Abstract: An ear defender which comprises two ear plugs (11) each of which is connected to a respective end of a cord (20). Each plug (11) includes a plug-part (10) which is provided with a recess (18) for a cord locking sleeve which coacts with a respective plug-part. The locking sleeve (12) is slotted from its front end in the plug-part so as to form two identical sleeve-parts (24). These are joined together at the rear end of the locking sleeve (12) by at least one hinge or web part (26) formed integrally with the locking sleeve. A length of the end of the cord extends into a channel (32) in the sleeve through an opening provided in the vicinity of the hinge part. The cord end is secured in the channel (32), by pressing the sleeve parts into firm engagement with the cord end within the recess (18).