I’ve tried foam earplugs, but those are impossible to use socially as everything’s too muddy. Also they’d end up sliding out eventually.
I eventually bought audiophile grade earplugs and they are FANTASTIC but the flange tips irritate my ears so bad.
I know circumaural headphones work great, but people have a harder time understanding I’m just using them as a filter to even hear them.
I got a pair of Bose QuietComfort 45 recently and I'm very happy with them. Very comfortable and they work great.
edit: after reading your post more carefully, I realize it's probably not the answer you're looking for 😶
Sure, I have my Sony WH1000XM4s, but I'm looking for something a bit more discreet. Something for more social contexts like at a loud gastropub where I can't expect everyone to understand that voice focus modes are a thing.
I suppose I could try the Sony WF1000XM5s, but after my poor experience with the prior model I was looking for something new.
Is there any where I can read about voice focus mode? My hearing is fine but I always have problems picking out voices in loud places, is that what it is?
From what I understand this is incredibly common amongst us. Essentially picking out the "relevant" information is really hard when there's a lot of other loud signals blaring.
For my Sony headphones I have a slider to set how strong the noise cancellation is set. If it's set to anything lower than max/wind reduction you can check a box to amplify voices. It's pretty darn good.
From what I understand the Pixel Buds can also do this REALLY well, but I haven't used those. Lots of smart earbuds can do it these days, just expect to pay a couple hundred for it.