I have always used earplugs. I tried the earmuffs while I was at CLEET years ago. I hated being out on the skills pad in the heat of august with thosae things on. Felt like I had fishbowls on my ears. Only time I might use muffs now is when I am working the gunline. I have been using the foam plugs for years. While they are great I hate having to squish them before sticking them in my ears and removing them each time to hear anything. I just now ordered me some Surefire Pro earplugs....here is to hoping I have found the best earplugs.