Bob Verlaat cofounded an earplug company after he started losing hearing from music festivals. Courtesy of Bob Verlaat Bob Verlaat runs two companies with his childhood best friend, Nick Nijhof. Together, they designed earplugs that were stylish enough for festival goers. They run the company together while traveling. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Bob Verlaat, cofounder of Hears. It has been edited for length and clarity. I like to party and enjoy being close to loud mu