For a long time, I thought musician ear plugs (custom made in hospital audiology department) are great. I had three replaceable pucks with ratings of 10ish dB, 20ish dB and complete block, but they all sound the same to me in terms of loudness reduction. Yes, I hear clearly with them on, but practically very little reduction on noises that I don't want. On other hand, even low rating foam plugs blocks out much more than my highest rating musician plugs, provided that they are inserted properly but they are very clumsy to use. I concluded that it's the seal that really matters. Foam plugs just seals much better. Musician plugs are comfortable and easy to use, but not airtight and it kind of defeat the purpose if it does not give me the protection that I need. If you depend on plugs for concerts or other loud events, be very careful about the plugs of choice, it can give you false sense of security with the wrong kind. I now mostly use earpeace plugs, mainly because it is easier to put it and I can push them deep into my ear canal for a good seal. It blocks out sounds quite well and I can still communicate at close range. Just be careful with not pushing in any ear wax. BTW, ear muffs blocks out the most sound for me, but they are extremely uncomfortable.
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