Hearing protection?

[Syd]

Anyone wear earplugs? I'm getting annoyed by wind noise and was wondering what every/any one used. A search of the board doesn't turn up much.

I've used the foam kind before, but they don't like to stay put for me.

Syd

[Tbone]

I used to use what was at the time $30 Hearos. They are now retailing for about $15. http://hearos.com/earplugs/products-00211.html

Honestly, I went to Target and found similar looking generic ones. Same decibel cut and all for $5!

I"m also a musician. That's how I came across the Hearos. So for me these $5 ear plugs are great for dual reasons of riding or when I'm playing/checking out other bands.

Occassionally gotta take of the helmet and replace the ear plugs and put the helmet back on. I personally would NEVER recommend the squishy ones to people. They cut out too much noise across the whole decibel range. The Hearos and the ones I have now cut out the higer end decibels and the range that the wind noise causes damages with. You hear everything. Your engine, the car creeping up behind you, the person's phone conversation...you hear it all.

As always, this is just my opinion and recomendation.

[ryder1]

When I wore my 3/4 helmet I faithfully word ear plugs...bought at Target--don't remember name but recommended on one of the cycle review sites.

I'm wearing my FF Helmet now and I don't always wear the ear plugs.

The foam ones you don't roll before putting in your ear....you kind fold in 1/2 yet that isn't accurate explanation--read back of box. Can't compress them too much or they won't inflate one inside your ear. Small price to pay to protect a person's hearing.

[vitaminC]

Anyone wear earplugs? I'm getting annoyed by wind noise and was wondering what every/any one used. A search of the board doesn't turn up much.

I've used the foam kind before, but they don't like to stay put for me.

Syd

You may not be inserting them correctly. After rolling them up, it helps to pull on year with your free hand to sort of straighten out the ear canal, which will make it easier to insert. You may also use some "lube" first, just a bit of water/saliva on the plug will also help it slip in.

I regularly use either the "hero" style soft foamies, or for all-day comfort I have some custom plugs.

[healingpath]

Absolutely wear ear plugs if you want to preserve your hearing at all. I'm using Moldex Pura-Fit 6800, and I roll them up (down) and put them in with the big end first. This provides a pretty nice and comfortable fit, and blocks more noise than putting them in the "normal" way. Maybe I just have bigger ear canals?

There are lots of NRR 33 rated foam plugs available (google that), and I suspect that any of them would do an acceptable job. Some outfits even sell sampler pack of several different plugs that you can try and decide for yourself what you like best.

I see ear plugs as just another part of the "ride safe" ethic.

Matthew

[Syd]

Anyone wear earplugs? I'm getting annoyed by wind noise and was wondering what every/any one used. A search of the board doesn't turn up much.

I've used the foam kind before, but they don't like to stay put for me.

Me

I picked up a pair of EarPlanes brand ribbed earplugs and some Mack's silicone putty ones too. I thought the Mack's soft, press to fit type would be a bother to use, but I find them easier than the EarPlanes to put in. I was very careful at first to keep from pushing the soft silicone putty too far into my ear canal. But it turns out that I would need to make a concerted effort to make that happen. They form nicely to my ear and block out most noise. In fact they work so well I can barely hear the click of my turn signal indicator any more. And they are more comfortable than the EarPlanes, so much so that I may yet plunk down the dollars for a pair of custom fit earplugs.

So if you see me out and about, holler, OK?

Jim

[Kevin K]

I wear earplugs all the time. I use the basic, yellow EARS barrel-shaped plugs. They work great for me.

I have a couple of modified pairs that I use when I'm running music to my helmet (it has speakers) and I've ridden tens of thousands of mile with them in and they're very comfortable.

You may have to try a couple of different styles before you find a pair that works for you.
-K

[healingpath]

I just bought a bunch of EARsoft Yellow Neons (NRR33) on ebay. I haven't ridden with them yet - maybe Saturday - but I've put them in. They are SOFT!, as compared with the moldex 6800's, and they seem to puff up nicely after being rolled down to the thinnest of cylinders for insertion. I'm counting on the 33 rating for good noise reduction. We'll see.

It makes sense to me to buy these things in quantity - I bought 50 pairs - and to toss them with some regularity. They're certainly cheap enough that way.
Matthew

[Tazio]

Because of previous ear damage due to loud noises, everything from naval gunfire, jet engines, shooting competition and decades of loud open cars, I have hearing loss, tinnitus, and hyperacaucus.

I've been using prescription ear plugs for about twenty years when in a noisy environment. They cost about $85 but are very comfortable and legal to wear in California while operating a motor vehicle.

Many hearing aid places make them for musicians to protect their hearing while they destroy the listener's

[healingpath]

Just to report on the use of the EARsoft Yellow Neons: I used them today, and they work just fine. I think I'll keep them, and use them whenever I ride.
Matthew