Abstract: An ear protector for protecting outer ear structure including the pinna, helix and ear lobe, includes a U-shaped retainer with first and second legs joined by a bight and a shield which is pivoted to the retainer at the bight. The retainer is slipped over the ear with the bight and one leg being behind the ear. The shield is then pivoted down over the ear to sandwich the ear between the retainer and shield. Preferably, the shield is lined with a soft foam on its inside surface and has a layer of heat protecting foil on its outer surface.