I wear a headset any time I'm in the seat, regardless of altitude, including oceanic legs. Presently I use one of hte bose in-ear headsets, just put in the ear that's away from the other guy; no problem taling or hearing. What are you flying internationally that's so loud it requires hearing protection?

I spent a lot of time rumbling around with four-engine radial airplanes, and anything else seems whisper-quiet.

Those loop earplugs look like gimicky fashion accessories.