[bradpdx]

These days very few of my gigs are loud enough to warrant plugs. But in the past, when I gigged frequently and all night long, it was an issue.

I agree that most foam plugs are just unusable. The response is so bass heavy and one's own voice is so loud and muffled that for me it really makes music almost pointless.

I have had some custom fitted "flat response" plugs that worked better, but current technology looks nicer than my old one. The Etymotic plugs look terrific for $12!

Fortunately, the last time my ears felt "dinged" by a gig was long ago. I always blame it on pedal steel players.