Earplugs

I have been using custom plugs from an ear doctor, same as you. I’m on my second set. I believe both sets were made by Etymotic but the second set may be Westone. I can’t remember. Anyway, they’re more or less the same.

Mine initially came with 20dB filters which I found too muted. I changed them out for 15dB and that’s what I’ve used ever since (about 20 years now). They also make 9dB but those mostly only cut mids and treble and I couldn’t get used to them.

All in all, I think I hear more clearly with the 15dB filters than I do with no plugs in. They eliminate a lot of sonic clutter but they did take a few weeks to get used to.

I’m actually about ready to replace my current set. They’re starting to crack a little bit and they don’t fit as well as when they were new.
Westone ER15's for me as well. Been wearing them since the mid 90's and been thru many pairs. The last custom molds have been the best because they are clear, supple, & still fit perfectly because they don't shrink over time.
 
I've specific ones from my job which lead me to go in workshop but still can have a phone conversation with and speak with other people. -15 db and the only side effect is bass frequencies seems more present. Perfect for my musical need.
 
Etymotic ER-20s. Been using them for what seems like forever. I've always been into earplugs- used to use foamies like hearos and industrial ones.

The ER-20s do a good bit to not sound muffled but cut the noise down. Relatively cheap and cheerful. One of the sets has multiple plugs.

You can go custom if you don't like the way things fit.
 
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I recently had some custom made by Alclair and I really like them a lot. They fit and seal perfectly. I have the 9db reduction filter which is plenty and if I need to hear a bit more I simply break the seal in one ear so a bit of ambient sound creeps in.
Here's a link:

 
I've been using a pair of custom made plugs for at least 15 years now. These cost me 150, and that was money well spent. If I lost them today, I'd get the same ones ordered straight away. They run on Elacin filters, I mostly use the -9dB version. It feels natural, I can hear the music and instruments just fine, but I don't have ringing ears when the night is done. I also carry them to concerts. When an acoustic drum kit is in the room with me, I'll wear these.
 
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I use the Loop Experience 2. I've tried a bunch of the other similarly priced brands and like the Loop best. They do a fine job of attenuating the volume without messing with the overall sound too badly and are comfortable for my ears.

 
Loop Switch are similar thing, and a bit cheaper. They're quite good, but a little muffled. Certainly good enough for rehearsals.
The Minuendos are clear as a bell. They are totally lossless and have a flat frequency response. They are every bit as good as the custom made ones you get at the audiologist for half the price, and you don’t need additional filters because you have a volume control built in with the little slider that attenuates the amount of cut.
 
I used Zound 19dB earplugs the other night at a moderate volume 4pc gig. I was able to hear my clank and growl, and could hear what was said between songs. Ears didn't ring afterward. They're a pita to remove(pull tab is short) and if you drop one(they're clear)you might never see it again so the retainer strap is a good idea. Next test is a loud rehearsal with a different band.