How much protection can combined hearing protective devices provide?

Combined hearing protective devices can provide effective noise reduction by utilizing various types of hearing protection together, such as earmuffs combined with earplugs. The typical noise attenuation range for these combined devices is generally between 28 and 32 decibels (dB). This level of protection is significant for individuals exposed to high noise environments, such as in certain aerospace or industrial settings.

When two types of hearing protection are used together, the overall sound reduction capability can increase due to the additive effect of both devices. However, this increase is not always a simple summation—there are established guidelines and studies that support the efficacy of this range for combined devices. The correct answer of 28-32 dB indicates a level of protection that is well within recognized standards for mixed-use scenarios, ensuring that users can effectively minimize their risk of hearing damage while working in noisy conditions.