Noise inhibitor quietly accepted by listeners (7)
I believe the answer is:
earplug
'noise inhibitor' is the definition.
(an earplug stops you hearing noise)
I don't understand the remainder of the clue.
(Other definitions for earplug that I've seen before include "Sound excluder" , "It blocks out sound" , "It's used to prevent entry of noise or water" , "Personal defence against noise (or water)" , "Noise reducer" .)