I'm a firefighter and i've found that ear protection is hard to come by and remeber to put in, not to mention how much it cuts you off from your surroundings when on scene.  There seems to be a total lack of people wearing ear pro in the fire service overall.  Earmuffs aren't an option due to interference with helmet, hood, and face mask.  I'm looking at a few electronic ear bud options but they all seem to have mixed reviews.  Does anyone here have personal experience with these things and what do you recommend?  My budget is 500 dollars but I'd prefer to get closer to 300 if possible.

Thanks for any insight.

The Peltor TEP series seem to be liked. I don't have personal experience with them but a few others here do.

I’ve used them. They’re great when they work right. Pricey.

Great when they work right isn't confidence inspiring lol

I don't have first-hand experience, but something to look at might be the Nacre Quiet-Pro system.

Just get the peltor combat arms tactical ear buds

Talking about These?

OR these?

I've heard good things about the Silynx Clarus Pro, and may try them out myself.  I too would like ready to go earpro that you don't have to think about, that also doesn't impede your hearing in normal situations.

If you want electronic then the second one. Those are the TEP-100's, part of the TEP series I mentioned.

The first link is some passive plugs with an "open" position that just acts like a less effective plug. Let's more sound in, blocks less. Not that exciting.

Luv my TEP 100s...