[kurth83]

I carry the cheap Howard Leight MAX UF earplugs with me wherever I go. They used to be the most common plug around, very basic and cheap. I bought a box of 200 pairs once for $30, that's a lifetime supply. I have pairs stashed everywhere so I never go into a room with a PA without them. I end up using them routinely whenever something gets too loud.

They don't stop all sound like a wax plug would, just reduce it. They roll off the top-end a bit more than the low end, but that's what you want for ear protection, since damage is more from high frequencies. Even with the slightly muffed sound I can have a conversation with them in. I have used them on stage with a loud acoustic drummer and they were adequate for that, although a little more cut would have been nice.

That said there are more hi-fi options available as others have mentioned.