Earplugs vs Damage

So currently I'm running a variation of PWAR gamings vampire longsword build but now I swapped the headpiece and charm for earplugs lvl 5. I have seen I a significant loss in damage numbers I feel as though my effectiveness in both solo as well as group play has skyrocketed. A monster roars, helmbreaker. A monster hits me with a cheap attack I just use spirit blade combo and I'm back to full health. Not to mention I can swap some gems to get effuvial lvl 3 😁. I was just curious how others feel about earplugs lvl 5 and whether or not you guys feel like it's a must have?