I recently had custom ear plugs made. One set is silicone-based and used for showering (these cut down almost all noise). A second second is exactly what Mokey was saying. These can have a filter placed in them that will allow you to find your comfort zone. I can hear conversations with mine (-15 db across audiorange) but a lot of the background is reduced. I suspect this is exactly what you're looking for. Plus, with the custom fit your squirelly ear canal is a non-issue : )