Do You Use Earplugs When You Ride?

[Live2ride]

I didn't start using them until a few days ago and I have to admit, I recommended not using them in another thread, I was wrong. I feel like I can hear the engine scream more and less wind noise. My helmet seems to have gotten much louder than last summer and the earplugs definitely help.

[paterick4o8]

I've since upgraded to ear bud headphones and some good tunes :P

[reaubideux]

I'm glad I came across this thread. I've had my Ninja a few weeks and been riding the past week but haven't gotten above 60mph. I'd known of riders wearing ear plugs or ear buds w/their iPod or whatever, and just thought "no way I'm wearing ear plugs." I won't be able to hear surrounding traffic, sirens, etc. Looks like I was mistaken after reading through the experiences shared in this thread. Not sure if I'll ever use ear buds w/music simply b/c that still seems a bit dangerous since you're pumping in music which, logically speaking, would seem to purposely cancel out the noise you WANT to hear - sirens, horns, etc. - but I'm definitely going to be stopping by a hardware store today to pick up some ear plugs.

[EDIT]Just got back from Walmart, picked up a 4-pair pack of the Hearos plugs after seeing a few of you folks liked them. Only $1.76 for the pack. Squeezed them through the packaging and they felt nice and soft. If the weather cooperates I'll have to take them out for a test drive. Wonder if my wife will buy that excuse? [/EDIT]

[ericeng91]

I'm not too sure if this has been mentioned or not. But what about sound damping materials rather than ear plugs? Wouldn't that reduce the high frequency material but still let you hear what is around you?

Some sort of high density foam or even stuff like
http://www.google.com/products/catal...wAg#ps-sellers

or

http://www.acousticpc.com/acousti_pr..._material.html


Just cut out a section and place it in the ear area. Behind the padding and all so it doesn't fall and its not in the way.

[kkim]

might work, might not, but what's the problem with just using ear plugs?

[ericeng91]

Originally Posted by kkim

might work, might not, but what's the problem with just using ear plugs?

Ear plugs and ear buds are uncomfortable for me for long periods of time. My ears start itching for no real reason.

And I figure you can get double protection? or sound protection and listen to buds too.

[kkim]

I would think something in the ear cutout area would be sort of confining for people's ears. I know my helmets have very little extra room in that area after my ears are in there.

if you've tried earplugs and need another solution, go for it and see how it works for you. I would guess, anything would be better than nothing, but perhaps you just might need to try another brand/size/materiel of earplugs? The good thing about these are there are a wide variety available and can attenuate to different levels based on what one is comfortable with, while still cutting the undesirable high freq wind noise.

[setasai]

Originally Posted by ericeng91

Ear plugs and ear buds are uncomfortable for me for long periods of time. My ears start itching for no real reason.

And I figure you can get double protection? or sound protection and listen to buds too.

It's possible the itching is an allergic reaction to the foam or rubber that's used in most earplugs. If true, foam in the helmet would be even worse. Try a pair of ER-20's by etymotics. They make it out of silicone and are reusable.

The idea of earplugs is to simulate the noise reduction qualities of 360degrees of metal/glass/plastic in a cager so foam in the helmet while could help, would make it a nightmare to get on without crushing your ears.

[ericeng91]

Originally Posted by setasai

It's possible the itching is an allergic reaction to the foam or rubber that's used in most earplugs. If true, foam in the helmet would be even worse. Try a pair of ER-20's by etymotics. They make it out of silicone and are reusable.

The idea of earplugs is to simulate the noise reduction qualities of 360degrees of metal/glass/plastic in a cager so foam in the helmet while could help, would make it a nightmare to get on without crushing your ears.

it's not an allergic reaction, but it's good to know there are silicone plugs out there.

The reason I thought about this was because there was a sound dampening panel on display somewhere (i forget where) and I put my ear about 3 inches away, and it was a HUGE difference in what I could hear. In a helmet, I would assume the space is around 1/4 inch, maybe 1/2 inch and something like that could dampen A LOT of sound coming in while not covering everything. Idk, my new helmet is coming in the mail now so when i get it, I'll take a look at how the padding is, if there is some spare room, I'll pick up some computer sound dampening pads, cut them to size and give it a try.

[tiggen]

I noticed on a cross country trip that ear plugs helped HUGELY in reducing fatigue over many hours of riding. I also find that they have the same result racing bikes and karts.

[choneofakind]

Originally Posted by tiggen

I noticed on a cross country trip that ear plugs helped HUGELY in reducing fatigue over many hours of riding. I also find that they have the same result racing bikes and karts.

Thats the first thing I noticed when I started riding with them. I can still hear everything just fine, and I dont get tired. a Definitely good investment

[beowuff]

In Washington State, it is illegal to have ear buds in both ears while operating ANY motor vehicle. Doesn't stop a lot of people, but thought I'd put it out there. Check your local state (or province, or whatever ) laws.

Still loving my ear plugs. Best thing I did to increase the enjoyment of long rides on the bike!

[Sushilover]

Thank you everyone for this thread, i went out for a ride with earplugs for the first time ever and it made a world of difference. I was more relaxed, the ride was less tiring, and hearing the engine was surprisingly easier. I will be wearing earplugs for the rest of my riding days!

[caferacer]

I have worn ear plugs for years..i think that i read about it in a magazine. The reduction in fatigue is huge. I would not consider riding without them. I have actually stopped right after i started out, just to put in plugs when i forgot. My pipe is kinda loud but the wind noise is the problem. I can hear better with them in...they take out all of the white noise. I even use them when i ride on my road bicycle.

[k-os]

Originally Posted by caferacer

My pipe is kinda loud but the wind noise is the problem. I can hear better with them in...they take out all of the white noise. I even use them when i ride on my road bicycle.

That's the main reason I wear ear plugs. Damn wind is so noisy at speed.

[Ramen]

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

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

[setasai]

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

Wow, I love the way those things look. How do you determine which size you are? They have small/med/large but I'm not sure which ones to get. Anyway to try them on somewhere?

[Scott1620]

Originally Posted by setasai

Wow, I love the way those things look. How do you determine which size you are? They have small/med/large but I'm not sure which ones to get. Anyway to try them on somewhere?

Looks like there is a sizing chart on that website too...

http://www.surefire.com/surefire/con...zing-FINAL.jpg

[20ninja03]

I would never use them no matter the wind noise.

[kkim]

Originally Posted by 20ninja03

I would never use them no matter the wind noise.

never use what... earplugs? if so, please explain why not?

[geeker]

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

I was just about to throw these out there. I haven't used them, but a co-worker has them for the range and loves them.

[Bols]

Just got a few different plugs i ordered from http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/
They have some really nice and cheap earplugs for different use! I fell in love with QuietEar http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/quietnrr14.html They feel really good, are cheap and they don't reduce too much of the sound, which i feel most earplugs do. Highly recommended!

[cuong-nutz]

I need to get myself some earplugs now since I switched from my stock exhaust to something else which is louder. Also the wind noise is very bothersome now that I notice it.

[glock_19]

El cheapo Skullcandy buds:

http://www.skullcandy.com/shop/ink-d...ack-black.html

[JulietP]

I always wear hearing protection unless I make a quick stop close to home and have just a short jaunt home at city speeds. I wear Big Ear brand plugs that are formed to my ears and they are extremely comfortable. Even with my full-face HJC, the wind noise, particuarly above 50 mph, is bad. I commute at highway and interstate speeds, so I don't leave home without them.

My boyfriend and I made the mistake of riding 3 hours on the highway without earplugs (we had a communication system and thought we wouldn't be able to hear with plugs in) and had ringing in our ears for a good part of the day after we got to our destination.

[cuong-nutz]

I have from no earplugs to jvc marshmallow ear buds and good tunes. What a big difference in noise suppression! I also ordered an aero skirt for my scorpion helmet to reduce. The wind noise. Majority of my riding is on the highway commuting to and from work so wind noise is a big issue with me aside from the sound of my full race exhaust.

[Lockshi3]

Yep I wear them. They are made by etymotic research. They cut out most of the wind. I'd say earbuds/ear plugs are a must especially for a lot of highway

[Gorilla25]

hmm..interesting thread..they talked about it in MSF, but i just thought..blah, blah, blah...i dont get much wind noise while on my moped in town......BUT, when i do get a bike, i'll see how i is riding around town with no plugs then decide about town riding and plugs...but i def. will have some in on the freeway or long hwy rides.

[Boom King]

Originally Posted by tiggen

I noticed on a cross country trip that ear plugs helped HUGELY in reducing fatigue over many hours of riding. I also find that they have the same result racing bikes and karts.

Loud noise is an environmental stress. Your body responds in different ways to cope with this stress such as increasing your adrenaline and cortisol levels, heart rate and blood pressure. It's the way our ancestors were programmed when they had to avoid being prey to bigger animals. That's why whenever you hear a loud noise or bang, you feel your heart jump and the hair stand on your back or why babies cry to alert their parents of danger. Reactionary response to make you more alert but your body is only built to handle this in short spurts. As your body is working harder in this state, it is using more energy and after some time, you will get that lethargic feeling. Of course, everyone's bodies are not the same.

Consider this an added benefit of ear plugs; aside from helping to prevent long term hearing loss they help to reduce the chance of fatigue and allow you to stay more alert on that bike.

[GeorgiaHooligan]

I used earplugs for a while after reading a very good article in a motorcycle mag about hearing loss. If I know Im going to be traveling at Highway speeds for a long period, I'll wear them if I have them. Feels weird at first, but you get used to hearing yourself breath. Makes a big difference. No muffled hearing after a long fast ride.

[miss_syn]

I tried them for the first time on Sunday and WOW. It made a huge difference and it was more enjoyable.

[Enfemus]

Ear plugs are FTW. Notice a huge difference when I do use them and when I don't.

[setasai]

Yay another convert. We all have kkim to thank for starting this thread. Ear protection is such an overlooked piece of gear. I've been trying to get my friend to wear one but he insists that it's ok. Sigh.

[kkim]

Originally Posted by setasai

I've been trying to get my friend to wear one but he insists that it's ok. Sigh.

try talking with him when he's my age... he won't be able to hear you by then, if he continues riding w/o using earplugs.

[Buffalony]

I have an HJC CL-15 helmet. They're commonly loud so I wear plugs 90% of my riding. I also cut my plugs in half. Not cause I'm a cheapo but because it helps prevent them from getting pulled out when putting my helmet on and off. A package lasting twice as long is a bonus
No problems hearing. I usually catch myself yelling at people though.

[setasai]

Originally Posted by kkim

try talking with him when he's my age... he won't be able to hear you by then, if he continues riding w/o using earplugs.

Yea. I've gotten him to wear them during longer highway rides but not during the slower twisties. I feel like a nagging parent sometimes because I have to tell him to wear his chaps even when it's hot out. He rides a suzuki intruder so he's more into the stereotypical cruiser look. Still though, one step at a time... I'll convert him soon enough.

Originally Posted by Buffalony

I have an HJC CL-15 helmet. They're commonly loud so I wear plugs 90% of my riding. I also cut my plugs in half. Not cause I'm a cheapo but because it helps prevent them from getting pulled out when putting my helmet on and off. A package lasting twice as long is a bonus
No problems hearing. I usually catch myself yelling at people though.

In half? You must have short ear canals or arent putting them in all the way. The disposable earplugs I wear go pretty much all the way in and only a small amount of it sticks out. Just enough to pull them out. If it were half the length, I think i'd lose them in my ear.

[Buffalony]

Originally Posted by setasai

In half? You must have short ear canals or arent putting them in all the way. The disposable earplugs I wear go pretty much all the way in and only a small amount of it sticks out. Just enough to pull them out. If it were half the length, I think i'd lose them in my ear.

I do. When cut in half they are just below flush with my canal. Anything to stop the turbulance is good. Even some TP will work I guess.

[GeorgiaHooligan]

I didnt think about cutting them in half. Good idea bro.

[Honko]

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

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

[Vampyre]

Just rode for the first time with ear plugs and it was sublime. A whole lot nicer. I just use some rubber ones that I use when I am playing guitar real loud.