Do You Use Earplugs When You Ride?

[ichibunkid.206]

Originally Posted by Ramen

Surefire makes an earplug set that works great and is comfortable at the same time:

http://www.surefire.com/EP3-Sonic-Defenders

After see this post I had a look at the website, and ordered a pair... I wasn't using ear plugs before (only had the bike for about 3 weeks, only been out on it like less than 4 time) went for a ride last nite and used a pair of foam ear plugs I got in bulk from Home Depot... It did seem to make the riding experience more enjoyable.... and I did notice a big decrease in hearing wind noise in my helmet.

[Jerkson]

Originally Posted by ichibunkid.206

After see this post I had a look at the website, and ordered a pair... I wasn't using ear plugs before (only had the bike for about 3 weeks, only been out on it like less than 4 time) went for a ride last nite and used a pair of foam ear plugs I got in bulk from Home Depot... It did seem to make the riding experience more enjoyable.... and I did notice a big decrease in hearing wind noise in my helmet.

This especially holds true when you're doing a long distance trek on the highway

[Buffalony]

just ran across this here on our site. Links appropriate for this thread. http://www.ninjette.org/forums/blog.php?b=186

[setasai]

Originally Posted by Honko

The extended portion that goes into the ear canal is kind of off-putting.

What do you mean? how else would you get a good seal?

[Honko]

Originally Posted by setasai

What do you mean? how else would you get a good seal?

I should rephrase what I said. Obviously something would have to block the canal to cancel out the noise, but those look like they go really deep into there, which isn't particularly good for your hearing either. Obviously I haven't worn them so I can't say for sure which is why I'm wondering how far they go from people who have used them.

[Buffalony]

Originally Posted by ichibunkid.206

After see this post I had a look at the website, and ordered a pair... I wasn't using ear plugs before (only had the bike for about 3 weeks, only been out on it like less than 4 time) went for a ride last nite and used a pair of foam ear plugs I got in bulk from Home Depot... It did seem to make the riding experience more enjoyable.... and I did notice a big decrease in hearing wind noise in my helmet.

Those look fancy. Let us know how well they work.

[ichibunkid.206]

Originally Posted by Buffalony

Those look fancy. Let us know how well they work.

I'll do that... they're suppose to arrive in the mail today

[Buffalony]

Originally Posted by ichibunkid.206

I'll do that... they're suppose to arrive in the mail today

Sweet. I like how they have those little plugs in them. Ear plugs with plugs!!! Or earplugs you can operate. haha

[Liquidtoon]

I use these. LG HBS-700s



They are blue-toothed to my phone and fit under my helmet great while still getting rid of the wires. they also make the controls easy to and use even with gloves.

I know awesome headphones still are not ear plugs but I like to think of it as a theme song for my 250. . .

[setasai]

Originally Posted by Liquidtoon

I use these. LG HBS-700s



They are blue-toothed to my phone and fit under my helmet great while still getting rid of the wires. they also make the controls easy to and use even with gloves.

I know awesome headphones still are not ear plugs but I like to think of it as a theme song for my 250. . .

That's pretty cool. If the headphones isolate from outside noise as well as earplugs then i'm all for it. That's why i use my ER-6's all the time. Music and noise isolation. Perfect combo.

[etiainen]

Either I use

http://www.amazon.com/Howard-Leight-...d_sim_sbs_hi_3

or

http://www.amazon.com/Howard-Leight-.../dp/B0007XJOLG

or

http://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Resea.../dp/B000XP8DJC


And here's my experience with each.

I haven't been riding too long however, I've been using IEMs and earplugs for quite a while now, IEMs have made public transportation not only bearable, but actually enjoyable for me, I actually got the Etymotic Hf5's before getting my ninja, but I've found that they are perfect for riding too(If your state laws permit earbud usage while riding that is ).

The Howard Leight MAX's provide the best plain isolation compared to the Laser Leight ones, however I find that comfort wise the Laser Leight's win out, depending on my average speed(interstate or not), and how long the trip is, I seem to reach for the Laser Leights only if it's an all day ride.

The Hf5s actually come with a silicone tri-phalanged tip that does a very impressive noise isolation job that even blocks wind noise at high speeds, so even with the music off these guys work pretty well as earplugs, and I find them the fastest to put in so when I'm in a rush I usually stick these guys in(though I have to manage the cords in the process). On long rides with zero traffic I turn these guys on(probably not the best idea, but there are just sometimes interstate rides with zero traffic can get a tad boring). Sound wise, they don't have any artificial bass boost and you can definitely tell, at first it was weird but I've grown to actually enjoy their sound compared to my old bass boosting IEMs. Sound while riding is actually pretty amazing even when flying down the interstate. There are actually foam tips that come with the set that work better for isolation, however I choose to usually go for the tri-phalanged ones because they're easy to get in and out and do a good job(also don't require frequent replacement).

[ichibunkid.206]

Originally Posted by Buffalony

Those look fancy. Let us know how well they work.

Finally had a chance to go for a short ride tonight and got to try out the EarPro EP3 ear plugs....

The ear plugs are pretty comfortable, and color coded for the left and right ear... I'll have to do a comparison test between the EP3's and the run of the mill Home Depot foam ear plugs I was using...

I got the EP3 in a medium size, but after using them I think a large may be a better fit for my ear canal size... the final price including shipping was a little under $21.00

[geeker]

I finally got a pair of EP3s yesterday from a friend at work. They were comfortable around the house for the short time I tried them last night. I'll try them on a ride soon and see what they offer. I have no comparison since I never rode with ear plugs before.

[Ramen]

I've been riding with the Medium sized Surefire EP3's for months now. Best thing I ever bought.

Much better than simply cranking up my in-helmet speakers so cancel out the wind noise I did for a year.

I have a slight tinnitus in my right ear, now. Don't **** around with your hearing.

[kkim]

Originally Posted by Ramen

Don't **** around with your hearing.

which should be the message members should be taking away from this thread.

[ichibunkid.206]

Originally Posted by Ramen

I've been riding with the Medium sized Surefire EP3's for months now. Best thing I ever bought.

Much better than simply cranking up my in-helmet speakers so cancel out the wind noise I did for a year.

I have a slight tinnitus in my right ear, now. Don't **** around with your hearing.

I ended up purchasing another set of the EP3 in a large, the mediums fit ok, but I think the fit could be snugger.

[wtfh4xx]

Ichi, if they are lightly used and well cleaned perhaps I could take those off your hands?
I got smaller sized ear canals :P
I just recently started experiencing light pain in my ears on and off. Im pretty sure its from wind noise.
I was gonna just get some cheap plugs but these seem like a better idea.

[austexjg]

How well do these work compared to higher NNR rated foam plugs? These are only 24NNR - I have seen foam that claim 32 NNR.

[setasai]

Originally Posted by austexjg

How well do these work compared to higher NNR rated foam plugs? These are only 24NNR - I have seen foam that claim 32 NNR.

I just bought a large EP4 and while it does attenuate some noise. Without the plugs in them, it is not nearly enough. With the plugs in, I'm not sure yet. If i get around to it, i'll try and let you know if it's good enough. Honestly though, I've been using the heero brand disposable earplugs that are rated at 32db or so and I think that level of noise attenuation is perfect so any less I'm usually not as happy.

[Boom King]

Originally Posted by wtfh4xx

I just recently started experiencing light pain in my ears on and off.

I'm no doctor but that's not a good sign. You might have already experienced some irreversible hearing damage. Go do your ears a favour and buy some cheap ear plugs from your local pharmacy before you hop on the bike again.

[ichibunkid.206]

Originally Posted by wtfh4xx

Ichi, if they are lightly used and well cleaned perhaps I could take those off your hands?
I got smaller sized ear canals :P
I just recently started experiencing light pain in my ears on and off. Im pretty sure its from wind noise.
I was gonna just get some cheap plugs but these seem like a better idea.

I'll PM you

[SVBS]

i bought some Hearos from Walgreen, work wonder, however i feel disconnected since it's so quiet inside helmet, i wear them depending on my mood, lol

[Ramen]

Originally Posted by SVBS

i bought some Hearos from Walgreen, work wonder, however i feel disconnected since it's so quiet inside helmet, i wear them depending on my mood, lol

I've tried the chepo foam earplugs. They're really good, but they left me feeling unattached from the motorcycle experience as well as "sounding weird" if that makes sense. Like I had a head cold or something.

The Surefire EarPros are comfortable, reusable/washable, easy to put in (I hated rolling the foam plugs) and not too silencing. You may be able to get them cheap off of eBay.

ETA: I leave the plug in on the EarPros, btw.

[setasai]

Originally Posted by SVBS

i bought some Hearos from Walgreen, work wonder, however i feel disconnected since it's so quiet inside helmet, i wear them depending on my mood, lol

Honestly, you get used to the disconnected feel very quickly. The more you use them, the better your ears acclimate to the silence and you'll slowly start to hear more and more detail. I can now have a conversation with the hearos foam earplugs even at 32db attenuation. I ride and wear earplugs practically 6 days a week so my ears got used to it quick.

[Buffalony]

Originally Posted by setasai

Honestly, you get used to the disconnected feel very quickly. The more you use them, the better your ears acclimate to the silence and you'll slowly start to hear more and more detail. I can now have a conversation with the hearos foam earplugs even at 32db attenuation. I ride and wear earplugs practically 6 days a week so my ears got used to it quick.

This is right. your ears will get aclimated to them quickly.
I worked 80+hr work weeks in a loud flour mill for five yrs with very insignificant hearing loss because of always wearing my ear protection. Someone not used to earplugs will get used to them. When I first started wearing them I always noticed them because I always thought about them being there. I noticed as time passed it came to a point where I would forget about them right after I put them in. You get used to hearing with them in your ears and not yelling when you talk to people too

Putting them in your ears in the first place has to become habit. Dont wear really dirty earplugs.

[00NissanNinja]

Just did a pretty long ride with the surefire ep3 plugs, and they keep wind noise down pretty well with the plugs in, plugs out I don't think they will help much. Sometimes I had the seal kind of pop off, but other than that they keep the noise down while also letting in some surrounding noise that isn't too loud. Foam earplugs seem to keep out more noise but I think these are pretty good.

[Mr.E]

Sooo while reading I noticed some people use earphones for music and what not. I'm not sure if its been answered or not, and I too have asked about earphones before because I do want them. But I was wondering in terms of the law. Is it legal to be riding while listening to music? I know if your in your car and have earphones in ur ears it I illegal, but what about on motorcycles?

[dubojr1]

Originally Posted by Mr.E

Sooo while reading I noticed some people use earphones for music and what not. I'm not sure if its been answered or not, and I too have asked about earphones before because I do want them. But I was wondering in terms of the law. Is it legal to be riding while listening to music? I know if your in your car and have earphones in ur ears it I illegal, but what about on motorcycles?

Pretty sure (at least here in Florida) it is illegal to have anything in your ears that would prevent you from hearing emergency vehicles. Ear plugs are not included because they don't interfere with hearing anything, that just reduce the volume. I can look for the Florida statue if you like. I'm sure I haven't quoted it perfect but I'm confident I'm pretty close.

[dubojr1]

BTW... Here's the best deal I could find on the earplugs I like. For 200 pair of these shipped to my door will have only cost me just over $.09 per pair!

http://www.tooldex.com/product/3MO-1...Foam-Earplugs/

[setasai]

Originally Posted by dubojr1

BTW... Here's the best deal I could find on the earplugs I like. For 200 pair of these shipped to my door will have only cost me just over $.09 per pair!

http://www.tooldex.com/product/3MO-1...Foam-Earplugs/

Coolio thanks. I've tried the CVS brand and then the Hearos brand. I really like the foam used in the Hearos brand... it squishes better and stays stiff enough so i can put it in my ears without it flexing.

[Buffalony]

Originally Posted by dubojr1

BTW... Here's the best deal I could find on the earplugs I like. For 200 pair of these shipped to my door will have only cost me just over $.09 per pair!

http://www.tooldex.com/product/3MO-1...Foam-Earplugs/

That was a bit of overkill considering you may find yourself cutting them in halves. You'll have 400 pair. lol Good you bought some. I really enjoy riding with earplugs.

[Mr.E]

Originally Posted by dubojr1

Pretty sure (at least here in Florida) it is illegal to have anything in your ears that would prevent you from hearing emergency vehicles. Ear plugs are not included because they don't interfere with hearing anything, that just reduce the volume. I can look for the Florida statue if you like. I'm sure I haven't quoted it perfect but I'm confident I'm pretty close.

Thanks. Thats what I figured x-( I think I'll just end up getting earplugs.

[alex.s]

so i had tried some silicone moldable ear plugs from CVS... i don't think they were the same material as the fancier ones they sell at the tracks or moto expos ... the material kinda sucked and fell apart after about a week. decided i didn't like them so i recently (2 weeks ago?) switched to some reusable earplugs i found at home depot meant for builders and WOW. these are SWEET. don't feel them when they're in and work as well as any other good plug. they don't slip out like my old cheaper disposable plugs would mid-ride. they've got cords so removing them even with the helmet still on takes all of a quarter second. they seem extremely durable and respond well to being washed. i'm sold. i think i'll be using these for some time to come. will post back when they finally break or something.

[NathanF]

Just decided to get some ear plugs myself!

I'm actually a big hearing nut - I own a decibel meter, and always wear over the ear hearing protection when mowing the lawn, using power tools, etc.

You'll note I said over the ear; I've always hated the foam in-ear plugs. Well, I'm going to tough it up and get over it. I'm riding faster now, and yesterday my ears were genuinely hurting during a 2 hour 50-70 mph ride. It was really distracting and unpleasant. How anyone can do that on a regular basis without plugs is beyond me.

[Buffalony]

Originally Posted by NathanF

It was really distracting and unpleasant. How anyone can do that on a regular basis without plugs is beyond me.

Lets not go there.

[Honko]

I went to go gas real quickly before I started washing my ninjette for the first time today and forgot my ear plugs...bad times

[CNI Dawg]

Originally Posted by kkim

If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes

I need to save what little hearing I have left !!!

[ducducgooseit]

Originally Posted by kkim

If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes.

I can afford ear plugs. I can not afford to replace my ears.

[setasai]

Found these recently. Anybody used them? Lots of glowing reviews about them.

http://earplugsonline.com/

[gfloyd2002]

Could be good but doesn't it worry you that they offer the same plugs for gun use, industrial use and general use? There are very different requirements for different applications. Also, it bugs me that they make very broad assertions with snake-oil salesman style, claiming their product can do everything (*beneficial for humanity*, <highest blocking> *truly magnificent*) without giving any data on db levels blocked, and at what frequencies. What are the ANSI and CSA ratings for use of the plugs? How do the plugs work for motocycle wind noise frequencies, and how does that also work for gun blasts?

Again, they might work great, but I'd avoid these like the plague. I'll go with someone who talks about their research, who posts information about db levels and frequencies, who shows some recognition of the different needs of different users, and who knows that there are detailed standards (ANSI, CSA) on ear plugs and understands how their product fits into those standards. Any snake oil salesman can get good testimonials - sell 100 of anything and you can find someone who says it worked ("I can walk again!").

Look at the 3M or Moldex websites in comparison, and you'll see a very different focus that gives me a higher level of confidence in the product. I've attached a tech sheet on a pair of Moldex reusables for comparison.