Which type of hearing protection is suitable for high noise levels on construction sites?

Hearing protection is essential on construction sites due to the prevalence of high noise levels that can lead to hearing damage or loss. Earplugs or earmuffs rated for high noise reduction are specifically designed to minimize the impact of loud sounds while allowing necessary communication and awareness of the environment. They are made from materials that effectively dampen harmful noise levels, reducing them to safer thresholds.

In contrast, standard headphones are not designed for noise reduction in a construction setting and may not provide adequate protection from harmful sounds. Cotton balls are ineffective as a form of hearing protection because they do not offer sufficient noise attenuation. The idea that hearing protection is unnecessary is incorrect, as hearing loss is a significant risk in noisy environments such as construction sites. Therefore, the best choice for protecting hearing in high noise levels on these sites is the proper use of earplugs or earmuffs rated for high noise reduction.