Which piece of protective equipment provides excellent sound reduction?

Earmuffs are designed specifically to provide effective sound reduction, making them the appropriate choice for protecting hearing in noisy environments. They cover the entire ear and create a solid seal, which helps to significantly decrease the volume of ambient noise. This is particularly important in settings like airports where loud sounds from jet engines and other machinery can pose a risk to hearing.

In contrast, other options such as earplugs also provide sound reduction but may not offer as comprehensive a barrier against noise. Construction helmets primarily serve to protect against head injuries and do not focus on sound attenuation. Standard headphones are meant for audio playback and may not be equipped to block out external noise effectively. Thus, earmuffs stand out as the best protective equipment for sound reduction.