I myself didn't use the offered hearing protection, because I usually bring my own - in multiple sets! I have the detached orange foam conical-shaped ones with the blunt end, a similar set in yellow foam with a plastic string to keep them togethe as a set and to drape around my neck, and a set of the silicone rubber type with the triple-layer sound baffels, for really high-noise level environments. And if I'm sharing a room with someone, I try to carry a couple extra sets, in case of snoring.
I only saw one box of hearing protectors, being dispensed at the right-most door to the theater/dance area; it may be that not averyone was aware that they were available.
My general comments about their utility would be to echo what Mystifur wrote. I make my living with my ears, and use protection to avoid injury (and even pain).
I WHOLEHEARTEDLY endorse the practice of handing out free hearing protection - and Thygrrr, if I am fortunate enough to attend EF again next year, I hereby pledge 100 Euro as a donation, to help pay for the expense of purchasing the protectors.