devices: Which Ones to Consider

Repeated exposure to loud environments can lead to noise-induced hearing loss, a high frequency hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear. [1] Devices like noise protection earplugs act as a physical barrier, reducing the decibel level reaching your ears. With so many products on the market, choosing the right ear noise protection device depends on your lifestyle and environment. Here are some of the main types to consider:

  • Noise Protection Ear Plugs: These are an easy-to-use option available in disposable foam, reusable silicone, or custom-molded versions. Foam earplugs are great for concerts, sleeping, or quick use. Custom-molded plugs offer a more secure fit and are ideal for frequent use. Take a look at some of Amplifon’s best suggestions for the best earplugs for concerts & festivals.
  • Ear Muffs/Noise Protections: Over-the-ear muffs create a seal around the entire ear, offering consistent protection. Some advanced models also integrate Bluetooth connectivity, allowing workers or recreational users to take calls and stream audio while still protecting their hearing.
  • Electronic & Noise-Cancelling Devices: Electronic ear protection uses microphones and speakers to actively cancel out noise. Unlike simple earplugs, these devices analyze incoming sound waves and generate “anti-noise” signals to reduce overall sound levels in addition to the passive protection provided by the ear plug or ear muff. This makes them ideal for people who want protection, but still need to hear and communicate effectively.
  • Bluetooth Hearing Protection:  When devices have Bluetooth connections, this allows you to connect to other devices while still protecting your hearing. Bluetooth connections can come in the form of earmuffs or earplugs.
  • Baby Ear Noise Protection Devices:  Lightweight earmuffs designed for babies that help shield developing ears from potentially damaging sound levels without discomfort. 

Do Noise-Cancelling Headphones Protect Hearing?

Though they are helpful devices for providing a superior sound experience, they do not actively protect hearing. Active noise-cancelling (ANC) headphones are designed to reduce ambient noise, which means you don’t need to crank up the volume to overcome background sounds. This can provide a few decibels of noise reduction that can minimally protect your hearing, particularly in environments like airplanes, offices, or public transit. [2] However, ANC headphones are not designed as certified hearing protection and are not sufficient for loud events, construction sites, or shooting ranges.

Take a look at some of Amplifon’s curated suggestions for custom vs. standard earplugs

Why This Matters: Hearing Loss Prevention Month

Hearing damage can occur over time from exposure to loud environments in daily life, at work, or recreationally. Hearing damage can be permanent, but it’s also preventable.

By incorporating ear protection into your daily routine, whether that’s wearing noise protection earplugs at a concert to prevent your ears from ringing after a concert, using Bluetooth hearing protection on a noisy job site, or ensuring infant noise protection at loud events, you can take meaningful steps toward preserving your hearing health.

Let Amplifon Help Protect Your Hearing

Request an appointment at Amplifon Hearing Healthcare to explore expert advice, hearing health assessments, and personalized recommendations for hearing protection. Protecting your hearing today means enjoying the sounds you love for years to come.

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Sources

1. CDC. “Understand Noise Exposure.” Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/noise/prevent/understand.html

2. New York Times. “What Your Noise-Cancelling Headphones Can and Can’t Do.” Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/what-noise-cancelling-headphones-do/

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