Ducati Monster Forum

I have been communting every day for about a month, and just started wearing ear plugs.  Curious what others do.

Would love to know what exhaust you are running too.

I cherish my hearing and wear earplugs all the time. I'm running Leo Vince's with no decibel killers.

I wear earplugs for any ride of significant distance.  I don't wear them for my daily in-city commute because it's only a few miles and I don't get up to any significant speed.  And I usually don't wear them around for short in-city jaunts.  I wear them every time I get on the freeway, head to the twisties, go to the track, or anytime I'm going to spend any time on the bike. 

I have custom exhausts.  They're louder than many aftermarket exhausts.  The damage earplugs prevent is not damage from loud exhausts as much as from wind.  You could have a stock bike and you'd damage your hearing with extended riding at freeway speeds.

Only if I'll be on the freeway, which I avoid anyway (stock exhaust).

Who was the fellow who gave me a pair at DIMBY? I still got 'em! [moto]

I wear mine anytime I'm going to be going above city street speed (30 mph).

I have a Remus on the ST4 and a Termi on the 749. 

 [moto]

Just like Spidey, I wear earplugs whenever I plan on freeway riding. Having earplugs in don't drown out everything around me, but do help save some hearing.

I have chopped and cored stock exhaust.

I wear 'em any time I'm going to be going above 45 mph or so, or any ride longer than maybe 20 minutes. I run Termi slip-ons on both bikes.
I find the plugs protect my hearing, but they reduce the overall sense of speed, making me calmer, less fatigued over time, and a better rider due to better concentration. That's especially true in the twisties or on the track.

Like most...

I wear mine for the wind, not the bike. Although the exhaust doesn't help matters... Even for quick jaunts, I put mine in. It only takes a second and it will keep my ears happy!

Only on the highway / freeway or if I'm really trying to BURN up a canyon ...

I like the DP megaphones ;)

~DaVe

P.S. What ?

Except for the rare short jaunt to the store, or a close restaurant, I wear ear plugs all the time. I have mild tinnitus (sp?) in my left ear from years of drumming and if I ride any real distance that ear will ring worse than normal. It sucks and I don't want it to get any worse.

This applies to both bikes...the Monstrada with a custom exhaust (loud), and the GS with stock exhaust (super quiet). The loud exhaust makes it worse, but the wind is the primary cause.

I had a custom pair of plugs made at the moto show 2 1/2 years...best thing ever.  [thumbsup]

wind + open clutch + cored exhaust = bigearinc.com (http://bigearinc.com) . . . one of the best investments I've ever made.

If the poll allowed I would have checked both "always" and "What did you say?".  Always because I cherish what little hearing I have left.  Folks, hearing loss is gradual and will catch up with you.

i rode for about 2,000 miles on open udder then i started wearing earplugs every single time. those 2,000 miles damaged my hearing pretty significantly. though i can still hear a pin drop, i also hear a pinnnggggggggggggggg 24/7.

so even if its around the block, ear plugs in. i keep a pair in all my jackets, and on my bike, and if need be, ill shove two cigarette butts in my ear. open udder is no joke. its mothermake the beast with two backsing loud.

I wear them always since the last 5 years anyway. Before when I used to ride Harleys I didn't wear them or safety gear but I did wear a Helmet . Getting smarter.

Even so, when I'm relaxing in a nice quiet place it sounds like I'm in a distant field on a hot Summer's Eve with a million Insects.

I don't imagine all the Rock Concerts of the 60s and 70s did my hearing any favors.

I also played in a Rock band for 3 years and my Brother has been a Rock Drummer and Guitarist since he was 14 ...he'll be 57 in July.

Anybody like Chickenfoot ?

Sammy Hagar, Mark Anthony, Joe Satriani. and Chad Smith from the Chili Peppers.

Some would call them the next " Super Group ."   

Oh yeah, all 3 of my bikes have Sport Performance Exhausts. Two have Full Termignoni, one has a Remus.       Dolph :)

I don't wear them.

Like Dolph my background with music did me no favors.

Add the fact that I've worked in really noisy places all my life...

it's a bit late for hearing 'protection'.

Every time I ride. I've just gotten used to them. Now if I don't have them in, even around town, it just feels weird. And loud.

i always wear them, for the wind noise as much as anything else. aside from the hearing loss issue, there is a significant amount of fatigue which can be attributed to the noise levels associated with riding at speed for long periods.

FTR, i also wear ear plugs when i....
-mow the lawn
-fly
-run any high rpm power tool
-sleep in the same room as my brother

+1

Thanks for all the responses - i grew up doing some logging.  i was one of the few who figured i might go on to other things and always protected my hearing which is still very good.

The wind noise from my commute has been really bothering me.

I am sold on plugs 100% of the time now.

now, it just dependso n what kidn of ear plugs, i love the MSA conical shaped ones. they are ~80 pairs for $10 bucks, ive had the same box for about a year now. i use each one for about 2 weeks before i throw it away. but i dont ride every single day so they last a while.

alternatively, ive heard really good things about the custom fitted ones, a friend of mine had a set made since he was on the range a lot, said they slip right on and stay on, and are even more comfy as a foam ones (as if the foam ones werent good enough). they run for about $100 including the custom molding for your ear and last as long as you take care of it.

nasty note: if you use them properly, the damn things are like surgical tools, theyve taken out whole chunks of ear wax!

I used in ear headphones, even if I'm not listening to music.  I use my GPS for tunes whenever I ride so I always have them handy. 

Sometimes my garmin 550 takes craps out though when certain songs come on.  I think thy may be corrupted files and cause it to shut down.   Anyone else have this problem?

whihc headphones do you have? how do they compare to ear plugs?

you cannot beat these for price or performance. use/wash as needed/reuse.

(http://www.redhillsupply.com/ppp/images/ar-312-1201.jpg)

I have a previous version of these:

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MA850G/A?fnode=MTY1NDA0Ng&mco=MjE0NDg0NQ (http://store.apple.com/us/product/MA850G/A?fnode=MTY1NDA0Ng&mco=MjE0NDg0NQ)

They have a rubber part that seats around the ear which basically act as an earplug even when you aren't listening to something. I would imagine that any headphone like this would do the trick. I don't ride with tunes, I feel the personal need to hear as much as possible around me when I ride.

Wear them almost all the time. I have a Shoei multi-tech helmet and it is sooo noisy, I can't stand riding without the plugs.

I also run full termis (minus the db killers), so that adds to my premature deafness.

Every ride.

They actually came with a dell XPS I bought. There nice.  I have an expensive pair of bose that I use too. As long as your using something to "seal" your ear hole your good.  Think if a car window open vs closed.  Now think of your ear as the window and you close it with headphones or plugs.  That's all you really need to do.

In terms of hearing everything? Personally music helps me concentrate on the road. I cant hear shit anyway with plug/no music so I might as well enjoy the ride with some tunes.  I also like to listen to my GPS when I'm following a route I planned.

I wear plugs each and every time I go out.  My S4Rs with full Termi kit is just a weeee bit boomy and I like the quality of hearing I still have.  As for which plugs, I've tried a bunch but am sold on the SureFire plugs (http://www.surefire.com/EP3-Sonic-Defenders (http://www.surefire.com/EP3-Sonic-Defenders)).

+1 on earplugs, now on my rides, i come home less tired...

Same here.

I wear ear plugs when ever I go on the freeway and the twisties. I found that having the plugs in helps me to relax and focus on the road. I usually don't wear them when riding around town because I'm too lazy.  Since I have been commuting on my bike I am really getting use to riding with them in. Now riding around town without them seems weird.

I have arrow slip ons.

I wear earbuds on any trip >5 miles. I also find that music helps me concentrate.

"My eyes watch the movie, my ears need a soundtrack."

I push mine in until I feel a seal. Kind of like all noise goes away.

When I'm riding I can tell immediately when the seal or maybe I should say the suction that holds the plugs in tight releases. Like all of a sudden the volume went from 5 to 11. on a scale of 1-10.

Painful. Especially on the S4Rs or the " R ." Both w, open Race exhausts and the S4Rs w, and open Air Box.

Dolph

i put my stock exahust back on (cored) and i rode without earplugs, its all good if i keep the WOT hand at home. if i do WOT the open airbox is so sharp it makes my ear ping instantly but damn does it make me ride like an asshole.

WHAT????  [laugh]

I wear surefire plugs.

Thanks silentbob. [thumbsup]

Howard Leight earplugs model MTX-01-OR.  They have a small solid core in the foam so you just push them right in - no need to roll & stuff before they swell back up.  They are not as quiet as many plugs (29 db reduction) which I like because I still want to hear traffic.

10 or so in the jacket pocket.  They come out of the washer as clean as new when I leave them in my jeans.

It's never too late to save what you have!

Why? I'm riding a 696 with the Termi kit and it's not loud. Are you pluggers removing the baffles or something? Are you riding open face helmets? Are you cruising at 8k?

I insisted on Ducati over the other options for the sound. I like hearing it.

Wind noise on my X-11 is the reason I wear mine. Maybe you have a quiet helmet?

I have the Corsair V. My only other helmet experience is a Bell M3 (car helmet). Both muffle the sound well below the danger level for me. The fact that I've driven top down every day since mid 2000 - I guess I'm used to a bit of background noise.

But there's so much pro plug talk here I'm starting to question myself.

You should give it a shot. I didn't think that I would like it at first, now it just doesn't seem right with them out. I too have ridden with top/windows down my whole life so it is a lot of noise in my lid.

I rode mine with a stock exhaust. The danger is wind noise. It *will* cause permanent damage (and has for me).


Like hearing your duc? Then you should get earplugs, or you won't be able to hear it in the future....

I ride with these:

http://sensaphonics.com/prod_erseries_customs.html (http://sensaphonics.com/prod_erseries_customs.html)

Expensive, but worth it.  No waiting for the foam to expand or loosing the seal when you put your helmet on.  I use the 15db filters around town and commuting and switch out to the 25db filters on long rides.

How much $$$$$$$$?

Costs vary as you need to have an audiologist take impressions of your ear canal, but my set was $150 and included one pair of filters and the molds.  Westone also offers a similar product, but I think the molds are vinyl.  The Sensaphonics molds are made from silicone and are very soft and will not shrink over time.

I've just started wearing them.  The silicone ones I don't like, don't stay in the ear enough.  Going to try the foam inserts.  One thing though is that my left ear rings a ton with them in.  Kinda annoying.

I got to look into those earplugs.  How good are they ?  My hearing has considerably been affected due to riding .  The tone tests I took on the computer pretty much proved that. 

There is absolutely no comparison to universal fit foam and rubber ear plugs.  They are that good.  The interchangeable filters are nice if you want less reduction, but I use the 25db for most long rides.  Foam ear plugs can provide up to 33db of muffled reduction, but it's rare the user can get them deep enough into the ear with the proper seal.  The Sensaphonics are a perfect seal every time with maximum comfort since they were hand made for your ear.  You can see in the pic below how deep they plug is inserted into your ear.  That flat portion with the removable filter sits just inside the outer edge of your ear.  There is no way your helmet can interfere with the seal.

(http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/2363/dsc1842v.jpg)

Update: I was wrong. I just hadn't ridden fast enough to know how freaking loud the wind noise in my lid is. I'm now a highway plugger but I'm still unplugged around town.

 ;D  Welcome to the club!

I'm also in the "plugs on the highway, no plugs around town" club.

I ride with headphones, with the music on my iPod turned up just enough to barely hear it above the exhaust and exterior/wind noise (just less than halfway).  Brand: V-moda Vibe.  I've replaced the rubber 'covers' many times and have found the aftermarket Sony replacements fit wonderfully!!  I find that the wind noise is the determining factor, my exhaust is under my bike so don't hear it as much as feel it (the cars next to me do tho!  [evil]), and the 30 mile commute sucks when I forget the iPod in the car!

[jborders5] Thanks.  That was some useful info.  I am ordering those and just had ear impressions taken.  I wish I did this years ago before I got the freaking ringing noise that started about a month ago.

Yeah, ditto what Spidey said.  ;D

A friend of mine started selling custom molded earpugs for a variety of applications:

Standard
Filtered- slight muffling until above a certain db level then enhanced protection. I have NO idea how but theyre cool
Custom molded plugs for electronic applications( bluetooth, iPod etc)

He just emailed me to come in and test fit- try some new plugs specifically for motorcycle applications- I'll let ya know how they work when I get in to seel him and have them made.

For the SoCal set- I'm trying to find out pricing for a group buy. Prolly come out to IBN or other event and do them right there!!.

Can someone explain the earplugs thing to me?

I've seen a bunch of people say they wear earplugs because the bike is loud. Why get aftermarket/cored/loud exhaust if you yourself think it's too loud? Kinda seems silly to me - now you're subjecting everyone else to noise that you don't like.

I don't think I've ever had an issue with windnoise, either. My first thought was helmet quality, but most of you folks have top notch lids so surely that can't be it?

I can see the appeal of having music on at low volume to keep myself entertained, but earplugs seem like they'd lower my situational awareness and I don't like the idea of that.

Am I missing something (or several things)?

Yup. You don't notice the windnoise at first, you just sorta get used to it, your hearing gets damaged a wee bit....then slowly returns so close to almost normal that you don't even realize what you just did. No one warned me until about after a year and a half of riding. I'm currently make the beast with two backsing half deaf. Really. I didn't notice shit and didn't think the windnoise was all that bad.

As far as situational awareness, you soon realize that's they don't restrict mush of anything-you'll still hear what you need to-it just feels weird for a while.

There's been a number of older and younger riders in this thread saying they didn't realize it either, and are also going deaf.


Wear the make the beast with two backsing things. Seriously.

I bought my exhaust because I like the sound.  However when I am on long road trips I wear plugs to cut down on excessive wind noise etc.  It actually reduces rider fatigue.

Considering that foam earplugs are what, less than a buck, I would be interested to know why people who are curious as to why the pluggers plug don't give them a whirl?

Well put.
At 70 mph or higher, you're routinely subjected to wind noise at 110 dB or more. That does damage after 30 minutes.

I agree with the rider fatigue on long rides. plugs helps! but more so for me it makes me feel at one with my bike.  i only hear her soft tone, which tells me which gear she is in, and twist and push her right, she roars with me.  It feels like it is just me, her and the road.  sweet Jesus! gotta hit the road tomorrow.

Exactly.

I played drums for years without ear plugs. My ears would ring sometimes after a show/practice, but I was always fine the next morning...no biggie. Now my left ear rings ALL the time, and I definitely can't hear anywhere near as well as I used to. Rooms with a lot of background noise also give me problems now.  :'(

Hearing loss sneaks up on you. Wear ear plugs!

OK~ so yesterday I had some molds made at an audiologist and am ready to order some custom plugs  [moto], but which ones.

I've read about the on ER series of Senophonics but are there any others of that style to consider? I'm not interested in listening to music so ones with speakers built in are not what I'm looking for. I also don't think I want any that are made from vinyl.

thanks
Mike

I highly recommend the Sensaphonics.  Westone also offers a set http://www.westone.com/content/190.html (http://www.westone.com/content/190.html), but as you already know make sure you get a silicone set as vinyl can shrink over time.

Thanks~ I'm ordering a set of sensophonics ER series with the 25db filter tomorrow.

Thanks [jborders5] for the recommendation. After some research, I went to hearing audiologist and got the mold taken.  I just picked up my ear plugs today.  I wish I had done this years ago instead of the other things I had gotten for the bike.  It turns out after I did a hearing test, I have mild hearing loss already at 36.   [bang] [bang] [bang] [bang] [bang]
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2446/3821452186_f68f10c7a3_o.jpg)

You young cats better listen and get this ear plug before you regret it later.

[disclaimer] i am just a customer not affiliated in any way to the manufacturer

+1 on that..

+1 on protect your hearing.  Wind noise damage sneaks up on you.  I spent years driving convertibles, and I have bilateral tinnitis.  I always wear ear plugs now.  I have two sets that I had custom-made at the International Motorcycle Shows.

ALWAYS!

I first started riding on an RD400 back in 1980 and did not know for earplugs.  A few years later I had a tricked-up 550 with a pipe and I started a 160 mile round trip commute.  Every day.  For nine months.  I would arrive at work exhausted, and when I got home all I wanted to do was go straight to bed.  Fortunately, a touring bike riding co-worker suggested ear plugs.  It was a revelation!  I not only got to work and back home with more energy, my concentration improved and I could enjoy my fun riding even more.  Fast forward some years later, and I'm driving a Miata.  I wore earplugs everytime I was going to spend long periods of time in the seat (I nearly always drove with the top down).  For giggles, I once measured the sound level at my ear while doing 80 on the freeway:  90dB!  My pops attributes a large part of his hearing loss to commuting on the freeways for 12 years in his Fiat 124 Spyder.

Like most other posters have stated here, it's not so much the exhaust noise, but the wind that will damage your ears. 

Are the cheap ones that bad? Or are the expensive ones just more comfy?

The cheap foam ones work fine.  I like the Walgreens brand.  I often find the more expensive ones to be less comfortable than the cheap foamies.  Different brands filter out different amounts of sound.  Buy a couple of cheap foam brands until you find one that you think is comfortable, easy to get in your ear, and filters out the right amount of sound for your taste.

webBikeWorld has a review of various types and styles of earplugs: http://www.webbikeworld.com/Earplugs/earplugs.htm (http://www.webbikeworld.com/Earplugs/earplugs.htm)

 

$1.00 plugs to $200 plugs. ANYTHING is better than nothing. I'm running SureFire EP4 plugs but have also had great success with cheap foam plugs. They work.
I keep on telling my knuckleheaded friends.. You're going to start losing your hearing.

i have a pair of electronic shooter's plugs which are adjustable between 75 and 85 dB attack.  i usually keep them around 75dB  as that cuts out most of the wind as well.

the difference is astonishing, if i ride for more than 30-40 minutes, my hearing is "dulled" for the next day or so.

I have several bikes, but they all have fairly free exhausts..  900ss with staintunes and a SIL spaghetti header, S2R with a Sparks full exhaust, no restrictors, Darmah SS with race Conti exhaust.  Pretty much everything is pretty damn loud.

I use plugs about 98% of the time.  If I forgot to put them in and am taking the freeway, I'll always stop and put them in, if it's just a short trip on surface streets, I might skip them, but that rarely happens.

I think I have a slightly narrow ear canal, so most plugs I've worn get uncomfortable rather quickly

I've worn:
reusable silicone shooters plugs, high 32 db reduction, easy to clean, not comfortable after a while
custom weston musicians plugs, comfortable all day long, medium 25 db reduction, expensive, keep knocking them loose/out when I put my helmet on (these probably needed to be redone with a longer/deeper fit, but I wasn't riding during the 30/60 day fit warranty and didn't notice they would get knocked out until it was too late)
3m orange 1100 plugs, high 29 db reduction, hurt after a while too
Hearos Ultimate softness (beige), high 32 db reduction, all day comfortable, more expensive than HL's
probably a half a dozen other foam plug brands, nothing remarkable...

Currently I wear:
Etymotic sr20's, medium-low 20 db reduction, reusable, more comfortable than shooter plugs, still hurt after a few hours (worn during short commute)
Howard Leight Max Lite (green) foam plugs, high 30 db reduction, comfortable all day long, cheap in bulk ($20 for 200 bagged pairs at most safety supply places)

etymotic also makes a "baby blue" reusable plug that is supposed to be for narrower ear canals, might give those a try too...

My right earplug fell out today as I was putting my helmet on to head home, I didn't notice until I got on the freeway.

That was a pretty miserable experience. :P  I should just spring for the custom ones that stay in better.

go to a gun show, you can have custom ones made which work better.  they make a mold of your ear and ear canal.  they fit inside your ear and don't come out easily.  they can also integrate an electronic device which blocks only sound > 75-85dB instead of just blocking everything. 

mine are the electronic type and it makes a huge difference, althought they cut out (sound) pretty much the entire time when i am at speed...

+ eleventy billion on the wind noise. I wear the cheap foam ones. They work fine for me and I am not cussing if I lose one. You can still hear your engine just fine with the ear plugs in, but it sure cuts down on the wind noise!

Thanks for the tip, I'll look into it.  Are those different than the custom ones you can get at moto events?

i haven't seen them at moto events, but if they make a mold of your ear then they are probably the same.  it's a franchised business and i imagine they go to any loud-hobby event!

can anyone clear up for me, do music buds help?

i dont wear earplugs only because i love to ride with music. i wear ear buds 100% of the time

i saw several people made similar comments but i didnt see anyone reply with
"youre stupid that isnt going to help"
or "thats just as good/almost as good/the next best thing to real earplugs"

just wondering, id rather not lose my hearing or my tunes if possible!

(http://www.piercemattiepublicrelations.com/fitnessdivision/AppleEarbuds.jpg)

This style of ear bud does almost nothing to block noise. Sure, it sits in the path of your ear canal and blocks some noise, but as it doesn't seal, the pressure is still there causing damage. It simply puts speakers close enough to your ear to be able to hear your music over the wind noise, which means you're probably getting about the same (or higher!) SPL's.

(http://amibeingpunked.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/skullcandy-earbuds-bluejpg.jpeg)

This type of ear bud, with the little plastic cup that creates a seal in your ear canal, is actually capable of blocking some serious noise. Not nearly as much as properly-fitted, purpose-designed ear plugs, but definitely a measurable amount. Try walking around the house with some in and no music playing some time. It may surprise you just how much they can block out. That being said, when using music to cover background noise, most people listen to it at dangerous/harmful levels anyway, especially when its through headphones or ear buds. The end result is you may be doing just as much harm as not wearing anything.

Like anything else of this nature, protecting yourself and getting checked out regularly are important.

thanks for the headsup, i will invest in some higher quality / better sealing buds!

those pictured are actually the two sets i have, but the skullcandies are broken, time for a new pair
(the apple sealing type look nice, but 80 bucks!! dang!  :o )

Love my SkullCandies.

Paula, if you have a Fastenal outlet in your area , they have an earplug that is dy-no-mite ! They are like rubber screw like plugs on a very fine plastic cord so if you dropped one you wouldn't loose it.

They are made by  Air Soft. They sort of screw into your Ear.

They cost $1.70 here in Ohio for a pair and they are reusable with washing after use w, hand soap.

They are so good that on my 1098 R w, the open race pipes , I can't hear the pipes. I can only barely hear the engine .

I can still talk to someone close to me with my Helmet on but they make it like you are in another world when riding.  Almost silent, it's eery !

Dolph     :)

We keep the cheap foam ones at work (we make large steel weldments and assemblies), so I just keep the ones I remove when I leave after visiting the shop area.  They're really good at blocking high frequency noise, like wind noise....which is why I wear them, mostly.  They really help reduce fatigue on long rides.

As to exhaust...the MH900e is box stock and very quiet, the Supersport has a Termignoni spaghetti system on it and isn't too loud (though it produces a nice, rich basso profundo), and the Aermacchi (Ultra Lightweight Vintage racer) has an extremely loud open reverse cone megaphone.

Thanks Dolph, I'll check them out. :)

You're most welcome Paula.

Dolph       :)

I always wear a full face helmet and that pretty much drowns out alot of exhaust noise itself.

If you have an exhaust that is so loud that it is penetrating through your helmet, then imagine how loud it is to the unfortunate neighbors and other people who have to listen to the noise.
It  also seems to be contridicting if you prefer to have a loud exhaust then end up wearing earplugs so you can't hear it.

Then figure you have riders who wear earphones while listening to their Ipod, etc.  Isn't that just the opposite of wearing earplugs when you have music blaring in your ears?

Exhaust noise is not the reason I wear ear plugs. Wind noise is.


See my earlier post.

+1

The wind noise will damage your hearing without protection.  It also adds to your fatigue while you're riding.

Found a nice online source for a variety of plugs:

    http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/ (http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/)

Which has a couple different sample packs:

    http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/unfoamtrialp.html (http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/unfoamtrialp.html)

And these interesting reusable jobbies, "SilentEar", which are apparently made out of fake boobies:

    http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/silnatrubear.html (http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/silnatrubear.html)

I ordered the disposable foam "Just the Highest NRR" trial pack and of course the SilentEar trial pack in B, C, and D cup sizes!

Also found a video about proper fitting and use of ear plugs:

    Fitting Foam Earplugs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPNPZJingZA#normal)

I have tried to wear earplugs, but the seem to affect my feeling of balance while riding.  Does anyone else have this sensation?

I purchased a "gross" of the Moldex earplugs thinking I would like them.  May post a link up for 3 pair for $1.00.  [thumbsup]

Do they effect your balance when not riding?

Have you tried foam plug that you compress, insert, and they expand?

The plugs are foam that you squeeze and insert.  Don't know that they actually affect my balance but I get the sensation while riding. 

I think that's somewhat common when first starting to wear plugs. I doubt your balance is affected...just the muffled sound makes something feel "off".

I noticed it when I started wearing plugs on my moto...and also noticed it when I started wearing plugs while playing drums in my old band.

It goes away very quickly as you get used to the plugs. Now I get the same feeling when I don't wear ear plugs.  ;)

+1 you do just feel "off" with any activity where one starts wearing earplugs. My balance has felt a little wonky ever since I started wearing them while talking to the wife.

do you guys ever feel like one ear plug is not working? Sometimes my left one, no matter how i reposition it, has excessive noise compare to the right.

With the foam ones I had that problem. For whatever reason I always had a hard time getting the one in my left ear to fit correctly...that, or the helmet would jar it loose at some point. After I got the custom ones at the moto show I don't have that problem anymore.

Wait till you've been together for 20 yrs, you won't even need them!  It's like one big Peanuts show where all you hear is a droning noise.... ;D

I love ear plugs for anything more than a quick run around the city - more for the wind... I am always on the look out for a better custom set. I have heard of a product that incorporates your ipod headphones, has anyone seen these around?

Just posting to update on the custom ear plugs - I got some (from Big Ear (http://www.bigearinc.com/home/Default.aspx)) in November at the IMS.

They are fantastic, way more comfortable and effective than the disposable foam ones. [thumbsup] 

They felt a little weird at first, took a couple of rides to get used to, but I'd never go back.  I guess if your ears are shaped like the disposables, then you'd be fine with them, but for me the disposables would never stay properly in place.

They also have an option for custom stereo ear plugs.

I'm getting a pair of these: http://www.amazon.com/Shure-E2c-Sound-Isolating-Earphones/dp/B0000CE1UO/ref=pd_bxgy_e_text_b (http://www.amazon.com/Shure-E2c-Sound-Isolating-Earphones/dp/B0000CE1UO/ref=pd_bxgy_e_text_b)

I always planned on wearing earplugs, but after thinking about it, I'd definitely like to be able to listen to some music while I ride.  The fact that I lost my other pair of earbuds and I need new "portable" headphones is just a plus. (can't exactly walk around with my studio headphones on) :P

Looking forward to seeing how well they do.

I've already got some mild hearing loss and tinnitus in my right ear due to not wearing hearing protection in the military when I should have been.

I've always been against wearing hearing protection while riding because I felt that it would be unsafe and wanted to be able to hear everything around me.  I have a full Termi system with Marving midpipe and TPO Beast Air Intake Kit but enjoy the sound and actually don't think it's too loud (maybe due to the hearing loss?).  I have a Shoei X-11 and on long rides the wind noise has always annoyed me and I do believe it may have added to my being overly tired afterward.

This thread has made me reevaluate my stand on hearing protection while riding and I have gone ahead and ordered some Surefire EP-3 Sonic Defenders.  I also got a set for my wife.  She currently uses the cheapo spongy disposable ones to drown out my snoring at night ;).

Nice-let us know what you think after a coupla weeks.

http://www.surefire.com/EP3-Sonic-Defenders   (http://www.surefire.com/EP3-Sonic-Defenders)  
They look kinda bulky for under helmet use, but let us know.

Really? They don't even stick out past your ear. (Picture linked from the surefire site.)
(http://www.surefire.com/surefire/content/images_inv/v/k/24306/EP3_in_ear_large2.jpg)

I looked at all the ones that were mentioned or linked here on the thread and found the Surefire's to probably be the best for price and ability to block out increased sound like the expensive ones that get molded to your ear.  I think they were mentioned multiple times.  I went back to the beginning and this is where I first read about them:


I'll post up what I think about them next time I am back home.   Whoohoo, couple more weeks.

Disposable plugs (Lowes 24-pack, $6.99) or EarFuze molded earplugs/earbuds.

Only very rarely on short trips will I ride w/o plugs.

I've got a set of these and cannot say that I am all that impressed with them for moto use.  This is almost surely an issue with me, and not the plugs, but I cannot get the left one to maintain a decent seal in my ear canal once I put the helmet on. 

A friend of mine has Meneres disease. It's some sort of inner or middle ear issue and he can't wear ear plugs because it affects his balance. He is an A grade racer and said it affected his balance quite badly during big lean angles.

I wear them on longer trips to stop the wind noise. I wish I had been wearing them when I started riding as I have tinitus in my right ear, the side of Harley twin exhausts. Years of no hearing protection, open Harley pipes and open face helmets. [bang]

Never had that sensation.

If anything they made me feel more stable and ride faster since there is no distracting noise.

They have made me a better rider I think.

The Ear Plugs kind a take me out of the real world and into more of a surreal world kind a like I'm watching a video game.

Dolph      :)

So does dropping acid. 

;D

This was my experience, sometimes they were OK, sometimes not, I do find the foam jobbers superior.

These were certainly more convenient, however, I'd try them again if I can find them.

Maybe you need the EP-4 model.  It has three flanges (?) instead of the the two on the EP-3 model.

It's not really that.  It's the fact that the design doesn't work well with my ear.  I worked in the live audio industry for quite a while before I joined the military and have a lot of experience with Shure's in-ear systems.  They just don't get a good seal in my ear without a custom mold application.

Yeah, got ya.  I actually will want to get some custom ones made but figured these would fit the bill until I can get that done.

Just to reiterate, I've found the custom fitted ones to be well worth it, so those of you using the foam ones may wish to consider them.

Not as many Hallucinations w, the Earplugs....but the colors are still pretty cool!

Dolph    :)

I lost my custom earplugs with the filters and all.   :'(

That's $75 filters and $150 for the doc and mold. 

Came off when I took my helmet off and could not find it.
 :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(

Like it fell of a cliff? how could you not find it if it just fell on the floor??


that really sucks man.

Thats why im a disposable guy.. it even has a cable that loops around my neck so i dont lose them!

howerd Leight MAX

My custom plugs take some effort to remove...I couldn't imagine mine falling out on their own.

Sorry :-\

the september motorcycle consumer news has a review of 12 different types of ear plugs.  Everything from $200/pr Etymotics to $.09/pr Leight Laser Lite.

Yeah, guess which one got their thumbs up................the .09cents a pair Howard Leight Laser Lite Foam.

Dolph      :)

if you like the laser lite, you will like the Max versions. thye offer just a tad bit more protection the fit is very similar and thye last much much longer.   i bought a box of 100 for $30 bucks. pricey but they are make the beast with two backsign awesome.

Something doesn't jive ?

MCN lists the Max Foams for .12 cents a pair which means you should have been able to buy a 100 ( pairs ) for $12 !

Dolph    :)

thats not including shipping and the fact that i have corded ones.

i can get on and off the bike leave them hanging on my neck and not lose them or get them nasty in my pockets. ( i have an earplug holder, but ill probably lose that too)

actual price was $17 bucks, shipping was 9.95. so if you could find it in stores for $17, thats  .17 a pair. and the fact that its corded cost a bit more.

Having them on a cord is definitely worth a little more per pair. My Air Soft are corded and they are so much easier to deal with.

Dolph      :)

After reading thru the all the posts in this thread I ended up order a pair of the ep3's.
Wind noise was significantly more in my new AGV Stealth vs. the old EXO-700. Very happy with them. Fleabay for $13.49 with free shipping.

i bought the 'hearoos' the ones the bmw people rave bout... not a great difference from the 3m ones i buy at the drugstore or hardware store... $1.99 for a 3pair pack...

Anyone try these? http://www.earplugsonline.com/aboutus.html (http://www.earplugsonline.com/aboutus.html)

I have a set of molded earplugs that i had bought for shooting a while back that work great for riding. Im not sure what the price is for them now, but they were made by ear defenders in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

after stumbling across this thread i bought some foam earplugs to try out. after going on a short ride with them, i decided they are not for me. i felt uncomfortable wearing them. i wasn't uncomfortable wearing them in my ears, just not being able to hear any surrounding noises.

Bye bye hearing...

I tried my custom molded plugs with 25 db filters and found them to be WAY too isolating. Very disconcerting. I'm going to try 15 db next.

Apologies for resurrecting a dead thread, but I just read this on Asphalt & Rubber and figured it fit here as well as any place.

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/motorcycle-helmet-hearing-loss-study/ (http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/motorcycle-helmet-hearing-loss-study/)

if im jsut riding to work, no, but if i'm going out for anything longer than 20 minutes, yes, always.... makes such a huge difference

Interesting, and I always try to get my plugs on when riding, unless I know it'll be a very very short ride .... [less than 10 miles]

Seems an appropriate resurrection. No reason one can't spin up an old thread when there's new, pertinent info or questions for it. Hell IMO it's better that way.

I wear them all the time except for short trips. Even on short trips I may throw them in, because I've had times where my ears were ringing after a short buzz around.

Better safe than sorry!

Protect your hearing!

I have tinnitus in my left ear from years of playing drums in bands (only my left ear due to where the snare and high hat are positioned and how I tend to hold my head when playing). Tinnitus sucks...my left ear always rings, and if I'm around something loud (power tools, riding without ear plugs, drums, etc) without ear protection the ringing becomes extremely loud for a couple hours up to a couple days. Loud enough that it affects my ability to concentrate and makes being in places with a lot of background noise (like a restaurant) very uncomfortable. I've even been woken up in the middle of the night due to the ringing.

I resisted wearing ear plugs when playing drums because of how it made everything sound and how that made me feel. It also just didn't seem "cool".  [roll] The ringing in my left ear finally forced me to start wearing them (and likely saved my right ear from being damaged to the point of also having tinnitus). It only took a couple shows before I was used to the ear plugs, and honestly didn't like playing without them.

Same for motorcycles...I intially didn't wear plugs, but started after a couple episodes of loud ringing. Now I always wear them, no matter the length of ride, and I feel odd when I don't...the exact same feeling I used to have when wearing them. Go figure!  ;)

In short...wear ear plugs. You'll get used to them quickly...you really don't want tinnitus!

...or don't...it's your hearing not mine.  [coffee]

my old man has tinnitus, he said its absolute shit. I feel for ya brutha.

I went 3/4 deaf in my right ear from having a tire explode in my face when I was an apprentice mechanic 15+ yrs ago.. its very sensitive to loud nosie... aka bikes, concerts, car stereos... so I am forced to wear plug. I am used to it now, its almost second nature. Just wish I could have my hearing back... hearing loss is absolute shit.. and Im still relatively young (34) hopefully they will come up with some good way to fix hearing in our lifetime...  But for those with 100% hearing, protect those ears... you have no idea what it means to lose your hearing

I have become so used to them now i have a hard time riding without them.  I hear all kinds of 'unimportant' noises and can't focus on the more pertinent things (like engine rpms).

Give them 200 miles and i guarantee you will be hooked AND be thankful in 10 years.

I always wear them.  I find I can hear things that matter better as they seem to filter out a larger % of wind noise than other noises.  That and hearing damage will occur without them (no way around that one). Hearing damage probably occurs even with good ear plugs, the the rate of damage is dramatically reduced.

I also find the ride more pleasant without the deafening (literally) wind noise and, depending on bike, somewhat loud exhaust noise.

My fav plugs are the blue foam ones from walmart, rated for 33db (EAR brand I think, but I may be wrong on that).  Comfy and quieter than anything else I've tried. 

dont forget to shop around for different brands. its like trying on a shoe and saying shoes suck if it doesnt fit. there are different shapes and sizes.

I just use the 29dB disposable foam variety from Harbor Freight. $4 for 50 pairs? Yes please.

I wear them every ride now after not wearing them for many years. I don't know how I did it without them anymore. I had to ride home from DC to Baltimore last night and I had lost one earlier in the evening. The wind noise in one ear was absolutely deafening, and I could hear everything much better out of the plugged ear because the ear plug works like a high pass filter.

Like a few others have pointed out on this thread, the filtering is the added bonus to protecting your hearing.  Without earplugs, sounds like the valves clattering can be very distracting, and in my opinion detrimental to the sonorous exhaust note you paid so much to hear. 

With earplugs, you can really hear the engine rev and the exhaust open up.  Not only that, but other speed indicators such as wind noise become more of a gradient rather than an overwhelming white noise above 40 mph. 

I firmly believe that earplugs have improved my awareness of all aspects of riding.  Earplugs are not only a high pass filter for sound, as Artful pointed out, but in turn are a high pass filter for your brain.  Less distractions mean more concentration.  I've been wearing plugs for over a year now and will never go back.

I've not posted in this before just because I didn't think I had anything to say. then I thought of something  :P
When I purchased my ST back in 06, I picked it up in Modesto CA for about a 900 miles drive home to North Idaho.
I brought my earplugs and have worn plugs for years. in the excitement of loading the bags and signing the paperwork
I didn't think to put on my earplugs. i pulled out and hopped on I5 headed north with a full tank.
In the excitement the noise didn't bother me, but 200 miles later as I neared Redding and needed to get gas
I pulled of and into a station. I got off the bike and had a pounding headache and felt like I had been worked over
in a very bad way. I rested for a half hour and had some aspirin and had some water.
I recovered and put in my plugs and ran the rest of the way to Eugene OR. What a difference plugs make. The whole rest
of the trip I felt great when I got off the bike, all due to earplugs.

I wear some Winchester ear plugs when I remember to. I used to be much better about it. I just seem to forget to put them in for my morning commute quite often.  :-\ the ear plugs seem to work pretty well, I originally purchased them for the shooting range. I like that they are corded, washable, and have a little case to put them in.

i have never wore earplugs, i have chopped d&d exhaust. i have though about it but i have a bluetooth helmet with built in speakers so plugs would interfere with me hearing the speakers

Never have but may give it a shot.

False.

I ride with plugs all the time, and can hear my comm system just fine (& iPod). Also able to take phone calls when needed (on the freeway, no less). Effectively, the plugs only eliminate the excessive wind noise. The speakers are so close to your ear canal, that the plugs don't really hinder what they put out. It does take some effort to ensure the speakers are lined up with your ears for best sound, but after that you're good to go.

I would say that choice of ear plugs comes in to play... I've used the foam things, and now have some rubber ones I picked up at Guitar Center (22db, I think). Comm system might be a factor, too. I keep mine at full volume when I have the plugs in. Without plugs (which happens rarely), I have to drop the volume by half, or else my ears start bleeding.

My opinion is, try them once, then decide. The foam ones are cheap enough that it's not a cost issue. If it helps keep your hearing longer...

No worries, Tinnitus will interfere with you hearing anything in the future.  ;)

I've got a radio on a speaker in my helmet and it's more clear with earplugs.

i may have to try them out then. i can get them from work so ill have to grab a few pairs

So true. Wear your plugs fellas..

I remember my very first ride on my bike - taking it from a friend's house home for the first time.

Halfway home, I stopped at a drug store, bought a 10pk of plugs, and have never gone more then 2 miles without them since.

BEST. INVESTMENT. EVER.

Howard Leight MAX plugs, 33db reduction foam disposables. I buy them in bulk and swap out to a new pair every few weeks.

I wear my trap shooting plugs which last forever.  If you can track down a large trap shooting event you can get them made on the spot for around $40.00.   At least that was the cost the last time I bought them.  Custom fit, different colors and comfortable as they can get.  Do a search for large local or state trapshoots, thier are always vendors that will fix you up in about 20 minutes.

I bought a pair of Big Ear custom plugs at a show once.  They squirt what looks like RTV into your ear and it hardens up.  They coat with silicone or something and mail them to you a couple weeks later.

I do like them, but I think they have changed shape over the last 4 years or so.  It's possible my ears have also changed shape, but i wouldn't think they've changed much.

For the most part, I use these $20 JVC ear buds with the foam things on backwards (keeps them from working out of my ears) and I listen to music when I ride.  Sound is good, wind noise reduction is as good as (sometimes better I think) than the Big Ear custom ones.

BTW  Big Ear wanted $300 for stereo ear buds :o

None for me ;D

Tried this out last night. I just used some cheap disposable foam ear plugs I acquired from a shooting range. At first it was kind of weird to me but then I realized after a few miles my concentration level was way higher than it normally was. I also felt more like one with my bike. For now on I will never ride without them. Try it out sometime and share your experience.

not sure if it was stated anywhere in this thread, but you'll also find that over long rides you'll feel less fatigue.

Best option:

http://www.amazon.com/Howard-Leight-Earplugs-Uncorded-NRR33/dp/B0013A0C0Y/ref=pd_cp_hi_0 (http://www.amazon.com/Howard-Leight-Earplugs-Uncorded-NRR33/dp/B0013A0C0Y/ref=pd_cp_hi_0)

After getting that box... you just never really run out for a long long time.

I use these earplugs when I ride freeway and/or long distance:

http://www.earpeace.com/ (http://www.earpeace.com/)

I also use the foam ones, although I tend to have an issue getting a proper seal on my left ear canal with the foam ones, and it takes me a few minutes each time to get it right.  With the Ear Peace plugs it's fairly easy to get it seated right.  I would definitely recommend them.  I even use them with my Sena bluetooth comms system. 

 I don't get fast enough to have wind noise riding in the city here in New York, so no plugs when I'm ripping around the city.

Good thread.  I am going to look into some hearing protection, especially after my last long(er) distance trip.  My ears were ringing after a day of riding.  Since then, I am becoming more aware of wind noise even during daily commute. 

I will definitely look into the Ear Peace.

I bought some 3M ones from lowes the other day.

these ones
(https://www.signet.net.au/App_Assets/user/products/full/3M_reusable_earplugs_10299.jpg)

-26db. They work great, cuts out all of the wind noise and most of the exhaust too......guess i'll have to get new pipes  [evil]
It's wierd having such a quiet ride.

Has anyone tried these?  http://www.earplugstore.com/surefire-earpro-sonic-defenders-ear-plugs-ep3.html (http://www.earplugstore.com/surefire-earpro-sonic-defenders-ear-plugs-ep3.html)  I think I'm ordering some next week, they kill the noise at higher decibels but you can still hear when the wind noise is down.

I've got a pair, size Large still in package, unused, I'll send you for the cost of pack & ship (USPS).
It took a bit before I got used to any ear plugs, foam for me now.

I use these dual density foam plugs everytime I ride. Block out wind noise but I can hear road noise and talking, but not very clearly over the termis  ;D

(http://img.directindustry.com/images_di/photo-g/noise-reduction-ear-plugs-198059.jpg)

Do earplug style noise canceling headphones count. Not sure since I'm cranking tunes at 11  [evil]. Probably doing more damage than my BoomTubes or wind noise.  :P

i bought an factory-sized box of disposables a few years ago, and use those every ride.  Each pair lasts a while, so I suspect I'll have to hang up my riding gear before I run out of the foam plugs.  And, works fine with the Sena unit that I installed in helmet.

These work great if your helmet hisses, and they are cheap.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Mack-s-Ultra-Soft-Foam-Earplugs-10-pair/21009163 (http://www.walmart.com/ip/Mack-s-Ultra-Soft-Foam-Earplugs-10-pair/21009163)

Used the Ear Peace plugs for the first time on the way to Moto GP at L.Seca

Worked great - still heard wind noise and exhaust sounds but just cut the db level
I will use these from now on, on any ride other than the quick trip to the office, etc.

I have been wearing the EP4 for several years and love them and HIGHLY recommend them.
When I started wearing earplugs riding became more Zen and more enjoyable.

Got the ear peace a few weeks ago.. used it on the last ride. Was great coz I could still hear some wind and exhaust sounds, so it actually felt like I was riding vs the foam (It was too quiet)

The only problem I had was, the center of these is a hard plastic, and that seems to be pressing against the ear canal. May be I need to get better at putting them on correctly.. Anyone else have this issue?

It took a few times "installing" to get them to feel right - after that no issues.

Maybe you have shallow ears ;D

This is an old thread but I really think it should be bumped. I use these custom earphones/hearing protection (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74-CvPzyW48&t=5s) made by Big Ear (https://www.bigearinc.com/the-best-motorcycle-ear-plugs-and-how-to-choose/). They are pretty good.