Ear Plugs and Riding

[530ktm]

I have ruined my hearing from many years of riding Harley's and wearing worthless helmets. I now wear my Neotec and love it but sometimes I feel that after riding for 5 or 6 hours the wind noise still gets to my ears. I used some earplugs on my long ride recently but it was so quiet all I could here was my ears ringing. I think I am more comfortable just wearing the helmet and listening to the wind, and sometimes my wife back there. This is one reason I am considering the ear buds and the intercom. Anyone have some suggestions?

[USNRider]

what kind of ear buds? I've used the foamies and thought the same thing you did, then I tried Hearos and they were much better for me. They may not work for you but I'd suggest giving a few different brands a try to see if any are better than others for you.

[msnden]

I wore ear protection throughout my working years & wouldn't be without them on the bike, (& still my hearing is not good) I don't use anything fancy, just run of the mill (foam) plugs, I have never used "buds" but I would think anything would help. jmop

[MidMoWing]

Without going back and looking, I don't remember the exact kind, but I use the foamy earbuds that you roll up, then put in your ears, then they expand. I paid about a hundred dollars for them, but they do a fantastic job of keeping out the wind, and they sound great, too. Many sets are tinny and have no bass, but I really like the ones I have. I'll dig around for the brand if I'm asked to do so.

[Cruiseman]

Back in the day, when I was part of the local HOG chapter, a bunch of the guys and gals had custom ear buds made specifically to fit their ear canal. They pour some kind of foam into your ear and it hardens and makes a mold, then they drill out and add the speakers. I never had any but the SO did and she liked them. Not sure where you get them, but if you Google "custom molded ear buds" you will see some results.

[orangecrate]

Now if you are REALLY serious about blocking noise, try these... or others like them:

http://www.instamold.com/consumer-products/insta-putty-silicone-ear-plugs/

[Corkster52]

Those look pretty cool. Can you wash and wear them a number of times?

[530ktm]

Without going back and looking, I don't remember the exact kind, but I use the foamy earbuds that you roll up, then put in your ears, then they expand. I paid about a hundred dollars for them, but they do a fantastic job of keeping out the wind, and they sound great, too. Many sets are tinny and have no bass, but I really like the ones I have. I'll dig around for the brand if I'm asked to do so.

This style is more what I think I would enjoy. I don't think the speakers in the helmet are going to do it for me. If you happen to find the name brand that would be nice.

[hansong]

I like these. They provide good attenuation while allowing me to hear my headset speakers. The NRR30 ear plugs do too good a job for me; all I can hear are the crickets of tinnitus.



hansong

[RoadRat]

I've been using ear plugs from Walmart for quite a few yrs. and they do a good job. I have found that I'm not as tired at the end of a days riding (600 mi.) since I started using them. Without them I get too much noise in my helmet when the face shield is in the down position.

[Clamper]

I get the purple one from Wal-Mart and they work very well. I bought a set of earbuds at a trap shoot and have used them a few times, but the wally world ones work great.

[MondayBlues]

I have been using the custom molded ear plugs for years now. I have them with and with out speakers. I don't ride without them now. Just had a new pair made at the IMS show last year. I think I paid $60 for a pair without speakers. You can usually find a vendor at a motorcycle rally that makes them. I can ride all day and they are not ever uncomfortable. I also use them at work.

I don't use the plugs with speakers on the bike any more, mostly at work. I found I can hear everything fine through the helmet speakers on the Wing. Still can hear what is going on around me and those quick conversations at stop lights with other riders, but I don't hear all the wind noise that used to wear me out on a long day.

[Rick Mays]

I too have ruined my ears, mostly from shooting. The last several years I have done my best in my shop, riding, shooting etc to protect to the best of my ability, what I have left. I want to hear my grandkids. I wear plugs when I ride now and have been for several years. It helps in further prevention and it keeps the ringing down at the end of the day of riding. I have used ear buds and they help as well. But ear plugs do the best for me, and it did take awhile for me to get used to wearing them.

[Corkster52]

The sound I find most annoying when I am on major roads is the sound of 18 wheeler tires when I am either alongside or passing them. I do my best to pass them quickly.

[clayusmcret]

I bought a set of the Alpine Motosafe ear plugs, which were good. However, just before this week's trip I received one of the Edset Universal Adapters which allows me to plug-in whatever earbud/headset is most comfortable to me. I LOVE IT! The hardest part is developing the muscle memory to remember to put in the earbuds before putting the helmet on. Doh!

I've been able to bring the volume down considerably and hear it clear as a bell. This trip I used an in-ear version, but after I get home I'm going to try out an over the/outside the ear set and see if they're comfortable as well.

[wingleader09]

I like riding with ear plugs. The ones I use are triple-flanged and made of soft silicone. These are very comfortable and durable. The silicone material allows them to be washed and reused many times. I got them here. http://www.earplugstore.com/moldex-c...r-plugs-1.html

[Rick Mays]

And having Ear Plugs are realllllllly great at night in a Hotel/Motel if you have a riding buddy that snores!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BgBlk06]

I've been using a set of the molded ear plugs for about 4 years now. I got them made at a local bike show for $60. If I'm going to be going over 60 for over an hour I wear them....
And Rick is right.... They are comfortable enough to sleep in and work great when taking a trip with someone who snores !!!!

Kurt (BgBlk06)

[Hoosier Daddy]

I always use them on my IBA rides or any long slap ride. I just use the cheap foam disposable ones. I can still hear my tunes just fine and it cuts out the wind noise. I feel a whole lot less fatigued at the end of a 17hr ride when wearing them. Dan

[MidMoWing]

This style is more what I think I would enjoy. I don't think the speakers in the helmet are going to do it for me. If you happen to find the name brand that would be nice.

I apologize for taking so long to get back to you on this. Here is the link to the earphones I was talking about. Shure SE215-K Live Sound Monitor, Black

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004PNZFZ8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[10KLakesWinger]

I started using the softer, tapered foam ones, and do not like riding without them now. With or without a helmet, I can still here traffic sound and/or the stereo, but they cut down on the tiring wind noises. Highly recommend them.

[sharkwl]

I have started wearing custom ear plugs, even with my full face Shoei. It makes a huge difference!