Being a hobby bedroom bassist, I dont really know that much about playing or play loud gigs, but having developed it from arthritis in my jaw, one thing I do know, tinnitus is misery and once you have it you have it forever or until your brain switches it off which may take many years.
If I could offer any advice at all on this forum look after your ears and don't worry what the plugs look like as long as they are effective!!!!