Earplugs

Turk74 · Post by **Turk74** » Fri Apr 21, 2006 8:55 am

I've been riding motorcycles for about 16 years. Not much time compared to some on the board, but a good chunk of time none-the-less. Today I finally decided to try riding with earplugs. It was great! What a peaceful ride. I thought at first it might be a safety issue as I wouldn't be able to hear other vehicles but that's not the case at all. I realized that when I ride, it's my visibility that I count on most of the time. The other thing I noticed is all the engine tapping and oddball noises that is part of the R's uniqueness are muffled. I'm sold!

Dave

dragonmojo · Post by **dragonmojo** » Fri Apr 21, 2006 11:44 am

You will probably also find that you still hear traffic, maybe even better now that you've cut down that wind noise. It's like removing static from your old vinyl records.

Post by **trbaldridge** » Fri Apr 21, 2006 1:36 pm

dragonmojo wrote:You will probably also find that you still hear traffic, maybe even better now that you've cut down that wind noise.

For that reason I find I have to keep a closer watch on the speedometer since I hear less motor and wind noise and don't think I am going as fast as I really am.

terry

tomt · Post by **tomt** » Fri Apr 21, 2006 3:07 pm

When I first became a "re-entry" rider about 8 years ago, I tried earplugs and had a difficult time getting used to them. Now, I can't image riding without them. Sometimes after a long day, without plugs one feels rather fatigued. Much less so with the earplugs. I was previously a safety director and when I went to safety conferences I would receive many samples of different (disposable) earplugs and can honestly say that there are many different varieties that offer all degrees of comfort, as everyone's ears/ear canals are different. I also had a pair of custom made ear plugs done by an audiologist that have been really terrific and once in, they cannot be felt. The total bill was $60 form a local hearing center. I highly suggest for those that haven't tried earplugs to give it a go, but give yourself a half a dozen attempts to get used to them. Happy trails!

popgazer · Post by **popgazer** » Fri Apr 21, 2006 3:42 pm

trbaldridge wrote:For that reason I find I have to keep a closer watch on the speedometer

I hear ya.
I've tried a few brands of disposable ones. Finally I am extremely happy with flents.
link here

Post by **trbaldridge** » Fri Apr 21, 2006 3:54 pm

tomt wrote:When I first became a "re-entry" rider about 8 years ago, I tried earplugs and had a difficult time getting used to them. Now, I can't image riding without them.

I tried using earbuds and I had to have the music turned up so loud I was still wore out from the noise. Then I bought a pair of Shure in-ear monitors that do a wonderful job of sound reproduction and knocking out outside sound so that I only have to have my discman turned up a little, but my ears would hurt from having the helmet push the monitors in on my ears. So, for the past year or so I have just stuck with plain old cheap foam earplugs. I bought like a gross of them on closeout at a lumberyard for like a nickle a pair.

I have a hard time getting the hearo type plugs out of my ears. For some reason I just don't like sticking a pair of needle nosed pliers in my ear to get the plugs out.

terry

beemerphile · Post by **beemerphile** » Fri Apr 21, 2006 4:11 pm

I find the Howard Leight Max plugs to be the most comfortable and they work very well...

http://www.firstaidandsafetyonline.com/ ... id~317.asp

Lee

Post by **touchton** » Fri Apr 21, 2006 6:36 pm

beemerphile wrote:I find the Howard Leight Max plugs to be the most comfortable and they work very well...

I use the Howard Leight Max plugs too. I've had the custom molded earplugs, but I think the Max plugs work just as well.

Thad

Post by **wncbmw** » Fri Apr 21, 2006 9:55 pm

I have lost hearing over the years from construction sites and shooting without ear protection. (My wife claims it is selective hearing loss!:lol: ) Once gone, it does not come back. Continued wind noise will cause further loss, so I don't ride without them anymore.

But I did notice I ride better with them in. With the engine muffled, I ride at higher RPMs and the bike handles better!

I use the Hearos and find them the most comfortable but the Howard Leights work good also and I have some as extras in the tankbag.

Boxer04 · Post by **Boxer04** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 2:51 am

I have selective hearing according to my wife and daughters! I really do have a documented loss of hearing above 4000Hz.

Today I had a 160 mile ride. 20 without plugs and the rest with plugs. I support the use of plugs every time. Yes I can still hear the traffic (but a bit quieter) but the wind noise with the plugs is far better and for me less fatiguing. I use a set of individually moulded plugs.

Have just completed a 2000 mile ride and used the plugs for the whole week. Great.

I can still hear the fabulous mopto sound but like others use the visual senses a lot. Consciencous of the Db reduction with the plugs and tend to keep visual senses high.

(Just as an aside I really appreciate the information that is available from members on this board - thankyou)

Post by **hotzuk** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 1:28 pm

I have been riding for 14 years. I have been using earplugs for the last five and must say that it makes it a much better ride. I have custom earplugs that were made by Ear Inc. I got them made at one of the Toyota international motorcycle shows. About two years ago I splurged and got the custom plugs with the built-in speakers. That is the way to go if you can afford it. Very nice to plug the iPod into and cruise along.

If you want to go the disposable route, check the Aerostich catalog. They have a very nice combo kit that will allow you to sample various disposable plugs. I hope this helps.

NorseMan9 · Post by **NorseMan9** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 5:17 pm

I just went out for 200 miles today, sans plugs. I've never ridden with them but the buddy I was with uses them all the time. I will certainly pick some up next time I'm out.

Interesting perspective on feeling fatigued. I can attest that after 100 miles in a cloudy 40 degree early spring, I was *tired*. I'll have to see if plugs help.

Post by **duke** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 7:59 pm

$0.02

I have been riding for just over 1 year now - I did not use any earplugs at the beginning (why bother on 8 mile city commute with 125 cc 4 stroker).

Since I have moved to my Rockster I have started using custom made ones. Without them (any earplugs I mean) I feel very confused and my riding gets very erratic.

IMHO in dense city traffic (London that is) if you rely on your hearing to survive - you better go and prepay the undertaker!

$0.02

Kevin · Post by **Kevin** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 8:39 pm

But I did notice I ride better with them in. With the engine muffled, I ride at higher RPMs and the bike handles better!

I noticed the same thing!!

I got a package of 50 pairs of the foam plugs off e-bay for $8 and they work great. Muffle the wind noise but still allow me to hear traffic around me.

HILLBILLIEBIKER · Post by **HILLBILLIEBIKER** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 1:19 am

Ear plugs are the only way to go. The sound of wind blowing through my helment doesnt do a thing for me.

AndyfromPoland · Post by **AndyfromPoland** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 1:01 pm

Even more essential, in a way, than a helmet or protective clothing. The latter are only necessary if you have a crash, which hopefully is only rarely or never. Riding without earplugs, however, will cause permanent hearing damage every trip.

For me, 3M 1100 plugs are perfect. Cut out wind noise, allow in enough traffic noise, comfortable. Cheap, buy as a box of 200, change every day, or even every stop.

Post by **rdsmith3** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 5:44 pm

Another vote for earplugs. I also use them when cutting the grass, using a leaf blower, etc,

I bought this sampler
http://www.aerostich.com/product.php?pr ... 343&page=1

I highly recommend this. You will surely find something you like, and have leftovers for your spouse, etc. A Harley friend even asked for a pair.

p.s. please excuse typing. i'm doing this one handed. sleeping baby in other hand. like holding a football!

Post by **wncbmw** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 7:04 pm

i'm doing this one handed. sleeping baby in other hand. like holding a football!

No fumbles with that new football!

Post by **Beemeridian** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 7:17 am

priapismic · Post by **priapismic** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 10:55 am

I've been riding for 26 years, and only in the last dozen or so years have I worn ear plugs. Once I discovered how much more comfortable they made the ride, I won't leave my driveway without them. For me, ATGATT includes ear plugs. Unfortunately, it's too late to restore the hearing I've lost over the years by riding without ear protection, so I'm trying hard to salvage what I've got left.

The past year and a half I've been wearing custom plugs, made for me at one of the Toyota/Cycle World International cycle shows. I've noticed that they seem to fit better in the morning than later in the day. Perhaps my ear canals expand as the day warms up? I don't know, but I made a discovery this past weekend when I did a day trip run from Northeast Texas up to the Oklahoma/Arkansas mountains and the Talimena Skyline Drive (476 miles for the day).

I had a hunch that if I used some, ah, "personal lubricant" (you know, like KY jelly, the stuff you use when your wife wants you to ... oh, never mind!) on the tip of the custom plug, it might insert into my ear canal a little better. It worked! Not only did the custom plugs slip in nicely, they seemed to seal very well, resulting in a much quieter, less fatiguing ride. I now carry a tube of personal lubricant with me in the tank bag. I can recommend that over borrowing the wife's tube, so she won't go looking for it when she want you to .... Oh, never mind again!

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