I really like Surefire brand earplugs. They have a little cap on them so you can have both dampened sound and close to zero sound. I use them when riding transit: cap on for no noise when navigating the bus/train platforms, cap in when on the bus so noise is dampened but I can still hear if someone is trying to get my attention. This is them: Surefire EP4 Sonic Defender Ear Protection, Medium https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B001V2SS9G/
I also have the Sony wh-1000xm4 headphones and they’re definitely worth saving up for.
These are awesome. Washable and reusable. Blocks the heavy sounds like engine and wheel squeal when you're on the ground but you can still hear the radio and people you're talking to.
SureFire Sonic Defenders are my go-to ear plugs as an audio engineer and person who spends a lot of time in loud situations. They aren't your average foam plugs, which actually do muffle the sound a lot. These babies just turn everything down by almost 30db. And they're much more comfortable than some of the other brands I've tried; they're made of silicone so they're very flexible. They're also pretty stylish, and most of their models have color options for different skin tones (though not as much variety as I would like) Looking at their website, they're marketed towards people who hunt or spend a lot of time at the gun range, but they obviously will work in every loud setting. I'm seeing several of their models on Amazon for less than $20, which is great considering one pair will last you at least half a year if you don't let them get too caked up with wax.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001V2SS9G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_42nXAbQ254YF5
I just got these yesterday due to the other thread. https://www.amazon.com/SureFire-Defenders-filtered-Earplugs-reusable/dp/B001V2SS9G/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1524505061&sr=8-3&keywords=surefire+ear+plugs
I can still talk normal to people and hear them just fine. Other ones that do are nonoise, pinlock
I've only ever used them to ride and with the little plugs out (does a great job of letting in my music by tuning out outside noise), but I'd guess that the plug in/out feature would be great for your dual use case as if you were in a very loud scenario you could ratchet things up by plugging in the ends
They last me about 5k miles / 6 mos a pair. Could probably last longer, but as they age they get a bit stiffer and don't make as good a seal on the ear canal
Take a look at these if you do
Last me usually 3-6 months (riding about 1k mi / month), so the price is pretty similar to disposable, but I find them much more comfortable / easy to put in / better for using with music in helmet
I use some. Surefire ear plugs when I go to the shooting range. They are fantastic and I'll be bringing them to Coachella this year. They have a plug on the outside that you can open up and close to change how much is sound is blocked. Way more comfortable than foam plugs. Have worn them for 5+ hours on multiple occasions. SureFire EP4 Sonic Defenders Plus filtered Earplugs, triple flanged design, reusable, Clear, Medium https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001V2SS9G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_oFM6ybPT1G51D
I've a pair of https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001V2SS9G/ that I got for the transbay tube. Works against yelling folks, too, and have little plugs you can pull out for the more bearable portions. active noise cancelling headphones work by injecting more (inverse) noise in to your ears so I'm a bit suspicious of them for the rail noise, myself.
Yes. I've been using these guys for both motorcycle riding and to double up on ear-muffs at the range. They have little built-in plugs to change the level of protection, which is handy if you want to be able to hear something on occasion. Had them for a couple of years with no problem, they come with a removable strap and a convenient case to carry them in.
Something surprising about sleeping in a hammock: the noise. If you're in a windy area and don't have your fly angled just right, you could be hearing swish-swish-swish
all night. I'm a light sleeper, so I always throw a pair of these in my bag now.
I've had these for years and I love them so much
But I also tend to forget them to bring them with me, so when you find yourself in a tight spot, just rip up a paper napkin, roll 'em up and shove 'em in. Works great, just a bit more of a muffled sound.
24 decible protection. Their design keeps them snug so they dont fall ouyt like other pairs. The pressure is dispersed over your ear so it keeps them comfy too.
Always. I keep a big box of Mack's in my equipment bag in case I forget my EP4s. I swear those things are the most comfortable earplugs I've ever purchased. The attenuation is pretty even compared to foamies, and the clear ones are barely noticeable in bar/stage lighting. The only thing that sounds weird to me when I'm wearing them is my own voice, but I think that's pretty much unavoidable, especially in my case.
I’ve been using Peltor’s and the Surefire earplugs for years, both have been great.
Peltor 6 S Headset No issues fitting under a helmet.
You might see if you could be allowed to use some of the ear protection that shooting sports and/or construction folks use. There are many that use electronic or passive designs that allow you to still hear while reducing noise that is at damaging levels. I use the over the ear type with electronic mics when I'm shooting at the gun club. I can still hear the range officer, but when a firearm goes off the noise is instantly blocked.
Cabelas
Amazon - all types, some won't be appropriate
Have never tried these, but seem like they would be fairly unobtrusive
As far as ear pro goes I use these a lot - https://smile.amazon.com/SureFire-Defenders-filtered-Earplugs-reusable/dp/B001V2SS9G/
I have some in my bag, and I keep a pair in my car. They're cheap enough to have a few pairs, but nice enough to use again and again. I especially like them because I can double up on ear pro when I go to an indoor range and they sit flush with my ear.
If you want to listen to music while you shoot, get the Howard Leights. I have them and often listen to music when I have the range to myself.
https://smile.amazon.com/Howard-Leight-Amplification-Electronic-R-01526/dp/B001T7QJ9O/
I've got a pair of these, they're not too bad. I do like the ear plugs better though.
Napkins from the bathroom, because I always forget these at home/hotel.
surefire sonic defenders are like $15 on amazon and come in three ear sizes. http://www.amazon.com/SureFire-Defenders-filtered-Earplugs-reusable/dp/B001V2SS9G
these things are $3. http://www.amazon.com/Macks-Shooters-Seals-Plugs-Pair/dp/B0067PMYRE
i have no idea why anyone uses foam unless they literally can't keep track of two pieces of plastic on a string.
I have a lot of ear plugs, these are my favorite for shooting: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001V2SS9G
I wear them under a cheap pair of noise cancelling headphones when I can: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001T7QJ9O
Not sure if you have actually experienced total silence, but it can be very disturbing. (check out 'sensory deprivation tank', there is likely one in your area.)
If you are talking about noise, the difference between 'earplugs' and good/great earplugs is nothing short of amazing. If you have never worn fitted ear plugs before, you have no idea how much you are really hearing.
3db is a doubling (or halving) of power. So 19db reduction is 50% of 50% of 50% of 50% of 50% of 50% of the original loudness. Or 27% of the original sound. For $13 or 31db for $25
ear plugs are an amazing thing
edit:amazon links