Hearing protectors are wearable devices that can lower the intensity of sound that enters your ears. It is important to protect your hearing because loud sounds can damage sensitive structures in your inner ear, causing noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and tinnitus (ringing, roaring, or buzzing in the ears). The louder the sound, the faster it can damage your hearing. NIHL is a significant health problem for U.S. youth and adults1.