scrap the plugs and buy filters.  the idea is that they just bring down the level of ambient sound without turning it to lo-mid mush.  the only ones like this i can think of are the hearos.  the second one on the page ... #211 High Fidelity HEAROS  ... i dont have these specific ones, but some like it.  

I suffer most loud situations from one source ie a monitor or stray cabinet.  So if there is an offending source I plug up just one ear.  Helps a bunch and doesn't totally muffle all the detail.

I had ear plugs in my pocket this weekend just for S&G's and man did they come in handy!  The set up was really loud and when one is setting up, getting levels, moving in and around big pa speakers the plugs are handy.  Once the levels were set the stage volume really wasn't loud so I took them out and finished the gig.

For rehearsals I usually only need one earplug in the side of my head where the offending source is coming from.  Or I just tell the person they are too loud.  A bunch of mature musicians usually know how to get their volumes comfortable if you ask me.  The last truly metal thing I did, well, I had to wear earplugs at the rehearsal...no fun.

yeah, but what if your monitor weighs 100 lbs.?

dbling up your hat (i've done this) won't do a good job and as far as ear muffs go, they don't have the density to stop sound, plus you would look like a fruitcake- no thanks

In rehersal i always use plugs. I got a 10-pack from CVS for $2. I put them in just enough to cancel out all the harsh volume and high-end tones that cause damage.  

My practice room is very small, so I have bass & guitar amps right in my ear and can't play without them.

When i play live i don't use plugs often cause the sound isn't as direct and I can have the sound guy but out what i don't want to hear. I bring 'em just in case though.

I agree, although sustained loud hurts also.  I had a monitor mix a couple of months ago where the side fill was making my eardrum FLUTTER in my head.  I couldn't believe it.  I almost stopped in the middle of the song and basically had a hissy fit at the end of the song.  I was playing with my head cocked in the top of my shoulder.   A horrible experience.

Cigarette butts work in a pinch for you hard core bar stars out there-

www.proplugs.com
I tried foam plugs but hated them- they seem to only block certain frequencies: I got plenty low end but all the highs were muffled out.
These jobs allow you to hear everything but at a lower volume.

When I go to the range to shoot the 'ol M.A.C.10 and I forget my muffs. I just find a couple of 9mm casings. They're like FREE ear plugs. Not the best, but they cut out the high frequencies of a gun shot. And your ears don't ring afterwards.

I've got Alpine Hearsafe plugs. With a filter. Designed specifically for musicians. They're great ! give you about exactly the same sound as without them, but cut down the volume by a 12 db.  I like to protect my hearing because I don't like the idea of going deaf... yesterday I saw a band whose drummer at times hit REALLY hard, and I'm quite sure he didn't wear plugs. If you ask me, this guy is going to be deaf within a few years...