Do you wear ear plugs when you ride? I do. http://www.dangerousdecibels.org/virtualexhibit/3howloudistooloud.html
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EAR PLUGS
- Thread starter JDM77
- Start date
mntbiker-junkie
Moped
You bet- If you have not tried them, check out 'mighty ear plugs' found at earplugs online. I rarely do testimonials on products but these plugs really are amazing. Not too cheap but they can be used over quite a bit. They are a moldable plug like the old wax swim plugs but much more effective. I use them on the bike but also when I travel overseas for work. I shove em in the ears and literally cannot hear the flight attendant speaking to me (which is somewhat of a problem but great when you want to sleep or cut out the crying babies. Works great if you have small ear canals and have a tough time keeping the foam ones in place.
Tony
Tony
ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY. Below is my standard answer to the earplug question on 'web forums:
Well, we've discussed this before on this forum and others. I usually try to keep my opinions to myself, but as a tinnitus sufferer, I just cannot stay away from this. "WEAR YOUR EARPLUGS!!!" Whatever works for you, find it and wear it!
I only can think of three people upon whom I would wish this living hell. Imagine having a 5-HP vacuum cleaner or leaf blower strapped to the back of your neck and having to listen to it 24/7 FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. Okay, so depending on your marital status, this may or may not be a change for you, but I'm single so I should NOT have to put up with this.
Tinnitus is the "ringing" in your ears you hear after being subjected to a loud noise, except that it is a continuous ringing, buzzing, sometimes clicking, whining, whirring, etc.. Every noise beyond a certain loudness threshold causes a little damage and it all adds up. The noise damages the little hairs in your ear canal, you hear the ringing, and it goes away, but only about 98% goes away. Then the next time, 98% goes away, then the next time........... Pretty soon all those little 2%'s add up to a continuous ringing THAT NEVER GOES AWAY. It is your own little friend that will be with you always.
I spent too many years around aircraft and using power tools, shooting, etc., etc. All those piston and jet engines, pneumatic tools, drills, rivet guns, un-muffled shooting ("Hey, it's just a .22/.357/.44/whatever").
Now I live where I can hear the deer fart in the back yard, but mostly I hear
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
Think of the aforementioned vacuum cleaner with a smoke alarm in the background and the hum of a large air-conditioner all going on at once. It very often makes trying to get to sleep a very trying experience.
For you who ride bikes and also shoot and use power tools regularly, etc., you need to pay special attention as you are getting multiple hits that are (ARE, not MIGHT be) adding up to permanent ear damage.
Comparing ear protection to wearing a helmet is not the same thing. You may ride for 50 years and a million miles and never have an accident in which a helmet would have helped you. But you are getting ear-damaging noise ALL the time and it is adding up. If you had a passenger sitting behind you smacking you in the back of the head with a ball-peen hammer 30 times per second you'd probably want a helmet, ya think? That's what your bike engine is doing to your ears.
A lot of helmets don't block noise, sometimes they act as resonant chambers and actually increase the amount of noise that is reaching your eardrums. I know my SHOEI RF1000 resonates a lot, especially with the face shield closed.
If you think earplugs with hurt your "situational awareness" then you really need to try it out. You'll find they don't hurt anything. They do NOT block out emergency vehicle sirens, car horns, etc. I know some people who won't wear them for those reasons, but those same people get into their sound-proofed SUV's and roll the windows up and crank the CD player up to max and that drowns out WAAAAAY more ambient sound than foam earplugs. My opinion is they can make you better able to distinguish the sounds you need to hear by helping to block out that "white noise" of the engine, lifters, cam chains, tires, etc. What's left is the important stuff you need to hear.
It may be illegal in your state to wear earplugs (doubtful, Washington State bans earphones for CAR drivers, but allowance is made for motorcycles to have speakers in the helmets, to allow for rider/passenger communications devices). Even if it were illegal, you won't get caught unless you are doing something to attract the attention of a LEO, and have him/her notice the plugs when you pull your helmet. Which means you are willing to break the SOME kind of law, like roaring around at 90 MPH in a 60MPH zone, so why worry about the little extra fine for the earplugs, if any? Sweep them out of your ears onto the ground as you remove your helmet, the cop will likely never notice them. If they do, take the drug-droppers stance and say, "Hey, not mine, man.". I doubt they'll make you do a DNA test on the earwax. I suspect that most LEO's understand and will not hassle you about it anyway. After all, they all shoot and do other noisy things and many of them ride motorcycles also. Personally, I'd rather go to court and argue the earplugs, at least I'd be able to hear the judge. I'd gladly pay the State of Washington $100 per month for the rest of my life if it meant getting rid of the tinnitus.
Long ago the FAA and NTSB identified cockpit noise and the resulting fatigue as important factors in aircraft accidents. Loud noise levels for long periods cause an incredible amount of fatigue, which is dangerous for motorcycle riders as well as pilots. I agree that I am much less tired after a long ride when I have good ear plugs in, which is ALWAYS now.
Don't fool yourself that your iPod earbuds are "drowning out" other noises. Unless they are the type that actually blocks outside noise and/or use active noise-cancelling technology, they are just adding to the already dangerous decibel level, making things worse. One of the insidious problems with tinnitus is that as it gets worse, and the ringing in your ears increases, then you will tend to turn up the volume of the TV or stereo, or whatever, to drown out the ringing. Which causes more ear damage so your ears ring louder, so you crank up the volume........you see where this is heading.
Like the arguments about helmets and other protective gear, you're all free to do what you want and I don't think we should have laws mandating it, but I tend to listen (pun intended) to those who speak from experience, and I will say again, tinnitus due to PREVENTABLE ear damage is something you do NOT want to experience. WEAR YOUR EAR PLUGS!!!!
Well, we've discussed this before on this forum and others. I usually try to keep my opinions to myself, but as a tinnitus sufferer, I just cannot stay away from this. "WEAR YOUR EARPLUGS!!!" Whatever works for you, find it and wear it!
I only can think of three people upon whom I would wish this living hell. Imagine having a 5-HP vacuum cleaner or leaf blower strapped to the back of your neck and having to listen to it 24/7 FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. Okay, so depending on your marital status, this may or may not be a change for you, but I'm single so I should NOT have to put up with this.
Tinnitus is the "ringing" in your ears you hear after being subjected to a loud noise, except that it is a continuous ringing, buzzing, sometimes clicking, whining, whirring, etc.. Every noise beyond a certain loudness threshold causes a little damage and it all adds up. The noise damages the little hairs in your ear canal, you hear the ringing, and it goes away, but only about 98% goes away. Then the next time, 98% goes away, then the next time........... Pretty soon all those little 2%'s add up to a continuous ringing THAT NEVER GOES AWAY. It is your own little friend that will be with you always.
I spent too many years around aircraft and using power tools, shooting, etc., etc. All those piston and jet engines, pneumatic tools, drills, rivet guns, un-muffled shooting ("Hey, it's just a .22/.357/.44/whatever").
Now I live where I can hear the deer fart in the back yard, but mostly I hear
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
Think of the aforementioned vacuum cleaner with a smoke alarm in the background and the hum of a large air-conditioner all going on at once. It very often makes trying to get to sleep a very trying experience.
For you who ride bikes and also shoot and use power tools regularly, etc., you need to pay special attention as you are getting multiple hits that are (ARE, not MIGHT be) adding up to permanent ear damage.
Comparing ear protection to wearing a helmet is not the same thing. You may ride for 50 years and a million miles and never have an accident in which a helmet would have helped you. But you are getting ear-damaging noise ALL the time and it is adding up. If you had a passenger sitting behind you smacking you in the back of the head with a ball-peen hammer 30 times per second you'd probably want a helmet, ya think? That's what your bike engine is doing to your ears.
A lot of helmets don't block noise, sometimes they act as resonant chambers and actually increase the amount of noise that is reaching your eardrums. I know my SHOEI RF1000 resonates a lot, especially with the face shield closed.
If you think earplugs with hurt your "situational awareness" then you really need to try it out. You'll find they don't hurt anything. They do NOT block out emergency vehicle sirens, car horns, etc. I know some people who won't wear them for those reasons, but those same people get into their sound-proofed SUV's and roll the windows up and crank the CD player up to max and that drowns out WAAAAAY more ambient sound than foam earplugs. My opinion is they can make you better able to distinguish the sounds you need to hear by helping to block out that "white noise" of the engine, lifters, cam chains, tires, etc. What's left is the important stuff you need to hear.
It may be illegal in your state to wear earplugs (doubtful, Washington State bans earphones for CAR drivers, but allowance is made for motorcycles to have speakers in the helmets, to allow for rider/passenger communications devices). Even if it were illegal, you won't get caught unless you are doing something to attract the attention of a LEO, and have him/her notice the plugs when you pull your helmet. Which means you are willing to break the SOME kind of law, like roaring around at 90 MPH in a 60MPH zone, so why worry about the little extra fine for the earplugs, if any? Sweep them out of your ears onto the ground as you remove your helmet, the cop will likely never notice them. If they do, take the drug-droppers stance and say, "Hey, not mine, man.". I doubt they'll make you do a DNA test on the earwax. I suspect that most LEO's understand and will not hassle you about it anyway. After all, they all shoot and do other noisy things and many of them ride motorcycles also. Personally, I'd rather go to court and argue the earplugs, at least I'd be able to hear the judge. I'd gladly pay the State of Washington $100 per month for the rest of my life if it meant getting rid of the tinnitus.
Long ago the FAA and NTSB identified cockpit noise and the resulting fatigue as important factors in aircraft accidents. Loud noise levels for long periods cause an incredible amount of fatigue, which is dangerous for motorcycle riders as well as pilots. I agree that I am much less tired after a long ride when I have good ear plugs in, which is ALWAYS now.
Don't fool yourself that your iPod earbuds are "drowning out" other noises. Unless they are the type that actually blocks outside noise and/or use active noise-cancelling technology, they are just adding to the already dangerous decibel level, making things worse. One of the insidious problems with tinnitus is that as it gets worse, and the ringing in your ears increases, then you will tend to turn up the volume of the TV or stereo, or whatever, to drown out the ringing. Which causes more ear damage so your ears ring louder, so you crank up the volume........you see where this is heading.
Like the arguments about helmets and other protective gear, you're all free to do what you want and I don't think we should have laws mandating it, but I tend to listen (pun intended) to those who speak from experience, and I will say again, tinnitus due to PREVENTABLE ear damage is something you do NOT want to experience. WEAR YOUR EAR PLUGS!!!!
kwaksamcog
Mini Bike
Been wearing them since I started riding (27years), plenty strange looks in that time, but like above the difference on long journeys is night and day, +++ for plugs
rick4foxes
Mini Bike
Yes - always when touring, commuting, or any time I expect to be at 55mph or over.
Also in my shop when using "some" power tools.
Unfortunately, I did a lot of shooting as a youngster, and ear protection back then was rarely used.
But I gotta speak out about the stupid question on the quiz about "power tools" that has a picture of a circular saw and a drill.
And then the quote "Power tools produce sound at 100 decibels".
Give me a break!
My circular saws and routers are painfully loud, but my floor standing drill press runs at a whisper!
And the lathe is even quieter!
...end of rant...
Also in my shop when using "some" power tools.
Unfortunately, I did a lot of shooting as a youngster, and ear protection back then was rarely used.
But I gotta speak out about the stupid question on the quiz about "power tools" that has a picture of a circular saw and a drill.
And then the quote "Power tools produce sound at 100 decibels".
Give me a break!
My circular saws and routers are painfully loud, but my floor standing drill press runs at a whisper!
And the lathe is even quieter!
...end of rant...
gharriman
Street Cruiser
Once I started wearing earplugs on a bike, I would never go back to not wearing them. If I forget to put them in, I realize just how much noise you are subjected to on a bike,and I'd rather stop and put them in, than ride with the noise. Even with a quite helmet, which I have, it's still more noise than I like, and I think I am better aware of my surroundings when I use earplugs because it cuts out the noise I don't want to hear. They are now just part of my regular riding routine.
Nosmos post is excellent, and I agree with his points. I once had a problem that was causing one of my ears to ring contiuoulsy for about a week, and I feel for anyone that has to deal with that all the time.
Nosmos post is excellent, and I agree with his points. I once had a problem that was causing one of my ears to ring contiuoulsy for about a week, and I feel for anyone that has to deal with that all the time.
willyp
Iron Butt
I have tinnitus too. Though I don't experience it a badly as Nosmo, to me it's barely noticeable with normal background noise, the fans in my computer are louder. It is noticeable when I am in bed trying to sleep, but not enough to keep me awake.
But what bothers me the most is that it's a constant reminder that I have abused my hearing and likely will go deaf, eventually, because of it. So, as I am a woodworker and carpenter, I work with power tools that make loud noise all the time. I hate wearing ear plugs, but I do.
I went to Ear Plug Superstore and bought two of the sample packages (Foam Ear Plug Trial Pack: Just The Highest NRR! (29 Assorted Pairs) - Ear Plug Assortment Packs), and tried them and made notes as to which ones I liked. I discovered why I couldn't use the ones supplied at a shop I used to work in, they were too soft. I found the stiff one go in easier (as Brian would say... easy boys!) and also it helps if they are cold. The ones I settled on are Moldex Goin' Green. Though I will say my testing was far from conclusive, as the test spanned a few months, with the bag of samples in the glove box of the truck and weather varied considerably, along with other factors I could not control.
But what bothers me the most is that it's a constant reminder that I have abused my hearing and likely will go deaf, eventually, because of it. So, as I am a woodworker and carpenter, I work with power tools that make loud noise all the time. I hate wearing ear plugs, but I do.
I went to Ear Plug Superstore and bought two of the sample packages (Foam Ear Plug Trial Pack: Just The Highest NRR! (29 Assorted Pairs) - Ear Plug Assortment Packs), and tried them and made notes as to which ones I liked. I discovered why I couldn't use the ones supplied at a shop I used to work in, they were too soft. I found the stiff one go in easier (as Brian would say... easy boys!) and also it helps if they are cold. The ones I settled on are Moldex Goin' Green. Though I will say my testing was far from conclusive, as the test spanned a few months, with the bag of samples in the glove box of the truck and weather varied considerably, along with other factors I could not control.
I liked these as they allow me to use block some of the noise for traffic days or put in the little stoppers to block a lot of notice for highway. They stay in good as we'll for me.
http://www.earplugstore.com/surefire-earpro-sonic-defenders-ear-plugs-ep4.html
http://www.earplugstore.com/surefire-earpro-sonic-defenders-ear-plugs-ep4.html
I was taught that wind noise above 35mph would damage hearing permanently, regardless of helmet style being worn. I also know that ALL hearing damage is permanent and have a couple friends with damaged hearing from occupation or hobbies (shooting, etc.).
So, yeah, unless I'm relocating the bike from the gas pump across the parking lot to the grocery store, I wear mine -- even then it's just easier to stuff my earplugs in because it's my habit. They're foam and dirty but I reuse them for a good while until I check them for new ones. Whatever's cheap in the drugstore in the 28-33db range.
So, yeah, unless I'm relocating the bike from the gas pump across the parking lot to the grocery store, I wear mine -- even then it's just easier to stuff my earplugs in because it's my habit. They're foam and dirty but I reuse them for a good while until I check them for new ones. Whatever's cheap in the drugstore in the 28-33db range.
Back in the early 70s I rode motocross on 2 stroke bikes. Silencers were not required at the time. The noise from the bike would actually hurt your ears. Being fairly young (and stupid) at the time I didn't use ear protection. My job as an auto mechanic using air tools didn't help either. Now I need to wear hearing aids and still have trouble understanding my wife, kids and grandkids. They aren't mumbling as I keep saying. I CAN'T HEAR!
USE HEARING PROTECTION!
Tom Taylor COG#7173
USE HEARING PROTECTION!
Tom Taylor COG#7173
dalroo
Road Bike
As we get older, a lot of things that we did earlier in life seem silly. I love my rock music, my time hunting or at the gun range, working with tools, for a time flying airplanes, and of course, riding motorcycles on and off-road. All of these things have made a fair impact on my hearing. It wasn't that long ago when I started wearing ear protection while riding, and only shortly before that before I started sporting a helmet full-time, but now, I don't consider without both. Maturity, wisdom, age - you bet.
And like others here, unfortunately the damage I've done to my hearing is irreversible. I'm 50, but feel 35, except for my hearing. A recent test showed that along with tinnitus, I've lost 40% of my hearing in my left ear, and 25% in my right. Not enough yet for hearing aids, but they are in my future.
There are tons of options for hearing protection and to each his own based on fit, need, price, whatever, but ATTGAT should include hearing protection of some kind. I will now step off of my soapbox ;D
And like others here, unfortunately the damage I've done to my hearing is irreversible. I'm 50, but feel 35, except for my hearing. A recent test showed that along with tinnitus, I've lost 40% of my hearing in my left ear, and 25% in my right. Not enough yet for hearing aids, but they are in my future.
There are tons of options for hearing protection and to each his own based on fit, need, price, whatever, but ATTGAT should include hearing protection of some kind. I will now step off of my soapbox ;D
54 Years old. Still a drummer, shooter, fixer of loud machinery and ALWAYS wear ear protection. Last hearing test showed me still with youthfull hearing (however selective).
S-Plugs!!!!!
Low-Tech plugs that greatly reduce wind noise and allow you to listen to music with good quality and not having to crank the volume at all to hear even at highway speed.
S-Plugs!!!!!
Low-Tech plugs that greatly reduce wind noise and allow you to listen to music with good quality and not having to crank the volume at all to hear even at highway speed.
I agree with you all completely. This has been my solution for years: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Z-1-Stereo-360-Degree-Noise-Isolating-Earbuds/23623944
What do you think?
What do you think?
Grumpy Goat
Scooter
Having finally got tired of disposable memory-foam earplugs, I went along to a hearing-aid specialist and had these made.
The process, which involved taking casts of my ear canals by piping plastic in as if icing a cake, took about five minutes. These moulds were used to make the silicone plugs themselves, that were ready a couple of days later.
They're easier to use than foam plugs and more effective.
The process, which involved taking casts of my ear canals by piping plastic in as if icing a cake, took about five minutes. These moulds were used to make the silicone plugs themselves, that were ready a couple of days later.
They're easier to use than foam plugs and more effective.
ChipDoc
Sport Tourer
douglasjre said:
I've tried those, but they just weren't the solution for me. I much prefer both the sound isolation and the sound reproduction I get from these:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sony-DR-EX12IP-Headphones-for-iPod-and-iPhone-Black/17480439
This is what I wear when Not wearing my S-Plugs. Very Comfy.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/SureFire-EarPro-EP3-Sonic-Defenders-Earplugs-Large-Hearing-Protection/31343704
http://www.walmart.com/ip/SureFire-EarPro-EP3-Sonic-Defenders-Earplugs-Large-Hearing-Protection/31343704
I just ordered up a set of these for when I do longer rides with my summer windscreen on.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/261257524871?var=560216455673&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
http://www.ebay.com/itm/261257524871?var=560216455673&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
JoeRau
Road Bike
I wear cheap foam plugs on long rides, or when riding in a group with louder bikes. I can still hear what I want, but excessive sounds (my friend's HD) and wind noise are cut down to more comfortable levels.
I do have some hearing damage from yeas of family farm work, hunting, and even my office job! I work in a 911 center. You would think answering phones & talking over radio would not damage hearing.... except the headsets issued to us do not have noise suppression- so yelling or feedback really hurts!
My process is to limit the noise where I can, and live with it when I can't.
I do have some hearing damage from yeas of family farm work, hunting, and even my office job! I work in a 911 center. You would think answering phones & talking over radio would not damage hearing.... except the headsets issued to us do not have noise suppression- so yelling or feedback really hurts!
My process is to limit the noise where I can, and live with it when I can't.
I have small ear canals, and most of the foam earplugs are just frustrating for me to use. The guys I ride with get tired of waiting around while I'm fussing with them (sometimes they just leave me), and when I do get them in just right, they tend to come out while riding.
Last year I picked up a box of HEARO brand earplugs, and they work great for me. They squish down very tight, stay put, and they're even flesh-colored, so they don't stand out so much. I don't know if their ratings are as good as others, but hey, I'm much more likely to wear them and have them stay in for the entire trip. I use them along with my Sena SMH10.
Last year I picked up a box of HEARO brand earplugs, and they work great for me. They squish down very tight, stay put, and they're even flesh-colored, so they don't stand out so much. I don't know if their ratings are as good as others, but hey, I'm much more likely to wear them and have them stay in for the entire trip. I use them along with my Sena SMH10.
'I have small canals' is like kicking the door open to 100,000 bad jokes. But I will resist..... must resist jokes...... must resist..... ;D
I must have small canals too 'cause I have trouble stuffing expanding foam earplugs into my canals (easy boys!). I used to ride with a guy who actually used round nose foam earplugs BACKWARDS or they would fall out- I assume he had big canals. But what I found works great for me are Skull Screws- the inner portion is solid plastic while the outer, foam part, is hollow and can collapse to fit my ears much better than anything else I have tried. They are also super- easy to use because they do not need to be rolled up or twiddled with in any way- just push them straight in and the outer foam shell collapses as it has to to fit. The only problem with them is that they have a fairly long shank (easy!) for removal and they stick out of my ears far enough to actually hit my helmet speakers. So before I use them I just snip a little off the end (easy!... OY VEI!). They are still very easy to remove by grabbing the foam shell.
This is not where I buy them but just as an example of what they look like: http://www.amazon.com/3M-Peltor-Skull-Earplugs-120-Pair/dp/B0017X8682/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1396486263&sr=8-2&keywords=skull+screws+ear+plugs
Brian
I must have small canals too 'cause I have trouble stuffing expanding foam earplugs into my canals (easy boys!). I used to ride with a guy who actually used round nose foam earplugs BACKWARDS or they would fall out- I assume he had big canals. But what I found works great for me are Skull Screws- the inner portion is solid plastic while the outer, foam part, is hollow and can collapse to fit my ears much better than anything else I have tried. They are also super- easy to use because they do not need to be rolled up or twiddled with in any way- just push them straight in and the outer foam shell collapses as it has to to fit. The only problem with them is that they have a fairly long shank (easy!) for removal and they stick out of my ears far enough to actually hit my helmet speakers. So before I use them I just snip a little off the end (easy!... OY VEI!). They are still very easy to remove by grabbing the foam shell.
This is not where I buy them but just as an example of what they look like: http://www.amazon.com/3M-Peltor-Skull-Earplugs-120-Pair/dp/B0017X8682/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1396486263&sr=8-2&keywords=skull+screws+ear+plugs
Brian
lonekazoo said:
No, I don't think so because #92 and especially #14,396 were outstanding even though not suitable for all audiences and I did not post either one....
;D
But really, if anyone gets the chance, give Skull Screws a try. They really do work well, are the easiest ear plug to insert that I have ever used and are very accommodating for varying canal sizes (!).
Brian
;D
But really, if anyone gets the chance, give Skull Screws a try. They really do work well, are the easiest ear plug to insert that I have ever used and are very accommodating for varying canal sizes (!).
Brian
Jorge said:
racer boy
Road Bike
BDF said:
I too have small ear canals, so that is some great information about the Skull Screws. I have a set of custom-molded plugs that work pretty well, and my Etoyomic ear buds have small-diameter adaptors that work well for me. But it is nice to know about other options.
I use speakers that are mounted in my helmet. I mount them very close to my ears so I get good sound quality and some outside noise reduction from just the way they are mounted(another long story). If on a short trip that is all I need. If I am going over 20 miles I add ear plugs.
The trouble was most are big enough that the ear plug hits the speaker in my helmet making for some horrible low frequency noise as my helmet moves around. The solution that works for me for years is to buy 3M classic foam plugs and cut them in half. The half plug fits well in my ear without being to deep, coming out, getting stuck in and without toughing my speakers. The sound reduction is not to much to enjoy the music or hear the emergencies. I just bought 50 sets for $12 and cut in half that is 100 sets. 12c each
The trouble was most are big enough that the ear plug hits the speaker in my helmet making for some horrible low frequency noise as my helmet moves around. The solution that works for me for years is to buy 3M classic foam plugs and cut them in half. The half plug fits well in my ear without being to deep, coming out, getting stuck in and without toughing my speakers. The sound reduction is not to much to enjoy the music or hear the emergencies. I just bought 50 sets for $12 and cut in half that is 100 sets. 12c each
I really like these plugs- because the outer shell is foam but hollow, they do not over-expand like some (most?) foam ear plugs I have tried. They also are super easy to insert- no need to roll anything, just push the plug straight in until your finger hits the outer ear. The only downside I found initially was that they are really hard to find but I ended up buying them in boxes of 100 so that is not a problem either. They are disposable but I use them for quite a while- a lot more than one time.
I do have to modify them though because the center stick sticks out way too far and hits the speakers in my helmet. So I just roll back the outer foam and snip off the end. Hmmm, 184 jokes in there too and I can't help myself: wait until the plugs are at least 8 days old before doing this- it might be superstition but that is what I have heard you are supposed to do.
Snip the end off with anything you have lying around. I am using Rev's razor here 'cause I am sure he won't mind the few little nicks it leaves.
When done, they look like this:
Brian
I do have to modify them though because the center stick sticks out way too far and hits the speakers in my helmet. So I just roll back the outer foam and snip off the end. Hmmm, 184 jokes in there too and I can't help myself: wait until the plugs are at least 8 days old before doing this- it might be superstition but that is what I have heard you are supposed to do.
Snip the end off with anything you have lying around. I am using Rev's razor here 'cause I am sure he won't mind the few little nicks it leaves.
When done, they look like this:
Brian
Racerboy said:
First i'll talk about where i work
As a Weapons Loader on the B-1B bomber I get subjected to extremely loud noises for hours on end. If you have never had the privilage of hearing the Intake scream of the B-1 consider your self lucky.
While loading with only the auxiliry motors running (not that loud) you wear foam ear plugs and over the ear muffs. To talk you have to comunicate by hand signal or literaly yell into their ear as loud as you can.
While i always wear my hearing protection at work, I am borderline failing my hearing test for high pitch noise in my right ear. I get to have another test later this year to see if it continues going down now that i moved away from the flight line and work inside a building.
long story short, i always wear my hearing protection now as reality of how much damage has been caused when they showed me the results from my hearing test
As a Weapons Loader on the B-1B bomber I get subjected to extremely loud noises for hours on end. If you have never had the privilage of hearing the Intake scream of the B-1 consider your self lucky.
While loading with only the auxiliry motors running (not that loud) you wear foam ear plugs and over the ear muffs. To talk you have to comunicate by hand signal or literaly yell into their ear as loud as you can.
While i always wear my hearing protection at work, I am borderline failing my hearing test for high pitch noise in my right ear. I get to have another test later this year to see if it continues going down now that i moved away from the flight line and work inside a building.
long story short, i always wear my hearing protection now as reality of how much damage has been caused when they showed me the results from my hearing test
VTconnie
Crotch Rocket
BDF said:I really like these plugs- because the outer shell is foam but hollow, they do not over-expand like some (most?) foam ear plugs I have tried. They also are super easy to insert- no need to roll anything, just push the plug straight in until your finger hits the outer ear. The only downside I found initially was that they are really hard to find but I ended up buying them in boxes of 100 so that is not a problem either. They are disposable but I use them for quite a while- a lot more than one time.
I do have to modify them though because the center stick sticks out way too far and hits the speakers in my helmet. So I just roll back the outer foam and snip off the end. Hmmm, 184 jokes in there too and I can't help myself: wait until the plugs are at least 8 days old before doing this- it might be superstition but that is what I have heard you are supposed to do.
Snip the end off with anything you have lying around. I am using Rev's razor here 'cause I am sure he won't mind the few little nicks it leaves.
When done, they look like this:
Brian
Racerboy said:
Just ordered 10 pairs with strings for 1.50 a piece off Amazon, seemed like a good deal. Thats more than i'll use in several seasons - These look sweet too :motonoises:
Not sure if you are saying the Skull Screws will last that long but unfortunately, they do not last as long as other foam earplugs, at least that is my experience. Because the post is cut off, the plug has to be removed by the foam shell and before too long, the shell ends up tearing. Also, the plugs tend to become less and less effective over time- even if an older set is intact, when going to a new set it is noticeable how much quieter the world is. Just a wild guess but I would say between 5 and 10 uses (insertions / removals (easy boys!) no matter how long they are worn each time) is about their effective useful life. Still not bad for 'disposable, one- use' earplugs.
Brian
Brian
VTconnie said:
I'll agree with Brian that Skull Screws work and are comfortable. I use them for short trips because I found some that fit meeven better and are a little quieter- EAR Grippers. You do have to roll them to insert, but they are very comfortable and effective. I recently received an order from the Ear Plug Superstore that included buth Skull Screws and Grippers. Grippeesnwill last mamy uses, but you have to, sort of, let them rest between uses. I always have three sets in my jackets and rotate through them.
Jorge
Jorge
ppenrose
Street Cruiser
I use noise cancelling ear buds (Audio Technica ATH-ANC23, $49 at amazon). They reduce the engine noise by at least 50% and the wind noise by 25%. In addition to this you can plug them into your portable music player and hear it clearly without turning it up to deafening levels. It uses a single AAA battery that lasts a long time (when I was driving 2 hours a day it lasted several months). I was initially worried about the thinness of the cords, but they have held up just fine to an entire season of daily use.
I also cut off the end of the hard rubber stick in the middle of the Skull Screws, but not nearly as much as Brian does.
Brian, have you tried cutting off less? I cut about one ridge past the hex end, and it still allows me to pull them out by the "stick", but doesn't contact helmet of intercom speakers... just a thought.
Jorge
Brian, have you tried cutting off less? I cut about one ridge past the hex end, and it still allows me to pull them out by the "stick", but doesn't contact helmet of intercom speakers... just a thought.
Jorge
Yes, and I find they block more noise when they are trimmed less too. To be honest, I just got lazy and cut them back too far ensuring they are cut back far enough; having that plastic shaft bang into the speaker is really pretty unpleasant. I should again go looking for the 'sweet spot' of how long I can really leave them and still use them under a helmet.
For any other non- bike use, I use them stock and they really are nice that way.... easier to remove and as I said, they block more noise too.
Brian
For any other non- bike use, I use them stock and they really are nice that way.... easier to remove and as I said, they block more noise too.
Brian
Jorge said:
bubbles3133
Training Wheels
Just got these fitted in Melbourne, Australia...
http://www.earmold.com.au/Motorcycle-Related-Products/Motorcycle-Insta-Mold-Earplugs.html
Have ridden about 200kms since purchase...wonderful!!! Only issue is that they have to be moulded to suit your ears. The parent company is in USA http://www.earinc.com/
http://www.earmold.com.au/Motorcycle-Related-Products/Motorcycle-Insta-Mold-Earplugs.html
Have ridden about 200kms since purchase...wonderful!!! Only issue is that they have to be moulded to suit your ears. The parent company is in USA http://www.earinc.com/
What is anyone finding out using earplugs while using bluetooth for music or navigation, I just switched to a Shoei Quest helmet with UClear HBC100. The dealer said the Quest was one of the quietest helmets and I shouldn't need earplugs even at highway speeds; no such luck. I can't hear anything at speeds above around 45mph. I was wondering if foam or silicone plugs might filter the windnoise and yet allow me to hear communications or GPS directions more clearly, or would they just eliminate them even further.......
MrSkydriver
Road Bike
If an ear plug blocks your ear canal it will block approximately 30 dB. There is no significant difference in composition of the ear plug. Everyone should use ear protection while riding unless you want to have hearing damage due to "noise induced hearing loss".....Noise destroys high frequency hearing....you will NOT perceive this as intensity (volume), you will lose clarity! You will lose the ability to hear "air throttled" sounds like: S, T, F, TH, P, etc. Those are the sounds that give words clarity. Not only will you find it increasingly hard to understand (especially women and children's voices) but in the presence of background noise it will be almost impossible to understand. :-[ I do speak from experience....I've been in the hearing business for 32 years.... :-\
Gregg Hackett
Audioprostholgist
pictured are the ear plugs I use...they are the most comfortable and effective that I've found and they are custom made so it does not matter what size your ear canal is. They are very easy to insert and remove
Gregg Hackett
Audioprostholgist
pictured are the ear plugs I use...they are the most comfortable and effective that I've found and they are custom made so it does not matter what size your ear canal is. They are very easy to insert and remove
Attachments
wipfel
Road Bike
Robby1953 said:
I had the same hopes for the Qwest, but it's nowhere near quiet enough to ride highway speeds without hearing protection. Of course, I'm pretty careful of my hearing. Just bought the NoNoise Motor plugs and they seem to work as advertised. They're supposed to block wind noise but allow speech and motor noise to come through.
