In my earlier days of riding, when we didn't have fairings, or quiet helmets, I never wore earplugs. Till I was told, that 100kph for an hour is equivelent to a years worth of factory work noice wise!!!??? Anyhow, whatever the comparison is, I figured ear plugs would be a sesible option. I wer them all the time now. Even racing. But I think the damage was done a bit before that. Now, in a noisy room, I can't focus in on one conversation as it disapears!!!

It's why I like quiet bars, instead of noisy nightclubs!!!
The best cheapies I have found you get from safety shops. They are an orange colour, and have a smooth finish to the surfaces, so they don't irritate to the same degree as the foam ones.
I have also tried those disposable mouldable ones. They look like clear plasticine. You pull of a square from the block, mould it into a shape and blob it into your ear. They seal really well, are even less irritating than the foam ones, but on an all day ride, they start to stick to the inside of your ear and fall apart a bit. So I only use these on shorter rides. Very comfy, but icky after a while, and a must chuck item after one use!
"I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me" Hunter S. Thompson.
There are really only two questions in life. 1.Which way do i go? 2.What is the lap record?