Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) Practice Test 2025 – All-in-One Study Guide for Exam Success!

The statement that muffs are typically more effective against hearing loss than earplugs is accurate due to several factors. Hearing protection effectiveness is primarily measured by the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR), which indicates how much sound the device can block. Muffs, which cover the entire outer ear, can provide a better seal in certain environments and are less susceptible to being inserted incorrectly, which can happen with earplugs. Thus, when properly fitted, muffs have a higher potential to reduce noise exposure significantly.

Additionally, muffs can offer user comfort in specific conditions, especially in colder environments, and can easily be put on and removed when transient noise exposure is present. This enhanced ability to block out ambient noise makes muffs a preferable choice in many situations, particularly in high-noise environments such as construction sites, factories, or during the use of loud machinery.

Considering these factors helps clarify why muffs might be seen as more effective under general circumstances compared to earplugs.