• The use of earplugs to cancel noise in the environment could preserve hearing.ballyscanlon/Stockbyte/Getty Images
  
  Wearing ear protection in the form of earplugs is one way to cancel noise and protect hearing from damage. Permanent damage can be caused over time by listening to loud noises at work, at home or in public. There are many earplugs on the market to protect against hearing loss, each with a different Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). With a ranking of 33 indicating the highest ranking, here are several earplugs worth considering.
  
  

Howard Leight Earplugs

• Marketing toward employers, Sperian Hearing Products, maker of Howard Leight earplugs, puts hearing "conservation" at the forefront of its marketing. Consumer Research listed these earplugs as a top pick. They are listed consistently on various motorcycle enthusiast websites as well as in Slate Magazine. The company manufactures both single use and multiple use plugs which can be purchased at a large variety of stores, including various pharmacies, Costco, and Dollar General. The disposable variety carries an NRR of 30. For more information, contact the company using the information in this article's Resources section.
  
  

Pura-Fit Foam Earplugs

• Listed as the second favorite among motorcycle riders, according to Consumer Research, Pura-Fit earplugs from Moldex are tapered for a better fit inside the ear canal and is longer for easier grasping. It has an NRR of 33 and is PVC-free. For distributor and sales information, contact the company using the information in this article's Resources section.
  
  

Insta-Mold Earplugs

• Insta-Mold plugs, from E.A.R., Inc., are made for recreational, industrial or medical use from a silicone that is hypo-allergenic, as well as medical grade. They are custom-made to fit a patient's ear, so the silicone is applied in a hearing professional's office, molded to the inside of each ear. This allows for the maximum NRR to be received. It was given an award for best new product of the year in 2009. For ordering information, contact the company using the information in this article's Resources section.