Earplugs for me. All the time every time when going above 40 MPH is on the menu.

I much prefer the silicone ribbed type over the roll-up foam ones just for ease of use. Theoretically the foam ones "can" have a higher NRR when inserted correctly but they're a lot harder and more irritating to insert correctly. At least in my opinion.

Currently I have the Pinlock filtered ear plugs, but I have no particular love affair with them. I do like that they're low profile. I have also successfully used the inexpensive Allen brand ribbed shooters plugs available e.g. at Wal Mart. I believe the 3M ones that are available retail everywhere are identical. They'll work with most helmets provided you don't have Prince Harry ears or something. Just cut off the neck lanyard thing.

If I'm going to be on comms or use my Sena for anything I use a pair of Plugfones plugged into the Sena base. They're basically identical to regular ribbed ear plugs except they have headphone drivers in them. They work quite well as ear plugs on their own, too.

Earplug comfort is one of those personal things that depends on the shape of your own jughandles so what works for others might not necessarily work for you from a comfort standpoint. Luckily almost all options are inexpensive and easy to experiment with.

I would, and do, wear a full face helmet all the time. Notwithstanding how half helmets don't actually do much to protect your noggin in basically any crash, I like having the option of a face shield so I'm not being pelted by bugs, flying gravel, discarded cigarette butts, etc., etc. I have been struck in the face shield several times by flying objects on the highway that definitely would have taken me out if my face were exposed. And the chips that accumulate in my car and truck's windshields, hoods, and the fenders and noses of my bikes can attest to many more.