I’ve tried foam earplugs, but those are impossible to use socially as everything’s too muddy. Also they’d end up sliding out eventually.
I eventually bought audiophile grade earplugs and they are FANTASTIC but the flange tips irritate my ears so bad.
I know circumaural headphones work great, but people have a harder time understanding I’m just using them as a filter to even hear them.
Just stumbled across this on /all, but my custom earplugs have been life changing. I keep them in all day at work and they don’t bother me.
The goo they shoot into your ears to make the mould is a little unpleasant, but its over in two minutes.