In order to dampen the noise from surrounding areas, ear cups seal the ears. The noise-reduction rating (NRR) of safety earmuffs is better than that of earplugs due to their longer life and more consistent fit. Additionally, they are more visible than earplugs, so you can use them to verify that workers are following the hearing safety guidelines that have been set by the employer. It is ideal for environments with intermittent noise to wear protective earmuffs. This is because they can rest around the neck when not in use and they do not require the wearer to roll them up when not in use. With earplugs coupled with the headphones, NRR can be increased even further.