Ringing in the ears is a symptom of hearing damage. After playing in a rock band for 10 years, I have had some hearing loss, and I am now assiduous in protecting my remaining hearing. I have the Westone plugs, the ones that are custom-fitted and attenuate sound uniformly across the frequency spectrum, so that music still sounds good. I wear them at every concert and most movies. I also wear them when I mow the lawn and on airplanes. I spent a couple hundred bucks, including the custom-fitting. And, I bought a pair of inserts that block even more sound, for REALLY loud aps...Spend the money; you'll thank yourself and enjoy music the rest of your life. By the way, I've read that the cheap foam plugs (and tissue paper) do not block sound that damages your hearing, even if the sound seems softer. And, as you said, the sound sucks through cheap plugs.
Ear protection for concerts
I am going to see the Cowboy Junkies in a few weeks – can’t wait. Every time I see a concert my ears ring for days (and I’m sure I’m losing some hearing as well). I typically bring those cheap foam earplugs and tissue as a fall back. The earplugs sound terrible and I usually do not use them unless the volume is at “11”. I sometimes end up with tissue in my ears trying to tame the volume levels, the bad mix, and keep it listenable. Does anyone have any suggestions on audiophile or musicians earplugs at a reasonable price (nothing custom)?