It stops the listener (7)

I believe the answer is:

earplug

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'it' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'stops the listener' is the wordplay.
'stops' becomes 'earp' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'the listener' becomes 'lug' (informal Scottish term for a person's ear).
'earp'+'lug'='EARPLUG'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for earplug that I've seen before include "Noise reducer" , "Protection against noise" , "Protection from sound" , "protection from racket" , "affording protection for organ" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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