Final answer:
Hearing protection in kennels is primarily used to prevent hearing loss from loud barking, which can exceed safe exposure levels of 85 dB for extended periods.
Step-by-step explanation:
Using hearing protection is essential while working in a kennel primarily to prevent hearing loss from the loud noise created by barking dogs. Noise levels can routinely exceed the recommended 85 dB threshold for 8-hour daily exposure set by government and health agencies, thus necessitating the use of ear protectors. In addition to safeguarding human hearing, maintaining a quiet environment can also be beneficial for the animals' well-being. Although hearing protection might assist in creating a more peaceful environment, it's not typically used for improving communication with animals or blocking out noise from other kennels.