I recommend these: Mack's Pillow Soft Silicone Earplugs. Can be found on Amazon. Block out A LOT of noise.

They’re little putty molds that you shape to fit your ear.

I also rip them in half before molding so I get 2 ear plugs from 1 putty.

Wax-style earplugs like you describe are the only kind that a friend of mine uses. The foam ones never fit them.