The hazard
Noise damage usually builds up slowly and does not hurt, so it is easy to miss until the damage is done. Hearing lost to noise does not come back, and hearing aids cannot make it like new. Noise can also leave you with ringing in your ears that never goes away. The good news is that this kind of hearing loss can be prevented.
The action
Earplugs and earmuffs both work when they fit well and stay on, so pick the type you will actually wear. In general industry, the employer must let you choose from a variety of suitable hearing protectors (29 CFR 1910.95(i)(3)). Keep them on the whole time you are in the noise, because even a few minutes without them adds up. In construction, plain cotton is not an acceptable protective device (29 CFR 1926.101(c)). (29 CFR 1910.95(i)(3))
ASK THE CREW
Where do we keep spare earplugs, and who do you tell when they run out?
From the talk: Noise and hearing protection. Read it in full, free, with the questions and the sign-in sheet.