You should start measuring the quality of your sleep using apps like Sleep Cycle. I used to be exactly the same way. Then I realized that the reason I was sleeping for 9-10 hours was because my sleep was "shallow" and kept getting interrupted. It all changed drastically after I optimized my sleeping environment: totally dark, 68 degrees year around, appropriate mattress type for my sleeping position, etc.
Now I can get by comfortably with 6-7 hours of sleep.
Apps can also wake you up at the right time, as opposed to during deep sleep. That makes it easier to wake up as well.
As an alternative to ear plugs, perhaps also consider noise _replacement_ instead (eg. vs. noise _elimination).
I use an app that plays various rain sounds. I have it linked to speakers via Bluetooth (and I have a 3.5mm headphone-jack-type extension audio cable that I've run to my bedside table as an option, if I'm feeling picky about the sound quality of my rain ).
It's very relaxing, and blocks most outdoor sounds. I live in NZ, and the houses here are usually pretty thin-walled and consequently offer almost no sound deadening. This mostly-fixes/avoids that.
Perhaps you don't like rain, and so different sounds might be appropriate... I don't like anything else really apart from maybe low volume white noise, but that's me... but yeah, regardless of which sounds you pick, the general approach is worth trying!
Yes, using ear plugs more consistently would likely help improve quality. Housing quality where I live (NZ) is
abysmal, and you hear all outside noises very clearly. It's half between living in a well built house and living in a tent.
Now I can get by comfortably with 6-7 hours of sleep.
Apps can also wake you up at the right time, as opposed to during deep sleep. That makes it easier to wake up as well.