I started using hearing protection almost 30 years ago when I realized every old farmer I knew couldn't hear a bomb go off in their back pocket.  I started with ear muffs and after a year decided they were not worth the discomfort.  That was when I discovered most ear plugs actually had a better rating than most muffs.

I've been buying from Gempler's.  I am sure there are other places just as good and probably cheaper, but their prices are fair, their service is good, and no more often than I buy them even saving $5-$10 on a box is false economy.

Gemplers has a helpful page about hearing protection at http://www.gemplers.com/a/pages/shearing.asp?UID=200607210921525626666763

Lately I have been using Matrix by Howard Leight

I like them because they don't need rolled to be inserted.

I've used PuraFit and they are good, just need rolled to insert in your ear and since my hands are often not the cleanest during the day, are dirty.

They claim the Max plugs have the highest rating with a NRR of 33, but the PuraFits have an NRR of 33 as well.

They used to have a sampler of the various ear plugs you could buy and try them out.  You might call and ask them if it is still available

Web site is http://www.gemplers.com