This is my first post here on Rokslide! Loving all the information here. I'm a cochlear implant / adult diagnostic audiologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. I've also been a hunter my whole life, so I have some perspective from both sides.
I've seen it mentioned here before, but the SoundGear active hearing protection devices have worked quite well for me. Westone and Etymotic also offer similar options, though typically at a higher price. If you don't know, the active ones have microphones in them so you can hear your environment, but they clip any impact noise so it stays at a safe level. I have the custom molded ones (perks of the job hah), and they work brilliantly. I took them on a Saskatchewan snow goose hunt where we were fortunate to average 100 birds a day -- so there was a lot of shooting. Didn't notice any problems with my ears. I've also used them on my SoDak pheasant hunts without a problem. SoundGear sells non-custom options for ~$250 a pair on sale. A pair of customs will run you $1k. (Note that they do offer military/police discounts.) These are the pricier options, but I'd argue that it's a good deal compared to the $3-6k of a pair of hearing aids. And hearing aids aren't a quick fix like glasses either. They will help you hear better, but I always tell my patients that hearing aids are just that... aid. And beyond hearing aids, quite a few of my patients have had to move to cochlear implants because of noise exposure, but you get the point.
Regarding cheaper options, foam earplugs can work well for the right user and the right ears. But I'd say most people don't put them in properly and some ears just don't accept them well due to size and shape. If they're hanging out of your ears Frankenstein style, they're not doing their job. The tree style ones can be good for quick use because they don't need time to expand like the foam plugs, but again, some ears don't accept them well. And if they don't fit well or you don't give the foam ones time to expand, you're not getting adequate protection. Custom is hands down the best option in my opinion. If you can't swing the active ones, a pair of standard custom plugs will run you $100-$200 a pair. With custom, you can ensure you're getting good attenuation without the wait time of the foam. I am a big fan of muffs for a ton of other situations because they're easy to put on and give quick, consistent attenuation. However, I assume you won't be dragging these into the backcountry with you.
One tip: If you're in a pinch and can only get one earplug in, put it in the opposite ear. So if you shoot right handed, put it in your left ear and vice versa. That's the ear that is most susceptible damage due to noise.
tl;dr - The best type hearing protection is the hearing protection you'll use. Active hearing protection has some great advantages, but they are pricey. Standard custom plugs are cheaper and provide excellent, consistent attenuation.
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