Ear plugs are such a basic piece of gear that sometimes the proper use can be overlooked. Whether you are hunting, using a chain saw, attending a race, or trying to block out noise on a long plane flight, earplugs are a critical - though simple - solution to keeping your hearing. While there's a compulsion to pretend loud noises don't bother you because, "we're men!", even if you can stand the noise, it could be causing permanent hearing loss.