The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word EARPLUG
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
E
A
R
P
L
U
G
More clues leading to the result EARPLUG
- Frontier lawman has to carry something to muffle gunshot?
- Old lawman to carry personal protection
- Silencer that’s soft put in pair of listeners?
- It protects two protuberances around front of pate
- Almost merit promotion for reducing noise
- Means to close entrance to labyrinth?
- Arizona lawman has to carry silencer?
- Organs fitted with adaptor essentially as a protective device
- Record’s turned up – argue about it, after resorting to this?
- What’ll stop you receiving advert for organ?
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "something to muffle gunshot" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case something to muffle gunshot = earplug.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does EARPLUG mean?
EARPLUG noun- A piece of protective gear meant to be inserted in the ear canal to protect the wearer's hearing from loud noises or the intrusion of water.
- To fit with earplugs.