Bottom line (as related by my GP) - never insert anything smaller than your elbow in your ear.
That said, the soft foam type earplugs are OK (for noise reduction purposes when sleeping) so long as you don't try to push them in so far they impact the eardrum.
Alpha Leader, I know exactly what you mean. I witnessed it this week on a Jet flt DEL-BOM. Pax two rows ahead was on the bell every 4 minutes; testament to the Jet crew professionalism that they smiled sweetly and complied with the muppet's demands every time.