Earmuffs are objects designed to cover a person's ears for protection. They consist of a thermoplastic or metal head-band, that fits over the top of the head, and a pad at each end, to cover the external ears. They come in two basic kinds:

• Thermal earmuffs, worn in cold environments to keep a person's ears warm.
• Acoustic earmuffs, also known as ear defenders: cups lined with sound-deadening material, like thermal earmuffs and headphones in appearance, which are worn as hearing protection. These may be carried on a head-band or clipped onto the sides of a hard hat, for use on construction sites. Some manufacturers combine headphones with ear defenders, allowing the wearer to listen to a music, communication or other audio source and also enjoy protection or isolation from ambient noise. Acoustic earmuffs were created in Italy in 1982.

See also

• Headphones
• Earplugs
• Muffs
• Noise-induced_hearing_loss

External links

• Earmuff History - Invention of Earmuffs
• Bicycle Ear Protection