What should you do to maximize protection against loud noises?

To maximize protection against loud noises, wearing both ear plugs and muffs together is the most effective strategy. This combination creates a dual layer of protection that can significantly lower the noise level entering the ear. Ear plugs provide an internal, snug fit that blocks sound from directly entering the ear canal, while earmuffs offer additional external padding that dampens sound waves and covers the entire ear.

Using both provides more comprehensive coverage and ensures that any potential gaps in noise protection are minimized. This is especially important in environments with extremely high decibel levels where single forms of hearing protection might not offer sufficient safeguarding.

Other options lack the same level of protection; ear drops are not intended for noise protection and would not contribute to hearing safety, while relying on only one type of hearing protection might not be adequate in very loud environments. Thus, the combination of plugs and muffs offers the highest degree of hearing protection possible.