I'm no doctor and certainly no ear doctor so my opinion is worth nothing but obviously it goes without saying, "be careful with whatever you're intent on jamming down your ear canals"!!!!
A few years ago I got a massive ear infection that I think was caused by not making sure my in-ear headphone plugs were clean enough before jamming them down my ear canals!!!
Also a few years back a friend, who simply can't sleep without earplugs in (custom ones) got a huge infection. Just be careful. Hygiene seems key.
Btw, I've tried riding a couple of times (because I've already got some hearing loss and don't really want to make it worse) with the ordinary sponge plugs in and didn't like the feeling. I found my coordination was off for shifting and downshifting. Have others encountered the same thing and just got used to it?
But do you play one on TV?
Perhaps soaking them in Hydrogen Peroxide prior to and in between use would help reduce the chances of introducing an infection?
I do find wearing plugs somewhat distracting, but thankfully not enough to impact my coordination. Considering the proximity to the inner ear, I understand how that could be a problem, however.
I routinely wear Etymotic Research ear phones while working out, so perhaps it is a matter of being used to something jammed into the ear canal. I was considering a pair of their active plugs, but they are upwards of $400. At least they can be fitted by an audiologist. Depending on the feedback on the Surefire brand, I might try that route first.
I am fortunate to still have excellent hearing despite years of frequent abuse and I hope to preserve it as long as possible. I experience ringing after long rides despite using the plugs, so I can't imagine not using any at all for any significant length of time.