Ear protectors are generally any personal protective equipment that cover at least the opening of the ear canal such that damaging sounds cannot cause deafness. Alternatively, they could be equipment that prevents other damage from occurring to the ear or its inner workings such as cold weather.
The term could refer to the following:

• Earmuffs
  Earmuffs
  Earmuffs are objects designed to cover a person's ears for protection. They consist of a thermoplastic or metal head-band, that fits over the top of the head, and a pad at each end, to cover the external ears....
  
  
• Earplugs