NOTE: If you haven't used foam earplugs before - or if you've never found them comfortable or effective - please watch the video in the following link. It helped me out and has helped others. - Properly insert earplugs for better protection - Lifehacker.com (http://lifehacker.com/5275516/properly-insert-earplugs-for-better-protection)

Having plowed through the lineup of Hearos earplugs, I'd like to offer a little insight for anyone interested. First and foremost, I started using ear plugs only because my gear shop gave me a free pair when I first bought a helmet.
http://www.hearos.com/images/products/hearos-nocard.jpg
That pair of Hearos earplugs was my first experience with comfortable earplugs. They fit my ears perfectly, so they never slid out and never caused pain. Rushing winds seemed more like a breeze. The screaming machine faded to a warm hum. The isolation created a distance from the riding experience and, though I could hear everything I needed to, details were lost. The click in the brake light switch or the transmission's sweet spot. With earplugs, you have to rely on feeling. If I doubted the plugs were worth it, I had a clear answer when I pulled them out. I could hear just the same as before riding.
http://www.hearos.com/images/products/hearos-02826.jpg
After that first pair, I continued using Hearos because they're one of two or three brands that I can find at the local stores. My second Hearos product was the Extreme line. I normally avoid any product that claims to be "Xtreme" on principle alone, but blue trumps all. The Extreme plugs are substantially larger than the standard plugs and they have more of a taper to them. I have small ears - certainly my body's way of compensating for the extra skin needed for my... nevermind - and the larger plugs are more difficult to insert and moderately less comfortable. They weren't uncomfortable, just a step down. They claim a greater level of noise reduction, I didn't notice a huge difference. All things considered, I think the Extreme line should just be marketed towards people with larger ear canals.
http://www.hearos.com/images/products/SkullScrews-90000.jpg
Last, and arguably more Xtreme than the Extremes, are the Skull Screws. They're not only have Frankenstein appeal, so your buddies won't laugh at protecting your dainty ears, but they're also washable and easier to insert. You don't roll them up and insert, you screw them into your ear. What could be more appealing than that? Surely nothing. The Skull Screws do an excellent job of reducing noise, but damn they're way too big for my ears. They hurt after fifteen minutes. Worth noting, if they weren't in far enough, the head of the "screw" would get hooked on the edges of my helmet. After thirty minutes, I just took them out and rode without. It gave an opportunity to really appreciate good hearing protection. Not to say that the Skull Screws are bad by any stretch. If I had ears large enough and enough clearance from my helmet, I might prefer them to the Extreme plugs. They do look cool, so far as earplugs are able, they're easier to insert and being washable is a huge perk. They just didn't pan out for me.

I'm now as much a zealot for earplugs on a motorcycle as I am for good sound-isolating headphones (like my Westone UM-1s). Hearing isn't something that miraculously regenerates if you just take it easy for awhile. You might be surprised how little input your ears need to provide the information you want. Whether it's music or a ride.

FWIW, I'm almost deaf and I *still* wear earplugs. I'm much much less worn out from the noise when the ride is over.

I took out the Skull Screws last night on the way home and rode for about ten minutes, only to realize that my bike wasn't nearly as quiet as I thought and the wind noise without any fairing is pretty damn loud.

I'm shopping around for my next move with plugs. Problem with the Hearos is simply cost - the best price I can find online is about $0.27/pair. Versus most competing brands being below the $0.15/pair price point.

What style do you wear, Sachi?

Funny you should mention earplugs. I was about to start a new thread about them because in my 20,000+ miles of motorcycle riding, I tried riding with earplugs for the first time this weekend.

It was quite nice actually. My first reaction to riding in city traffic was a little unnerving, and I would rather have the extra sound sensation to help concentrate on everything going on around me, but the highway was great. I'll definitely be wearing them in the future.

One funny note was that less than 10 minutes into my ride on some local city streets I come upon a guy wearing a Honda jacket similar to mine (but riding a Kawasaki dual-sport....long story). He ends up being fairly talkative from stoplight to stoplight, but I soon find out he's listening to an i-pod (fairly loudly, from what I could tell). So with me and my new earplugs, and this guy with his blasting i-pod, most of our short conversations consisted of "WHAT?" and "HUH?" with us leaned over almost helmet to helmet at intersections. It was pretty entertaining.

Anyway, I was using the Howard Leight brand MAX earplugs. I really couldn't tell you how my ear canal's compare to others, but these fit snugly and comfortably after mashing them quite a bit. Best of all I found a huge stash at work, so the price is right.

http://www.tasco-safety.com/earplugs/earplugs.html

http://www.tasco-safety.com/earplugs/01-b.jpg

Most of my riding is in traffic. The only things I feel like I'm missing out on are the subtle noises - the first bit of pickup from the engine and the soft click of engagement when the brakelights turn on. Then again, maybe there's a lot more and I just don't know because I've been using plugs for so long.

The HL Max's are pretty big, from what I recall. I'd say comparable to the Hearos Extreme, but obviously having a more tapered shape. I doubt you'd experience any actual noise-reduction difference with the Hearos sets.

I'll likely be ordering a bulk box of Moldex PuraFit plugs based on WebBikeWorld.com's comparative review - essentially the same performance as the smaller Hearos and a drastically lower overall cost.

I have a box of these.

http://www.labsafety.com/store/Safety_Supplies/Hearing_Protection/Disposable_Earplugs/39167/

They work best for me. They are really soft and they fit my ear best. The tapered ones just don't fit right for me.

What style do you wear, Sachi?
I used hearing aids for years so my ear canals are pretty large. So I use the 29 dB disposable sponge barrels you can find at drugstores and at Home Depot or the like. You can find them in yellow or white - makes no difference. They fit well for me and are comfortable enough.

The tapered ones just don't fit right for me.
I have a problem with the ones that are tapered all the way down. That's why I like the first Hearos I tried. They round off at the front, but they're otherwise cylindrical. They fit great. My main reason for looking at the Moldex PuraFits is the claimed similarity and a 200-pair box of 'em runs about $26.

So it's like a cigarette addiction but cheaper? No thanks. I think i'll save my $$$ and spend it somewhere else. ;)

j/k Earplugs are one of those things i know i should do...but it's just too much of a pain for me to hassle with. I don't spend much time at speed and i'm not going to mess with them every morning for a 15-20min commute. Now if i was on the highway a lot i'd definately reconsider.

Definitely a preference thing, JMD. My daily commute is about 20-30 minutes and I definitely notice the difference afterwards from that small of a ride. Most of the riders I work with, however, go without.

I've been in bands for years and practicing in a 10x12 room with an aggressive drummer is murder on the ears. I rarely wore earplugs at shows since it's usually a lot quieter on stage than it is in the crowd, but I always wore them in practice. Standing next to the crash cymbals sucks without them. Your ears will ring for days.

The disposable ones are junk. You're always tossing them and buying more. I have a set similar to the screws you have but they're not screws - they just have the baffles kind of run around. Best ones i've ever had.

...i'm not going to mess with them every morning for a 15-20min commute...
It takes literally 10 seconds to put 'em in? Funny thing about hearing damage... It's cumulative. And no, it doesn't heal with time...you just get used to hearing less and less.

Stop by a Costco for a $1.50 Hotdog & Coke and get a free hearing test, see what your base line is now compared to what normal "should" be...

If i didn't already have to worry about glasses i might do it. But as it is i have to pull off my glasses, put on my helmet, put on my glasses, and then put on my gloves. If i do any of that out of order i have to reverse the process and start all over again. It's a pain enough as it is. And after all the discipline it takes to wear a jacket in this 95 degree weather i'm just plumb out of 'responsible decision making power'. ;) Plus that minute of gearing up/prep is usually on top of me running late or just barely being on time for work. It's just too much. Is it worth my hearing...probably not...but that's life. Once i get my eyes lasered and good to go i'll probably look into ear plugs again. :wink:

I tried wearing them a few times.. And I used a MP3 player a few times.. And TBH. Didnt like either...I like hearing the bike, and for whatever reason I dont find It loud at all.. Not as quiet as the cage, But not far from it... I didnt like the MP3 Player because with the music I listen to, I wanted to go to fast..lol The ear plugs did bother me alot though..I missed hearing the engine and the little noises the bike makes at different speeds and RPM.. Especially in busy traffic.

And no, it doesn't heal with time...you just get used to hearing less and less.

I really noticed this when I got my headphones and realized how unnecessarily loud I was listening to music normally. Not that it was ever blaring, but it's interesting to see how your ears will adjust when there's less input. On the bike, it's definitely not as clear with plugs as without, but you get used to the feel of it.

I'm hooked on ear plugs. First visited this link http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/motorcyclegear1.html and picked up a variety pack to see what I liked and what fit best. I'll probably spring for a set of customs this Winter now that I know what I like.

I took a few EAR Taper Fit 2's from work. I know they did very well taking the noise from mud pumps and the pressure washer (actually very loud) down a bit, and I've got a trip to make tomorrow night, so I'll get to see what protecting my ears is like. I made the same trip a few weeks ago and was dying for earplugs or even my in-ear earbuds... wind noise at 80 gets old after about 30 seconds...

I have a 200 box of the Moldex Pura-Fit 6800. These things block out everything. I think it was $29 after shipping...but I can't remember where I bought them. Since I can't remember to put them in before I leave home, I put a few extra's in all my jacket pockets. Good, comfortable and cheap.

Ok...decided to go do a little shopping this past week based on another hobby of mine...RND is familiar with my other little hobby.

In any case, I purchased some earplugs for an entirely different use and am now using them almost exclusively for riding. Who would have ever thought??

If you're interested, you can see the earplugs here...BEST TEN DOLLARS I'VE EVER SPENT!

Click Here For Earplugs (http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=EP3-MPR)

Those definitely look interesting, GP, and I'm glad you've found a pair that you dig. My personal concern would be the low rating of reduction - 16db at best versus foamies at 32db. But, then again, there's been a lot of debate about the validity of those ratings.

Plus, anything is better than nothing. Much better. A 16db drop is pretty significant when it comes to how long your ears can take it without damage.

I bought them for use when firing weapons. I have used them with this week with an unsupressed 7.5" Ar-15 SBR on F/A (full auto). I can attest to their noise reduction.

I''m telling you, these things are the BEST plugs I have used yet while riding...NO DOUBT ABOUT IT.

I'll have to check 'em out if I can find them around here. Couldn't hurt.

The Ar-15s are certainly not quiet by any stretch. Shot one down here at a local "rifle tube." Probably a lot louder than an open environment, but still. Hoowee.

I'll have to check 'em out if I can find them around here. Couldn't hurt.

The Ar-15s are certainly not quiet by any stretch. Shot one down here at a local "rifle tube." Probably a lot louder than an open environment, but still. Hoowee.

I don't think you understand. AR-15 you shot at the local rifle tube was, I'm sure, NOT a 7.5" SBR on full auto.

Let me put it this way. In terms of NOISE...an unsupressed 7.5" on full auto is somewhere close to 50 cal machine gun territory...quite different than you standard m4 ar.

I don't think you understand. AR-15 you shot at the local rifle tube was, I'm sure, NOT a 7.5" SBR on full auto.
I assure you that I don't understand, but it was still both:
A. Fun.
B. Loud.

Perhaps not as wangtastic as the 7.5" SBR on full auto, but on the scale of flaccid to rock-hard, I'd give it a rating of "reasonably firm."

Transient...just for the record. I was re-reading my post and realized it might have come off as being a bit "assanine." I assure you, it was not meant that way.

I was just trying to make a point, but I realize now that for someone who has never had experience with particular weapons you wouldn't really understand...which is perfectly ok.

I apologize if my last post sounded rude...twas not meant that way.

The blast from short barrel ar's is quite loud...to the point that the fun in shooting them is almost lost if not properly compensated (i.e., noveske kx3, etc).

In any case...for 10.00 the surefire plugs are something I highly reccomend.

Ride safe my friend...

In any case...for 10.00 the surefire plugs are something I highly reccomend.
No big deal, man. Any opportunity I can use to reference a wang, whether for good or evil, brightens my day.

That said, I stopped at two places today and failed to find the plugs. There's this Bass Pro Shop mecca here and still no go. I'm interested enough that I'll probably just order a pair online.

Read all about them today and I can see that they may very well be awesome.

I don't know what brand I have, but I got mine a Rite-Aid. Disposable, orange, squishy, fit pretty good. Only problem I've had with them over the past few months is that they sometimes like to jump out of your ears when take the helmet off.

Main reason that GP's recommendation intrigues me is both what I read up on 'em this morning and that they're reusable. I'm more or less happy with how the foamies work, but I'd prefer something that doesn't create so much waste.

Oh..I wouldn't even think to use disposable plugs. Just don't like em.

I was using some very rare H&K earplugs (originally bought for protection at rifle ranges) but I lost them somewhere. Still pissed off about that...they were a rare production item.

Yeah...these surefire plugs are reusable. I ran across them looking for a surefire m900 tactical light for a present AR-15 build I'm doing. It was just happenstance.

Tell you what, if you buy them and don't like them, let me know and I'll take them off your hands plus pay whatever shipping charges you incurred when you originally bought them. I can always use an extra pair.

Tell you what, if you buy them and don't like them, let me know and I'll take them off your hands plus pay whatever shipping charges you incurred when you originally bought them. I can always use an extra pair.
Just ordered 'em. We'll see. The only other promising pair is the "SilentEars" and I've seen pretty mixed views on those. Fingers crossed and all that - the marketing is sure nice!

Any opportunity I can use to reference a wang, whether for good or evil, brightens my day.

:lol: :lol: :lol: I hear ya, man... :wink:

Received the Earpros today and another little gift today. Unfortunately, that second gift turns out to be an eye ulcer. So, won't be able to test these suckers out for awhile as the bike's not going anywhere when my vision's screwy. WOOHOO!

Subjectively speaking, they're comfortable and don't deaden noise as blindly as a foam plug does. Whether or not they'll do what they advertise has yet to be seen.

MotoGP - do you wear yours with the holes plugged or uncapped?

MotoGP - do you wear yours with the holes plugged or uncapped?

Plugged. LIke I said earlier...if you end up not liking them, let me know and I'll paypal you the money for them and take em' off your hands...

Nice Sig there Moto..I like that.

...don't deaden noise as blindly as a foam plug does.
If they are "shooter" pluggs I wonder if they are designed more for sharp noises...

Most important thing is comfort though...that way you'll wear them :thumbsup

Update on the Earpros: in short, I'm not sold on them. I find them slightly uncomfortable after a 30 minute ride and don't notice enough reduction in noise to justify wearing them daily.

After reading all of the material on them, I really wanted them to work well for me. They're easily cleaned, so there's not the amount of waste generated like foam plugs. They're supposed to allow minimal sound reduction at low noise levels and just as much protection as the foam plugs at high levels. The perfect plug! Problem is that I think it's just a way to make people feel safe when it's not doing much at all.

Truth of the matter is that they do not reduce the noise anywhere near as well as good foam plugs nor are they as comfortable. If they weren't moderately irritating from a comfort perspective, I'd use them for daily commuting since maximum sound reduction isn't as important for a short ride.

And no, it doesn't heal with time...

Actually, my company doctor was telling me that he has read research that suggests that hearing does heal over time. I brought up the subject at my first company physical because my hearing reads as perfectly normal, even though I lost quite a bit due to a teenage illness (very bad ear infection that caused inner ear damage).

I realize that's second-hand info without a citation, but I know he read it in an actual medical journal, not the Weekly World News. :)

Nevertheless, prolonged exposure to even moderate noise can damage your hearing, and while it may not be forever (if the recent research is confirmed), it is very long term. And if the noise is always at the same frequency (like riding on the same highway at the same, constant speed every day), you will lose hearing within a narrow band around that frequency.

So wear your plugs!

...doctor was telling me that he has read research that suggests...
Yeah, "suggests"....ask your doc to forgive me if I don't throw caution to the wind!

For sure kiddies, follow geo's advice and protect them ears :thumbsup

I love the E-A-R Classic. They are the most comfortable I've tried. I always wear plugs on the freeway, not around town.

http://img457.imageshack.us/img457/4577/earclassicpillowpackmh7.jpg

I've been using Flents Quite Time ear plugs and LOVE them. Comfortable and quiet.

http://img114.imageshack.us/img114/6654/233588cz2.jpg

Noise Reduction Rating:
30 Decibels

Where to buy? I know Walgreens carries them for sure. About $4 for the box with 10 pairs in it.

when youre using foamy disposable ones, how much wear can they take before being trash? they come with a little plastic carry case, so im assuming its more than once. but after wearing a pair four or five times, they feel the exact same as the first time i wore them. so why throw em out? that sounds like waste. or am i wrong about something?

Obviously it depends on the person and such...

If your fingers are always clean, you aren’t all sweaty and you don't have a lot of ear wax...I've gotten a good month or two out of a pair. Now it may be prudent to change them out more often as a sanitary precaution...or as they get dirty but that is a personal decision.

But yes, I'd agree that they are definitely multi-use-able, with a little care.

when youre using foamy disposable ones, how much wear can they take before being trash?
I keep them in that plastic case when not in my ears and re-use them for about 2-3 weeks or until I feel that they are dirty. I make it a point to keep my hands and ears clean just so I don't give myself an ear infection. So far, so good.

I rode up the interstate a few weeks back for about 80 miles, and I sure could have used a pair of ear plugs. I'd never thought about that until I started hanging out at this website and read this thread. Hey! That rhymes. :P

I can't even imagine riding without them. On the streets, may be, but on a highway I can't even hear my thoughts.

Wearing earplugs has never even occurred to me. I never found noise to be all that problematic. I might give it a try sometime, see how I like it.

Hearing loss is not only for old people. If you ride a motorcycle or listen to loud music you are a prime candidate for hearing loss. Take precautions!

It is easy to damage your ears permanently. The sound of wind in your helmet (and fluctuations in air pressure) will do it. Not to mention those really loud pipes some of us have. Wear earplugs and save your hearing!

And be careful with those ear buds. Loud music is fun, but not so much when you can't hear it any more.

Ringing in your ears is the sound of nerve cells dying.

Ringing in your ears is the sound of nerve cells dying.
(called Tinnitus) This morning I'm rather sure it's the collective scream from dying brain cells. Alcohol is bad kiddies.
Just say NO. :lol:

Ringing in your ears is the sound of nerve cells dying.
(called Tinnitus) This morning I'm rather sure it's the collective scream from dying brain cells. Alcohol is bad kiddies.
Just say NO. :lol:
No shit. I'm still hurting from Saturday night. Being 30 makes alcohol processing very difficult.

Being 30 makes alcohol processing very difficult.

So... being young makes processing alcohol difficult? Strange; I never noticed that then or now. :P

Being 30 makes alcohol processing very difficult.So... being young makes processing alcohol difficult? Strange; I never noticed that then or now. :P

"Today's problems cannot be solved with the thinking that created them." --paraphrased from Einstein

:twisted: Einstein must have paraphrase the saying."I'll have some of the hair of the dog that bit me"

--------------------------------------
Earplugs :?: I have never seemed to notice a need for earplugs ( My helmet is fairly quiet): However, I have recently been riding a Kawasaki Concours with the windshield cut down to the cowling level and get a higher wind level over my helmet creating an annoying whistle and just a bit more wind noise. So I how wear earplugs to remedy that situation. I don't need them on either of the other two 'naked bikes'.

What brands rate the highest amongst the group? I have some HearOs but I feel they may have let in a bit too much sound.

Before my trip this weekend, I grabbed a few pairs of whatever our maintenance department at work buys. I didn't wear them on the first leg of my trip, but I put them in for the second part. Wow, what a difference! I'm totally sold on wearing plugs to cut wind noise.

I'm out of the plugs I took from the rig and either I'm imagining things or my tinnitus is getting much more noticeable after an hour of 80-MPH commuting every day. I prefer disposables, so I'll be ordering a box soon...

Whoa... I forgot about this thread.

I did buy some of the basic foam Hearos and I thought they were a complete waste of money. I bought them for the track but in my haste to get to the pits on time I never remembered to put them in. I tried riding with them a couple times on the streets and I had an awful time trying to get them to stay in place - they kept popping out and/or would catch my helmet.

Seemed like a total waste. I'm sure if your plugs fit, they help, especially on highways. The wind noise gets annoying at 80+ after a while. I'm just having trouble getting these to work - so either I'm an idiot, or I need to try a different brand/style.

Seemed like a total waste. I'm sure if your plugs fit, they help, especially on highways. The wind noise gets annoying at 80+ after a while. I'm just having trouble getting these to work - so either I'm an idiot, or I need to try a different brand/style.
This brings up an important point - fit. The standard Hearos plugs are relatively small. This makes them great for me! I picked up some generic plugs (Macks, I think?) from the grocery store when I was in a rush and I'm suffering on extended rides where standard Hearos plugs never bothered me one bit. It sounds like you might want to try something larger. Hearos makes a blue plug called the "Extreme" or some such that was much too large for me.

It's hard to beat the disposable foam ear plugs and I now keep a packet in jackets and tanks bags.

I am now trying these style and like them better for comfort and ease of insertion. A good place to pick up ear plugs is at Walgreens. Not as good as the free ones at the office.:)
The link below is a link at the Walgreen Drug Store site. I have a set like those.
http://www.walgreens.com/store/product.jsp?CATID=100217&navAction=jump&navCount=0&skuid=sku1707466&id=prod1707479#

Good call. I might try those out.

I've tried a bunch like that (finned) and they always make my ears hurt or felt super uncomfortable. But I have (apparently) small-ish ear canals so that may rule them out for me anyway...

I just ordered a custom pair from my audiologist.

I've worn the foam ones and do like the wind noise reduction while I am riding.

I've worn the foam ones and do like the wind noise reduction while I am riding.
If it hasn't been said already, it's the frequency of the wind noise—especially at constant speed, NOT the loud pipes, that'll frak your hearing.

I wear the cheap orange ones you get by the hundred at the hardware store. Squish 'em down and they expand to fit. Don't forget to "tuck" the end behind the cartilage "bump/flap" (I'm sure there's an actual anatomical name for it). Helps to keep them in putting the helmet on and taking it off.

...it's the frequency of the wind noise—especially at constant speed, NOT the loud pipes, that'll frak your hearing.

Agreed. With my stock pipe, I can't even hear my engine at highway speed with my plugs in. All I hear is the muted rumble of the wind. Without the plugs, I hear both, but the wind noise is far louder than the exhaust noise.

On my trip this weekend, I didn't experience a constant wind frequency at a constant speed because the wind was gusting quite a bit. The weather gods must have had a bet to see if they could push me around in my lane. After dealing with semis on a major trucking route on my way to work every day though, someone up there lost a substantial bet. :D

Just couldn't let the earlier comment by geo go:

rndthought wrote:
And no, it doesn't heal with time...


Actually, my company doctor was telling me that he has read research that suggests that hearing does heal over time. I brought up the subject at my first company physical because my hearing reads as perfectly normal, even though I lost quite a bit due to a teenage illness (very bad ear infection that caused inner ear damage).

I realize that's second-hand info without a citation, but I know he read it in an actual medical journal, not the Weekly World News.


There are a number of things here: I find it a very dangerous idea to suggest that one's hearing "heals". I don't know what medical journal is being cited, but this is misleading at best. At worst, it gives the idea that hearing actually heals in as a general rule. Geo's situation is unusual in that it was induced by an illness, which caused temporary but not permanent damage. This is very different than noise induced damage. Suggestions in medical journals are not usually a good thing to live by in these circumstances, considering the ramifications and the fact that they are usually preliminary findings or suggestions of things that might be possible. If Geo's hearing has tested normal, by all means, consider yourself healed (beware of company hearing checks, btw; not much for accuracy in general. Another thread entirely...) By way of counter example, my childhood illness--the flu--which did not cause any serious infection, did, however, begin to steal the hearing out of my right ear. It was not so obvious for a while, except for the tinnitus, but it most certainly did not heal over time. And, the really important part, I think, is that, unlike one's vision, there are no "glasses" to correct the situation. No Lasik.:cry: Hearing aids not only do not "correct", but they are thousands and thousands of dollars for even a basic unit and almost never covered by any medical insurance. Soap box.

The bottom line is, the overwhelming evidence by hard medical data is that noise induced hearing loss is PERMANENT. I don't mean ringing that goes away after a loud rock concert spent near the subs. Take a google at some of the dB levels on wind rush on a motorcycle and compare them to the levels that industry has concluded with hard data WILL cause irreversible hearing loss! It is nothing to the tiny sound of your pipes in general.

Bottom line: Wear your hearing protection! It ain't coming back once you lose it! If it does, then perhaps you have something else going on and you should donate yourself to science and we can all learn a new thing or two. Seriously. Ride for any time at all in speeds near freeway and you WILL lose your hearing. For good.

Or, after a few years, you might be faced with the option of buying $8000 worth of the latest aids, or another cool two-wheeled toy (or part of one, depending on your finances :shock:)

I would love to hear/see research on hearing "growing back" or "healing". Let me know when that happens so I can be sure to pay attention when my hearing improves instead of degrading over the years, despite being vigilant with custom plugs, with many years of working loud live entertainment, recreational shooting, and now, motorcycling.

And, please, I have had more audiologists than you can shake a stick at by now, including work-related, and I find it absolutely negligent to introduce such statements as the generic suggestion that "hearing heals", when the overwhelming evidence is that it does NOT when induced by excessive noise.

To Geo, and all, sorry for the rant. Simply be thankful that, in your case, something did heal. Subjecting yourself to 90+ dB of wind rush (or other things in the future) over time and expecting your hearing to survive intact is not very wise, however. Take heed, and be able to hear your family and friends' conversations and all the subtle harmonics of the music you love well into your dotage...

I've tried a bunch like that (finned) and they always make my ears hurt or felt super uncomfortable. But I have (apparently) small-ish ear canals so that may rule them out for me anyway...
Same here. They hurt and also don't seem to do much for noise reduction. I've tried three or four times with various products and always the same result.

If you like to listen to music and ride... I love these. They are just as or even more comfortable than any ear plug I've used... Worth every penny, on flights, works better than any of the noise canceling head phones I tried (and they cost from the same to 2.5x as much)

http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er6i.aspx
http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/images/er6i-side.jpg

Holy crap... I didn't pay that much for my Sennheiser over-the-ears... anywhere to get them cheaper? I use these on road trips and walking around campus, but I'm not really sure how well they work compared to my foam earplugs.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=9135481&sourceid=1500000000000003142050&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=9135481

My color is slightly less... Focus-driver-y...

if you look at this page (http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/epcomp.aspx), it makes these ear phones (http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er6.aspx) look better. and theyre cheaper, and smaller. and i have small ear canals... i think.

rnd, have you used other in-the-ear headphones? if so, how do these compare? i have always wanted a pair, and im enough of an audiophile that i would need to get a fairly high quality pair.

also, do you feel like music while riding is distracting? does it take away from the noise of the road and all that jazz?

If you like to listen to music and ride...
I use the Westone UM-1s (http://www.westone.com/content/215.html) - I'm sure they're very comparable. They come with several tips - I received two types of foam tips and silicone 'tri-flanges' - and sound fantastic. The foam tips, sorta similar to disposable earplugs, annihilate sound like nothing else. Couldn't be happier, but haven't yet used 'em on the bike.
http://www.westone.com/media/musicians/um1.jpg

also, do you feel like music while riding is distracting? does it take away from the noise of the road and all that jazz?

To me, it's very different on the bike compared to in the car. I've been driving for over 20 years, and have almost always driven an automatic. I keep my tunes cranked, and they seem to occupy the back of my mind in such a way that it actually improves my focus on the road.

On the bike, I feel like I need to be more in tune with my machine. At highway speed, you don't hear much anyway, but I'm still a relatively new rider, so I think having music on would distract a part of my mind that's still necessary for the road.

Does that make any sense?

have you used other in-the-ear headphones? if so, how do these compare? i have always wanted a pair, and im enough of an audiophile that i would need to get a fairly high quality pair.

also, do you feel like music while riding is distracting?
JHenley, I've tried all kinds of over ear (including 2 different Senn's) and these work far better than any noise canceling system I've used...qualified.

They work by isolation, kinda like an earplug and headphone combined.

Pat, I've only owned the ER6i's from them. I think an Audiophile would not like them but for buzzing around on a bike... I don't think you'll tell the difference. They work great, have different size tips to fit your ear and are serviceable for cleaning. I like music when I ride... Mostly I don't actively hear it unless I concentrate on it, have the Shuffle volume limited so I can hear someone talking to me in a quite room... but I even use them when I don't want music just as ear plugs. They are that comfortable.

I got mine of eBay for like $120 or so I think and considering what I've paid in the past for things that didn't work... I'm very satisfied.

The ER6's are a little better quality and then they have the ER4's which are Audiophile targeted but my old ears won't appreciate them and neither will my wallet.

I use earplugs designed for swimming. Wearing earplugs makes 80mph on the interstate A LOT better.

have you used other in-the-ear headphones? if so, how do these compare? i have always wanted a pair, and im enough of an audiophile that i would need to get a fairly high quality pair.

also, do you feel like music while riding is distracting?
The ER6's are a little better quality and then they have the ER4's which are Audiophile targeted but my old ears won't appreciate them and neither will my wallet.
Ironically, the first time I tried riding with my iPod, I crashed. Hard. Although I still maintain the tunes had nothing to do with it, that was all me. Still, not one to eff with my luck, I haven't tried it again since. Although that series of events led me to the 599, so maybe it was destiny!

That said, these earphones that RND speaks of are quite intriguing. May look into them a little bit.

I was thinking about loading up my iPod with a bunch of MP3s that are nothing but recordings of police car sirens. Thought it might make the commute to work more, uh, interesting... :lol:

Seriously, though, I've found out the hard way that anatomical differences make the isolating in-ear buds a mixed bag. I never thought I had deformed ears, but even with S/M/L rubber inserts and a crushable foam option, I could not get comfortable with a $100 Bluetooth setup I bought recently. Moreover, I didn't like the way noises got transferred directly to my ear (chewing, swallowing, cable brushing up against neck/collar).

So, I dunno. I've heard great things about the Etymotics, but the whole in-ear thing doesn't seem to be for me. It's too bad this is not a product that's really appropriate to "try on" before you buy it.

So, I dunno. I've heard great things about the Etymotics, but the whole in-ear thing doesn't seem to be for me. It's too bad this is not a product that's really appropriate to "try on" before you buy it.
In-ear is very much a love it or hate it deal. Foam plugs come in various sizes and I've had far more luck with those versus the rubbery tips, but you'll still have a bit of that "hearing yourself" syndrome. Without the proper fit, they blow. That said, I absolutely love my Westone IEMs. They're comfortable, built extremely well, and sound phenomenal. But I'm not sure that I'm ready to wear 'em on the bike.

I never considered riding with my iPod until I went on a long ride out of town. In town I think of it as handicapping myself while driving in the hordes of deathwagons on the road.

When I was out of town and there was noone around for hours it all made sense. I still haven't done it though.

Do the in ear earbuds transmit wind noise like they do every other noise that I filter out normally? I know exactly what Carlitos is referring to about the transmitting noise directly to the ear. I am really not that interested in the sound of the earbud cord rubbing against my riding gear.

Do the in ear earbuds transmit wind noise like they do every other noise that I filter out normally? I know exactly what Carlitos is referring to about the transmitting noise directly to the ear. I am really not that interested in the sound of the earbud cord rubbing against my riding gear.
Assuming that you're using the foam tips, it's a lot like using foam earplugs. You can hear your breathing, swallowing, etc. The internal noises that you normally wouldn't. That said, with any amount of volume coming through, all of those things are less (if at all) noticeable. IEMs can give you outstanding sound quality, noise isolation, and compact size - with a few caveats. Higher price, adjusting to quirks, etc.

A side benefit is that, with the amount of noise the foam plugs block out, you can listen to music at extremely low volume and still hear perfectly clearly. I credit my IEMs with me turning other audio sources the heck down. :P

For anyone curious about IEMs but not wanting to wager $100 for a good set like the Etymotic or Westone sets, you can pick up the Koss SparkPlug or Koss Plug from Radioshack or Amazon for about $15. They won't sound as good or be as comfortable, but they'll give you an idea with minimal investment.

I ride with Shure SE110's with the compressable foam tips (similar to the disposable kinds). They sound great and they block out most of wind noise. Once you get up in the 85+ range, there's still a bit of noise but I'd call it the equivalent of doing 40 without ear-pro. I'm sure it doesn't help that I have a cheap ass, super noisy HJC helmet but that's another issue being worked on...

http://www.shure.com/stellent/groups/public/@gms_gmi_web_us_pa/documents/web_resource/site_img_pa_se110_m.jpg

I'd looked into getting custom in ear monitors - the kind professional musicians wear - but I decided to "save" some money. Still spent $100 but better than $200 and I'm more than satisfied with how they work.

I'm sure it doesn't help that I have a cheap ass, super noisy HJC helmet but that's another issue being worked on...
Don't worry, even expensive ass Arai's can be noisy! :P

my problem is that earplugs being to hurt and annoy the sh!t out of me after awhile. What I am looking for is some "flush" earbuds that don't fall out of my ear when I put my helmet on. If I am not going to hear the hum of my bike, I'd rather hear some kick a$$ tunes.

Has anyone watched Long Way Down? Ewen is putting in some Scottland flag earplugs or earbuds. Those would be the ones that I would like, that style.

After picking up some cheap-o "Macks" foam plugs, I can say that the shape/size is really important. I can't wear 'em much more than an hour before they hurt. Ugh.

I got the sample pack of soft plugs from www.earplugstore.com and tried them all and have so far narrowed it down to the Howard Leight Max Lite and the 3M 1120. These two seems to be the softest and gives me less ear ache then any of the other plugs. I too have small ear canals, all other ear plugs gives me a headache after an hour of use. I'm favoring the 3M 1120 more cause it has a 28db rating which is enough to quite things down but also lets me "hear" a little better then the other plugs with their 32-33db rathings.

My right ear does not like earplugs. I've tried several (cheap) brands, and each time the plugs block out most frequencies, but not very high frequencies - the really annoying ones. It actually makes the wind noise seem louder, which can't be possible. Left ear is fine, though. I hate the idea of cumulative hearing damage, but imagine listening to fingernails on a chalk board all day long.

I picked up some plugs at the cycle show that "selectively" filter. They block most wind noise and still allow some conversation. With a helmet on and them in conversation is difficult but possible.

I have noticed that they seem to be much more effective than HearOs.

Any set I've bought so far are uncomfortable. I guess they will be until I drop the big $$$ on a custom set.

For riding in the city, I never use earplugs. I just can't tell what's around me the same. Of course, that never gets over 80 kph, unless I'm speeding momentarily. :mrgreen: But that never lasts long.

For highway, I have to wear plugs. My ears hurt if I don't. One time, really early in my riding days, I wore a beanie with no plugs. Not even a windshield. Not even ear-damaging music hurt that much!

A guy is going to be at the track this weekend selling these for $12. I'm still debating on buying them or not, since I rarely use earplugs. Seems like a really good and cheap idea, though.

http://www.radians.com/main/p-282-radians-custom-molded-earplugs.aspx

My right ear does not like earplugs. I've tried several (cheap) brands, and each time the plugs block out most frequencies, but not very high frequencies - the really annoying ones. It actually makes the wind noise seem louder, which can't be possible. Left ear is fine, though. I hate the idea of cumulative hearing damage, but imagine listening to fingernails on a chalk board all day long.

It sounds like something else is going on for you. Either plugs in your right ear are not fitting correctly or you may actually have tinnitus in that ear (thus the screechy high pitched noise). Here's why: standard hearing protection actually attenuates the higher frequencies MORE than the lower, by about 15-20dB more. So, you are correct. Something is wrong. If you have tinnitus (which does tend to be "magnified" when plugs are in, btw), it could involve hearing loss as well, or just the annoying noise by itself. Also, when plugs are not fit or working correctly, they tend to "leak", and that involves the high frequencies. Don't ask for the tech explanation, but I know it's so, as I've worn plugs of various kinds for decades. That's the first thing you hear when they are not in all the way or are leaking sound.

If you have not consulted an audiologist, I would encourage you to do so, as they may have some answers (and questions) for you.

It may be a combination of things going on for you; you may have a bigger or smaller canal on that side, in which case the cheapo/same size plugs are not gonna work equally well on both sides. You really should have hearing pro of some kind; if you do much riding at more than about 40 or so (especially fwy), you WILL suffer cumulative loss over time. Permanent loss, no two ways about it. And maybe more screechy noises that never go away.

I'd give those radians a try, as they do seem to mold to your specific canal. They are super inexpensive, it appears. Otherwise, actual custom plugs done at an audiologist's will run in the neighborhood of $100 or more. Sometimes you can get some cheaper ones at shows and what-not, but they have limited materials, which do not work for everyone.

Get 'em plugged, buddy! Hearing aids do not "correct" like glasses, cost thousands of dollars and are pretty much never covered by any health insurance you have. Once your hearing is gone, it's gone.

Thank you for the long and thoughtful post, a4naught. I'm thinking that the problem must be related to one ear canal having an unusual shape - I'm going to start moving up in earplug quality, with this thread as a guide, and if that doesn't get the job done I'll see about going to a ear specialist. Is a hearing check part of a normal health checkup? I haven't had one of those in a long time. I'm not used to having respectable health insurance. I pay $140/month, and that's with my employer paying 70%. On the up side, there is a good chance it would cover most of a visit to see an audiologist.

I have to keep it a secret from my mom that I currently can't use earplugs, or I won't hear the end of it - she has hearing aids and she hates the bastards, so she's pretty hard line about hearing protection. And she rode motorcycles when she was my age.

Ooh. You really should get a hearing test. Otherwise, you'll have no base from which to begin. Also, it might be instructive if you already have damage. And, if there's something else going on, better to not start trying to stuff more things in there.

Yeah, if I were your mom, I'd be upset too. Stop hiding and start taking action, man. Your mom should know the downside. You think that's a stiff monthly (not that unusual, btw, except for maybe HMO land), see what those hearing aids cost, not to mention the horrible factor of being a trial to endure given the technology and process. You may be able to get a break on plugs too.

Trust your mom's reaction and my advice: Get it taken care of. A bargain basement hearing test should be covered, especially if you have not had one in a long while, AND the fact that you are engaged in a noisy pastime, AND you have that odd anomaly going on preventing you from using pro.

Go. We'll wait right here until you return. Go on. Hurry up.

Hi

If your fingers are always clean, you aren’t all sweaty and you don't have a lot of ear wax...I've gotten a good month or two out of a pair. Now it may be prudent to change them out more often as a sanitary precaution...or as they get dirty but that is a personal decision. What you say for this view.

Have a that good.

If your fingers are always clean, you aren’t all sweaty and you don't have a lot of ear wax...I've gotten a good month or two out of a pair. Now it may be prudent to change them out more often as a sanitary precaution...or as they get dirty but that is a personal decision. What you say for this view.
Depends on how much you ride, but I don't think that's a great idea for health reasons. Ear plugs are cheap. Hearos are about $0.50 per pair. If I want to stretch it, I use a pair per week that I commute.

If I rode all year and used Hearos, I'd spend $26 for the year. Stretching a pair to each month saves $20 at the cost of an increased risk of health problems.

That's ignoring less expensive earplugs. I spent $20 for a 200-pair box of other plugs - $0.10 per pair. If I change weekly, hearing protection costs about $5 for the year. Heck, even if I changed more frequently to minimize any health concerns, I'd be at $10 for the year.

I believe the cost is justified.

I'm gonna bump this, because I recently discovered the joy of sticking things in my ear.

What I thought was an aging helmet getting noisier was actually a VFR fairing/windshield that throws air RIGHT at my helmet visor. I can't really duck under or stand over it. The air doesn't move my head around all that much, but it is noisy as hell ...a lot noisier than what I remember on the 599. On the 599, there was a lot of air, but it wasn't concentrated like this is.

So, I thought I'd try some disposable plugs since I had gutted my exhaust anyway, and the only ones I could find at Wal-Mart were these Winchester-branded ones in the shooting-sports area. Naturally, they weren't actually made by Winchester, but at less than $2 for 10 pair, the price was acceptable. They have an NRR of 32.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kMSYwo-WCBc/Sl9jnkvCrtI/AAAAAAAAAxw/qfHgSlpOacc/s320/Ear+Plugs.JPG

Fit is always subjective, but I thought they fit me very well - better than some other cheapies that Transient let me borrow. They work very well, to boot. I've vowed never to go without them again.

At the moment, I'm experimenting with a "change them out every week" schedule since I can theoretically commute every day.

All in all, a :thumbsup

^^Cool, thanks for the write up.. I might have to try those. I just get mine from work because we keep earplugs in stock to provide for the employees. But those seem do-able.

Were the 6800s too big? I don't plan on getting them again for that reason, but they're comfy enough. Especially for around $0.10 per pair. Next are EAR TaperFits.

Hard to say. The only thing I know for sure is that the foam on the Winchesters is a little softer than that of the ones you gave me. It may be that somehow, that makes for a better fit in my ears. The Winchesters were definitely more comfy - but above all, they were able to seal better and block more sound, which is ultimately how I'm judging "fit."

Ah, gotcha. Makes sense. Curious that you didn't get a solid seal, though. User error! :P

Properly insert earplugs for better protection - Lifehacker.com (http://lifehacker.com/5275516/properly-insert-earplugs-for-better-protection)

I'm sure Carlitos is inserting his earplugs correctly, but maybe others aren't. I had two friends who were convinced foam earplugs didn't work well until I showed them the method linked above. Heck, when I started this thread, I thought that Hearos were the only ones that fit me because I wasn't straightening my ear canal.

As my own personal update, last season I ordered a box of Moldex Pura-Fit 6800s. 200 individually wrapped pairs for $25 shipped - that's $0.125 per pair for anyone curious.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/earplugs/moldex-6800.jpg
WebBikeWorld Review (http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/earplugs/)

They're bigger than the Hearos with a slight taper and firmer foam. They don't go in as easily, either. In fact, where the Hearos would go right in without a problem, the 6800s did not want to play along. They weren't comfortable, weren't as quiet, and even seemed to make my tinnitus worse. I was convinced they didn't fit and I'd have to sell them off. That's when I remembered the method found in my previous post: straightening the ear canal. Suddenly, all was right in the universe.

This box will last a good while. I've been changing plugs more frequently - twice a week if I ride every day - and I bet I've only gone through 40 or so pairs.

When it comes time to replace them, I'll take a look at EARs TaperFit line, as they're shaped akin to the Hearos plugs. I just love those. Can't help it but refuse to pay for it.

As my own personal update, last season I ordered a box of Moldex Pura-Fit 6800s. 200 individually wrapped pairs for $25 shipped - that's $0.125 per pair for anyone curious.

WebBikeWorld Review (http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/earplugs/)

Thanks...I've ordered a box. Good review, I was using Howard Leight Max's and they didn't seem to fit right but thought it was me (the reviewer had the same issue due to the Max's wide end). So hopefully these 6800's will be better.