Crossword Genius

To block noise, sheriff covering those with these? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

earplugs

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'those with these?' is the definition.
I know nothing about this answer so I cannot judge whether this works.

'to block noise sheriff covering' is the wordplay.
'to block' becomes 'plug' (plug is a kind of block).
'noise sheriff' becomes 'ears' (I can't justify this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'covering' is an insertion indicator.
'plug' going inside 'ears' is 'EARPLUGS'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for earplugs that I've seen before include "Stoppers to keep noise out" , "aids to sleep?" , "noise abatement aids" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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