What part of the fireman's personal protective equipment covers the neck and ears?

The hood is designed specifically to provide protection for the neck and ears of firefighters. It is typically made from flame-resistant materials and serves as a crucial component of personal protective equipment (PPE). When wearing other gear, such as a helmet, the hood works in conjunction with it to ensure that critical areas are safeguarded against heat, flames, and hazardous materials. The hood is essential for preventing burns and injuries to these vulnerable areas that can be exposed during firefighting operations.

In this context, while the helmet provides head protection and is important for overall safety, it does not specifically cover the neck and ears. Other items like gloves and glasses serve different purposes—gloves for hand protection and glasses for eye protection—but they do not address the need for neck and ear coverage. Thus, the hood is the correct answer for this specific question regarding the part of firefighting gear that protects the neck and ears.