What must always be utilized for hearing protection to be effective?

For hearing protection to be effective, it is essential that it must be worn. This means that regardless of the type or quality of hearing protection, if it is not worn consistently during exposure to loud noises, it will not serve its purpose of preventing hearing loss.

Evidently, wearing the protection ensures that the intended sound reduction is achieved and that the user is adequately safeguarded from harmful noise levels. Even the best hearing protection devices, if left unused, cannot protect the ears from damage caused by excessive sound.

While options like being expensive, tested, or certified may contribute to the overall effectiveness or quality of hearing protection, the fundamental requirement is that it must be worn to be beneficial. Without usage, any advantages these other factors may offer become moot.