> One word:
>
> Earplugs
and, as a frequent earplug wearer, let me recommend either "Super HearOs" or
"Leight Plugs"... these are both soft expandable foam plugs available at
most Longs and other such drugstores... Warm them up in your pocket before
you use them, then take them, and gently roll them in your fingers until
they are quite thin, and insert them almost all the way into your ear
(leaving just 1/8" or so sticking out), and they will slowly expand and
completely plug your ear canal. As they are foam, your ears can still
equalize pressure changes. They are quite comfortable for 12 hour wearing
(I do so all the time on long motorcycle rides), and they provide
about -30DB noise attenuation which should be sufficient for most anything.
I've tried a lot of other types, these two in particular are the most
comfortable for long term wear. They are disposable, but you can reuse
them a few dozen times til they get groady.