A protective headgear is provided that includes a pair of ear guards, each having generally crescent-shaped or kidney-shaped core. Preferably, a pattern of vent openings is provided in the core to connect the interior and exterior surfaces. A one-piece removable ear guard covering of a flexible material covers each ear guard. The covering has a core portion with vents that communicate with the vents on the core to allow a wearer to hear. The covering also includes a peripheral edge portion that extends between the core portion and a peripheral edge and covers the exterior surface of the core. The covering also includes an interior peripheral edge portion for extending about a portion of the interior surface of the core. A layer of cushioning material, preferably gel cushioning material, may be positioned along the interior surface of the peripheral edge of the cover. A plurality of elongate apertures are positioned on the core, and a corresponding plurality of slots are positioned on the cover for interconnecting ear guards with a plurality of adjustable head straps.