In my late teens and early twenties, I spent as many nights as possible in clubs and raves dancing and passing out flyers.  Every morning I would wake up with ringing in my ears.  It took a few years, but I eventually realized this was a dangerous habit.

I ordered a pair of hi-fidelity ear plugs that blocked up to 20db on most frequencies evenly.  That means it just turns the overall volume down.  What I found after wearing them is that the music actually sounded better.  Instead of being too loud and distorted, I could more readily hear the records that DJs were spinning.

Now, in my later twenties, I’m spending even more time dancing in clubs and watching concerts.  So  I visited Etymotic Research, the company I originally purchased my ear plugs from.  I picked out a couple different colors, pinged a few friends, and placed an order.  The ear plugs are only $12 a pair, but shipping is stuck around $6, so I always order a few extras for friends and spares.

Links:
Etymotic Research
H.E.A.R Hearing Education and Awareness for Rockers