Yeah, the issue with free earplugs is that they’re… Well… Cheap. It’s a trade-off where the cheap earplugs are uncomfortable and make everything sound super muffled, so people are less likely to actually use them. Even a mid-range pair of reusable earplugs will be a huge upgrade in comfort and quality.

To be clear, the free earplugs should absolutely be available regardless. But there should also be a way to get some decent earplugs at a decent price, for those who are less inclined to use the cheap ones.