I've been using ear plugs for live music both as listener and performer for ages. I consider them essential.
They can even improve listening quality. For years while going to concerts I thought that speakers have problems at venues due to always hearing high pitched noise, usually on guitars. It turns out it was basically sound of my ears screaming that it's to loud. Problem disapeares with ear plugs.
I sometimes take them off during the concert wanting to hear things louder and regret it in an instance :)
Went to a friend's grindcore show a couple years back. Felt weird being the only person with earplugs in the crowd, took them out for half a second, and then immediately regretted it. Don't need my EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE to get any louder.
Sennheiser SoundProtex Earplugs - Reusable Hearing Protection with 2 Interchangeable Filters - High Fidelity Sound at a Safe Volume Level - Black Grey https://a.co/d/8JmZwU8
Personally I have “loop experience plus” which I also got for $40 and wanted to compare the two. I’ve used them at concerts and love it
Loop Experience Plus Earplugs - High Fidelity Hearing Protection for Musicians, DJs, Festivals, Concerts and Nightlife – 18dB & NRR 7 Noise Reduction Ear Plugs – Extra Accessories Incl - Silver https://a.co/d/eQCjaD6
Small version with 2 different filters ~40€, big version with 4 different filters ~80€. All come without any kind of carry case / pouch. A bit expensive and lacking for that price tbh