The Sound of Silence...

[Skootz Kabootz]

For the past couple of weeks I have been riding with my full-face helmet and ear plugs exclusively. At first it was almost distractingly quiet (the loudest sound when riding was the ringing in my ears), but I have gradually become used to it to the point that now I can easily have conversations while wearing earplugs and I hear plenty of ambient traffic sound to feel safe. (Maybe my hearing is just recovering...)

So the other day, I had a 5 block ride home from the store and I forgot to put in my ear plugs. It was only a couple of blocks, so for the first time in two weeks I rode without the ear plugs. DANG WAS THAT SCOOTER LOUD!!!! I couldn't believe how my relative sense of what is loud has changed. Riding without earplugs now feels like having someone screaming in my ears. It is just too dang loud.

Amazing to me how things can change...

[Portland_Rider]

Last Sunday, I rode without earplugs for about half-a-mile. It was my first time riding without them in maybe a couple months. I had the same experience as SK. I couldn't believe that I ever rode without plugs and don't understand now how anyone can do it. It was very loud, distracting, and would become fatiguing if it continued.

The ride is so much more enjoyable with ear plugs.

[n2tattoos]

i actually LOVE the sound of my scoot.

do you guys wear the plugs to prevent ear damage or just to minimize sound (or both)?

[Skootz Kabootz]

I'm in the process of recovering from ear damage...

viewtopic.php?p=170691

[Portland_Rider]

i actually LOVE the sound of my scoot.

do you guys wear the plugs to prevent ear damage or just to minimize sound (or both)?

I wear plugs to protect my ears from the definite hearing loss that would otherwise result, to reduce rider fatigue, and to simply make for a more enjoyable ride.

[laxer]

I wear things that plug my ears and music comes out of them!