IMO these newer turbo-diesels are hearing protection compared ones from say 20+ years ago. It still trips me out just how quiet my new JD is compared to all the other tractors my family owns or has ever owned, or that I can remember using over the years. (quite a few) I often think my new tractor's too quiet. Lol. I also miss the smell of burn't diesel fuel that the these emissioned up tractors don't offer, but whatever.
Anyway this tractor compared to what I'm use to is like taking a gun, suppressing it, and running sub-sonic ammo. Still if I have a lot of cutting or something to do I'll sometimes throw some earbuds in my ears and listen to talk radio or music. Not really to help protect my hearing, but to keep from getting bored, but earbuds do offer hearing protection if it's something you're wanting to protect while using your tractor.