You're so right and that why I keep mine in one of my drum cases so they're always there. I'm using Apine ear plugs. They come with 3 different inserts for noise control and a handy little case to keep them in. Bloody brilliant.
I've recently started wearing ear plugs when gigging and wished I'd done it years ago. I don't have any problems that I'm aware of so I just hope I haven't already done the damage for later life.