The article didn't really say earplugs don't help...only that they also potentially block out sounds the driver, for safety reasons, might want/need to hear.
Personally, I don't drive for hours and hours at interstate speeds with the top down anyway. To me, it just gets a little fatiguing after awhile. I like top down driving in relatively short bursts, in select locations.
WHAT.... I guess i need to save money on those modified mufflers and upgrade my stereos also. How about nagging wife on the passenger side? (JK honey).
and JTP [We should all trade our cars in for quiet Chevy Volts]