earmuff

An earmuff is a device worn over the ears to provide warmth or to protect hearing. It typically consists of two cushioned cups or pads connected by a band that sits over the head or around the neck, enclosing the ears to trap heat or reduce exposure to noise.

In cold weather, earmuffs are used to insulate the ears from wind and cold, offering a lightweight alternative to hats or hoods. Some models are designed primarily for warmth, using fur, fleece, or soft fabrics for comfort and insulation. In noisy environments, earmuffs function as hearing protection by attenuating sound. These can be passive, using damping materials to reduce noise, or electronic, with features such as built-in microphones, ambient sound amplification, or active noise reduction to improve communication while protecting hearing.

Materials and construction vary widely. The outer shells may be made of fabric, leather, plastic, or metal, with foam or other padding inside the cups. The headband can be metal, plastic, or elastic and may be adjustable to fit different head sizes. Many earmuffs are foldable or collapsible for portability, and some are designed to be worn with helmets, hats, or other headgear.

History and usage: earmuffs are commonly attributed to a late 19th-century invention by Chester Greenwood, who developed the concept to keep the ears warm while playing a musical instrument. Since then, earmuffs have become widespread in cold climates and workplaces requiring hearing protection, as well as a fashion accessory in some contexts. They range from simple, unobtrusive designs to high-tech models used in professional settings.