A Loud Noise (Of Mixed Sounds) Arriving at One Side

A loud noise (of mixed sounds) arriving at one side of the head enters the ipsilateral ear first and is slightly muffled as perceived via the contralateral ear. This is mostly because the

A) contralateral ear is farther away.
B) contralateral ear is protected by air pressure.
C) head absorbs some of the noise energy before it arrives at the contralateral ear.
D) head prevents much of the noise energy from getting through.
E) head slows down the speed of sound.