Which ear plugs?

[p.dath]

I see quite a few bikers using ear plugs, so I thought I might give some a try to see what difference they make.

So I went into the local chemist to pick some up, and then I ran into trouble. They had at least 6 different kinds, all with different levels of dB suppression, some seemed to be graded as well. And I was overwhelmed for choice.

What level of protection (as in grade of dB suppression) do you use on:

The track
The road

[Mom]

I use my fingers.

[Maki]

Cheap ones with a high db attenuation. No need to agonize over a db here or there or road vs track....

[Jonno.]

Go to mitre ten or bunnings.
I'd get either mouldex (yellow pack) or 3m (red and white pack), or you can get some on a string which are reuseable (for a while..).
The ones I use in construction are grade 4 (I think).

[erik]

I recommend either Mouldex Spark Plugs or Bilsom X-treme foam earplugs, both available from NZ Safety (http://www.nzsafety.co.nz/).
I think they're both class 5, quieter than the 3M 1100 ear plugs. They're slighty different material and sizes, so try them both to see which suits you better. I recommend them over the custom moulded $75 earplugs I got too, for me the moulded earplugs aren't as quiet particularly under a helmet, they seem to let a lot of wind noise/rumble through.

[Warr]

What above said NZ Safety. Great range and good price. I get their "Sparkplug" (http://www.nzsafety.co.nz/servlet/Srv.Ecos_Main_Frame?AI=YjtGztFS0Xbw3g8X&CMD=PRD&P1=6604&P2=LIST) ones.

[Nutter34]

Sparkplugs...

[sunhuntin]

how do people find plugz for lugz? im looking at getting a pair of their stereo plugs for the ipod, but at $220, i want to see what other people think of them. my current earphones are $2 POS and i have to have them really loud to hear anything, even at 50k. which means ive got ringing when i hop off.

[Warr]

Sparkplugs...
Yup .. Not a very flash photo !

[James Deuce]

how do people find plugz for lugz? im looking at getting a pair of their stereo plugs for the ipod, but at $220, i want to see what other people think of them. my current earphones are $2 POS and i have to have them really loud to hear anything, even at 50k. which means ive got ringing when i hop off.

Stop doing that right now.

You have already irrevocably damaged your hearing. That ringing is the sound of your hearing being permanently damaged. It can't be fixed.

Most helmets used without earplugs at motorway speeds are well over maximum industrial noise limits.

[Maki]

Stop doing that right now.

You have already irrevocably damaged your hearing. That ringing is the sound of your hearing being permanently damaged. It can't be fixed.

Most helmets used without earplugs at motorway speeds are well over maximum industrial noise limits.

+1 If you use earphones to drown out a noise that is already too loud you are probably permanently damaging your ears.

[Jonno.]

You could try mounting headphones (not earbuds) in your helmet. Then you could put earplugs in aswell. At $220 you'd gotta be pretty careful :weep:

Anyway: at about 50 cents per pair of plugs you could buy all six and test them.

[sunhuntin]

Stop doing that right now.

You have already irrevocably damaged your hearing. That ringing is the sound of your hearing being permanently damaged. It can't be fixed.

Most helmets used without earplugs at motorway speeds are well over maximum industrial noise limits.

which is why i was looking at plugz for lugz. the $2 jobbies are only a temp fix. i did have dse in ear ones, which worked a treat but had very poor wiring construction. i went through 2 pairs due to wiring inside not working anymore. i hardly had to have them on to be able to hear at 100k. worked awesome. i figure the plugz ones would be better due to being designed to fit that particular ear, resulting in better noise reduction, resulting in lower volume requirements.

buzz, how would i go about mounting them? ive got an open face lid, so the wind noise is louder than it would be otherwise. plus the helmet itself isnt the flashest model out... its about 5 years old.

[Maki]

Earphones I can reccomend 100%, for use when you are not on the bike are Sony EX90, modded in the following way:

"Picture of mine, gutted and with the kidney shaped openings filled with silicone sink sealer. I left the centre hole open."

The pic is gone, sorry but you get the idea:
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f103/sony-ex90-modding-thread-193464/index7.html

[davebullet]

Use ear plugs... otherwise you'll turn your "ear canal" into a "far canal"!

I use Ear buddies with the max attenuation insert for all riding and commuting. My hearing is already too fire trucked to risk losing any more. I can't recall the level of attenuation.

[R6_kid]

I paid $70 for plugz-4-lugz at Wanganui last year. They do a good job damping down the noise without stopping you from having a conversation with people when you stop but don't have time to take your helmet off.

However I was surprised to find that a $35 set of 'Skullcandy' headphones actually do a better job - and they play music too! Not only that, but they fit in my ear without causing any pain when I put my helmet on :headbang:

[Maki]

I paid $70 for plugz-4-lugz at Wanganui last year. They do a good job damping down the noise without stopping you from having a conversation with people when you stop but don't have time to take your helmet off.

However I was surprised to find that a $35 set of 'Skullcandy' headphones actually do a better job - and they play music too! Not only that, but they fit in my ear without causing any pain when I put my helmet on :headbang:

$70 for earplugs!?!? If you have money to burn, spread it around!

[ckai]

how do people find plugz for lugz? im looking at getting a pair of their stereo plugs for the ipod, but at $220, i want to see what other people think of them. my current earphones are $2 POS and i have to have them really loud to hear anything, even at 50k. which means ive got ringing when i hop off.

I was thinking of doing this too, but agree, $220 is a hell of a lot of dosh. I have some Creative in-ear jobbies at the mo' and they drown out some of the noise but not enough. And the keep coming out a little when I put my lid on which kinda defeats the purpose of putting them in.

I might have to bite the billet and ditch the music to protect my already stuffed ears :weep:

[sunhuntin]

And the keep coming out a little when I put my lid on which kinda defeats the purpose of putting them in.


thats the other downside with the $2 shop ones. when i put the lid on, they come out. i think ive only managed twice to keep them in first try. normally i have to have at least 2 goes to get everything in order.
and that was also a downside with the dse ones i had. they had little rubbery bits to hold them in your year, and it would often feel like i had air trapped between the plug and the inner ear. very annoying, but easily solved... just pull the rubber bit off. lol.

[firefighter]

Stop doing that right now.

You have already irrevocably damaged your hearing. That ringing is the sound of your hearing being permanently damaged. It can't be fixed.

Most helmets used without earplugs at motorway speeds are well over maximum industrial noise limits.

+1

I have this permanent ringing.....

I will never be rid of it.

If you want to know how bad it can be, it's bad enough in some cases that people commit suicide over it.

No shit.

Do'nt fuck around with your hearing you will regret it.

[george formby]

I use gel plugs. Not sure of the brand name but they come in a packet of 6 blocks. The plug is a slightly sticky soft gel which you can push into your outer ear. It sticks & seals. They don't fall out as easy as sponge ones & can be very effective. I have used them in the engine room of a fishing boat & could barely hear it. I use a buff / oxford tube under my helmet to cover my ears & this helps keep the plugs in place putting my helmet on.

[slofox]

how do people find plugz for lugz? im looking at getting a pair of their stereo plugs for the ipod, but at $220, i want to see what other people think of them. my current earphones are $2 POS and i have to have them really loud to hear anything, even at 50k. which means ive got ringing when i hop off.

I have "plugz for lugz". Best of many that I have used in terms of noise attenuation, longevity and comfort.

The only drawback I have found is that it is hard to hear your headpiece speaker with them in...which just goes to illustrate their effectiveness.

[R6_kid]

I was thinking of doing this too, but agree, $220 is a hell of a lot of dosh. I have some Creative in-ear jobbies at the mo' and they drown out some of the noise but not enough. And the keep coming out a little when I put my lid on which kinda defeats the purpose of putting them in.

I might have to bite the billet and ditch the music to protect my already stuffed ears :weep:


thats the other downside with the $2 shop ones. when i put the lid on, they come out. i think ive only managed twice to keep them in first try. normally i have to have at least 2 goes to get everything in order.
and that was also a downside with the dse ones i had. they had little rubbery bits to hold them in your year, and it would often feel like i had air trapped between the plug and the inner ear. very annoying, but easily solved... just pull the rubber bit off. lol.

Refer to my post - SkullCandy headphones - they are called 'smokin buds' or something - the cheapest in the SkullCandy range. The fit in your ear, so that the thing between your skin and your helmet is the cord - very comfortable.

Also as James Deuce said, it's not using louder noise to cancel out the wind/engine noise. Without music on they actually cancel out more noise than the Plugs 4 Lugz custom earplugs - I usually listen to my mp3 player at a volume of 5 or 6, I ride with a volume setting of 8, which for my 30 minute commute is quite comfortable.

[Rhubarb]

I use 3M 1291. Good for up to 95dBa. They are reusable on a cord. Wash them every now and then in warm soapy water. About $2.50. I think they even come in a wee plastic box to protect them when your not using them.

[Highlander]

You could try mounting headphones (not earbuds) in your helmet. Then you could put earplugs in aswell. At $220 you'd gotta be pretty careful :weep:

Anyway: at about 50 cents per pair of plugs you could buy all six and test them.
Tried this because I thought the Plugz 4 Lugz was too expensive.



I paid $70 for plugz-4-lugz at Wanganui last year. They do a good job damping down the noise without stopping you from having a conversation with people when you stop but don't have time to take your helmet off.

However I was surprised to find that a $35 set of 'Skullcandy' headphones actually do a better job - and they play music too! Not only that, but they fit in my ear without causing any pain when I put my helmet on :headbang:
Tried these too then got Plugz 4 Lugz



I have "plugz for lugz". Best of many that I have used in terms of noise attenuation, longevity and comfort.

The only drawback I have found is that it is hard to hear your headpiece speaker with them in...which just goes to illustrate their effectiveness. I agree, when using them with our walkie talkie set up have to have the volume on walkie talkie as high as it goes, and man is it loud if I haven't put my ear plugs in!!



how do people find plugz for lugz? im looking at getting a pair of their stereo plugs for the ipod, but at $220, i want to see what other people think of them. my current earphones are $2 POS and i have to have them really loud to hear anything, even at 50k. which means ive got ringing when i hop off.
What do I think of them?
Said it before in several posts.
I rate these as my best bit of biking kit. I can't speak highly enough of them. I was very hesitant to spend the $200 odd dollars but several years on am glad I did. I have the volume on my iPod turned right down to almost the lowest it goes and is still plenty loud at highway speeds.
I used Panasonic in ear buds with the silicone fittings on the end, tried small speakers inside my helmet lining and all sorts that didn't do half the job the Plugz 4 Lugz ones do and spent at leat $200 trying crap that wasn't up to the task.
Plugz 4 lugz are fantastic. I now have the plain ones as well for sleeping during the day (shift worker) and they are great.

I use my Plugz if I'm going to open road speeds for more than a few minutes.

[avgas]

errrr WHAT!!!? , NO I DONT WANT YOUR BUDS!

[boman]

I use plugz for lugs. I can even get industrial earplugs for free from work. I recommend the plugz, over the industrial ones. They fit better, don't work loose, dont get irritating after a while and they work.

[chelseapar]

You try
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Helmets-clothing-footwear/Other/auction-248066252.htm
good. good. good.

Enjoy:2thumbsup

[NZsarge]

I use Plugs for Lugz too and recommend them also but for those of us in the lower North Island there is "Ear man pro" here on KB.
Edit: His website is www.kiwiplugs.co.nz

[CookMySock]

I have this permanent ringing... I will never be rid of it. Hehe, any more abuse after that, and instead of ringing it will be subwoofers in your head.

I shit you not - boom-boom-boom-boom all fucking night. Not funny!

Steve

[gatch]

errrr WHAT!!!? , NO I DONT WANT YOUR BUDS!

lol, I wouldn't want these in my ears either..

[Chooky]

I have to wear plugs at work all the time... These are the best ones I've found..3M1100's....they have a waxy feel to them...
NZ safety.. buy one or buy a box of 200.
Dont waste your money on custom made ones, they only fit the 1st time..

[sinned]

Getting a good fit that stays good with the helmet is an issue as shown in this chart.

147786

I have had most success with custom molded but the attentuation doesn't seem that high. Other plugs are too hard to fit and don't stay in place.

[Highlander]

Dont waste your money on custom made ones, they only fit the 1st time..

Been using my Wired "Plugz 4 Lugz" for about 2 years no problems what so ever with fit. Even before I turn the music on, once I have the plugs in I have to lipread people talking to me.

[p.dath]

With the disposable ear plugs - when do you dispose of them? How long can you use them before you get rid of them?

[Maki]

With the disposable ear plugs - when do you dispose of them? How long can you use them before you get rid of them?

When they start looking too disgusting to you (this is highly individual so I am not going to give you any estimates. Just try it for yourself). Plugs used multiple times will gradually pick up ear wax and dirt. They may work fine, even when dirty but it would be nicer the stick new clean plugs in your ears, right?

[insomnia01]

I have been using my " Plugz for lugz" for a few years now & can't point out any bad points what so ever, the beauty is I can listen to sounds or listen to the roar of the arrows pumping out the vibe :rockon::Punk::rockon:

[Bob]

I've started using the above recently... and I am a complete convert to wearing earplugs at all times.

Click here to read a full review (http://www.bobpickett.co.uk/bkit/laserlite.htm)

They have an SNR of 35 - for a proper explanation of SNR read this explanation (http://www.sensorcom.com/pdf/Earplug_ratings_NNR_SNR_sensorcom.pdf)

I also read that you can wash disposable plugs... by sticking them in a rolled-up sock and putting them in the washing machine! Haven't tried it mind.

[sil3nt]

You try
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Helmets-clothing-footwear/Other/auction-248066252.htm
good. good. good.

Enjoy:2thumbsupAnyone tried these? I am using the typical cheap ear plugs but i can never get them to sit right. As much as i would love some custom made plugz they are right out of my price range at the moment. Seriously considering NRR34 ear plugs now!

[vifferman]

With the disposable ear plugs - when do you dispose of them? How long can you use them before you get rid of them?
I'm a cheap-arse, so I wash mine if they're ear-waxy. Just a little antiseptic hand soap and warm water, then dry them by squeezing them in a tissue or clean towel, and leave them to dry properly. You'll find out when they're due to chuck out - they won't roll up to stick in your ears any more (they'll also do this if you haven't rinsed and/or dried them properly).
DON'T lick your earplugs before sticking them in, like Rossi and Co. do - your spit is absolutely loaded with bacteria! If you roll them carefully with clean hands, then pull down on your earlobe a little, they'll insert easily.

Moldex: do they come in different sizes? The ones I bought from Cycletreads seem a little small in diameter, but work well (better than the 3M orange ones) if they're stuffed well into my ears. But (however!) last time I used them when mowing the lawn, I had to use tweezers to remove the right one. Ooops...

[sinned]

This site (http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/) has a huge range of earplugs. I bought a sample pack with 2 of each of about 50 disposable plugs.

I then got custom plugs made by kiwiplugs (http://www.kiwiplugs.co.nz/) and they are better than any of the disposable ones.

For the custom ones to work well, fit, seal well, keep noise level down etc - they need a bit of vaseline over them before fitting. You end up with a bit of a sticky ear. The vaseline allows the plugs to move a bit with helmet movement and then settle back into place. Without the lube the plugs move out of place and stay out of place. Uggg - hard to describe the situation.

[sil3nt]

Rather than pay $14 for 2 ear plugs from that trademe link above i think i will order them from the states. I can get a pair to NZ for less than $10. If i order 25 of them i can get them for less than $5 a pair! The only question now is do i really want 25 of them :bleh:

[sunhuntin]

Rather than pay $14 for 2 ear plugs from that trademe link above i think i will order them from the states. I can get a pair to NZ for less than $10. If i order 25 of them i can get them for less than $5 a pair! The only question now is do i really want 25 of them :bleh:

its not like they have an expiry date is it? get em and just chuck the spares somewhere you wont lose them, like the medicine cabinet. also be an idea to keep a few spare pairs on the bike in case you lose one or something.

[mowgli]

There are other ways to reduce noise.

Start with properly fitted helmet. I've added a hush kit to my Shoei. A scarf further reduces wind noise around the bottom of the helmet.

If your bike has a screen then consider replacing it with one that includes a windlip. Can make a huge difference at highway speeds.

I find earplugs uncomfortably quiet under my helmet. I have headphone transducers mounted inside my helmet. I have the music volume set to a level which is comfortable whether I'm riding or not.

Oh and I'm not already deaf :bleh: I fly for a living and my hearing is fine.

[junkmanjoe]

the orange foam ones are good as they can be washed and reused...i use them all the time at work as well..
i buy a box full.. think its about 100 packets.

good value..

JMJ

[Gizzit]

There are other ways to reduce noise.

Start with properly fitted helmet. I've added a hush kit to my Shoei. A scarf further reduces wind noise around the bottom of the helmet.

If your bike has a screen then consider replacing it with one that includes a windlip. Can make a huge difference at highway speeds.

I find earplugs uncomfortably quiet under my helmet. I have headphone transducers mounted inside my helmet. I have the music volume set to a level which is comfortable whether I'm riding or not.

Oh and I'm not already deaf :bleh: I fly for a living and my hearing is fine.

"Seabrook Audiology publish a worrying set of statistics. Over 40mph, the amount of time our ears can cope without damage is scarily low. At 40, we should be good for 4 hours. Up that just 10mph to 50 and it drops to an hour. At 60, you have barely 20 minutes, 70mph and we are good for less than 10 minutes and at 80, just 3 minutes is all we can cope with before damaging our hearing.

You might not notice it at first, but hearing loss is cumulative... and permanent".
http://www.bobpickett.co.uk/bkit/laserlite.htm

Good luck with your ears. Some kind of plugs for you, would be better than none, given you have done so much already to make things quieter while you ride.
Cheers :niceone: :)

[Oakie]

Go to mitre ten or bunnings.
.

What he said.

[mowgli]

Good luck with your ears. Some kind of plugs for you, would be better than none, given you have done so much already to make things quieter while you ride.
Cheers :niceone: :)

I hear what you're saying (pun intended) but noise level is dependent on more than road speed. Helmet design and fit have a huge effect on noise attenuation. My helmet is very snug - no movement in any direction once on. Sure it's tight to get on and that's why ear phones don't work for me. But once on it's great. I theorise that loose fitting (easy on, easy off) helmets are responsible for the most noise at the ear. Second worst culprit would be screen size inappropriate to the rider height resulting in wind buffeting around the helmet.

Just my thoughts but seem to hold true in my limited experience.

[jono035]

Can't be bothered reading through the rest of the results but to the person who was talking about earphones for the ipod - check out some decent in-ear (canalphone) earphones... I've used the $300 Shure ones that basically fit into standard foam earplugs that have a hole down the center. They're used by musicians for isolation and feedback, sound awesome.

There are also some cheaper ones around on trademe etc. but I don't know that anything other than the expanding foam ones will give you any decent isolation...

[Gizzit]

Can't be bothered reading through the rest of the results but to the person who was talking about earphones for the ipod - check out some decent in-ear (canalphone) earphones... I've used the $300 Shure ones that basically fit into standard foam earplugs that have a hole down the center. They're used by musicians for isolation and feedback, sound awesome.

There are also some cheaper ones around on trademe etc. but I don't know that anything other than the expanding foam ones will give you any decent isolation...

Have you got a picture of them ..... or a link to a website ? They "sound" like a good idea.

Cheers :niceone:

[jono035]

Have you got a picture of them ..... or a link to a website ? They "sound" like a good idea.

Cheers :niceone:

http://store.shure.com/store/shure/en_US/DisplayProductDetailsPage/productID.105432500

Those are the ones that I've used. They come with a couple of different heads. There is a soft rubber one which is the quickest to put in and out but doesn't block as much sound. The expanding foam ones are just like the normal disposable ones but seem to be a higher quality foam with an external coating so they're reusable.

Shure are well known for making microphones and record stylus cartridges among other things so they really know their stuff when it comes to miniature high precision coils etc.

I listened to a whole heap of different headphones at one of the Big Boys Toys events a couple of years back. I bought Sennheiser 595s, my flatmate bought the Shure 310s. The 310s probably sound better for the same money than the Sennheisers, but I wanted the convenience of standard headphones (he wanted something more mobile and with noise reduction).

Edit: Apparently they're also designed to be interchangeable between custom moulded earplugs as well, so that leaves a ton of options... I'd guess from the specs that there probably isn't that much difference between the price points as well. I wonder if I can get a commission after this :p

[Gizzit]

Thanks for that link. Yeah I'm aware of Shure quality sound gear. No issues with any of their stuff. That model looks really good. I'll check them out.

Cheers :niceone:

[jono035]

Thanks for that link. Yeah I'm aware of Shure quality sound gear. No issues with any of their stuff. That model looks really good. I'll check them out.

Cheers :niceone:

No worries, Big Boys Toys is coming up soon, might go snag myself a discount pair too :D

[LBD]

+1

I have this permanent ringing.....

If you want to know how bad it can be, it's bad enough in some cases that people commit suicide over it.

No shit.

Do'nt fuck around with your hearing you will regret it.

Me to...too many years engineering in noisy workshops and power stations and engine rooms without enough protection...

one trick if you do have trouble sleeping...turn on a radio very low volume and off station so you only have some quiet white noise in the back ground....works for me.

There is an up side to the perminant ringing.....I cant hear all the voices in my head telling me to act on those anger impulses..... Must make the world a safer place.

[Ms Piggy]

Sparkplugs...

Yep this is what I use any time I'm gonna riding at speeds over 50kms/hr. I recall in my dark and distant memory that ages ago (like a few years back) someone posted some research on KBer about damage to your ears when riding without ear plugs.

The safety shops have a good range and know their stuff on the products, i.e. which ear plug will actually give your good protection for what you need. My understanding from speaking with them is that the little yellow squishy ones aren't the best.

Mind you I've had to learn what I call "ear plug etiquette" - him indoors gets a little sniffy when I come in the door with my earplugs still in and he's trying to talk to me. I've also learnt to notify people that once I put my ear plugs in I won't be able to hear them unless they speak louder....can be quite handy at time. ;)

[tcpdump]

Hello,

I have a HJC full face helmet and I don't find noise a problem when I commute (50-70km/h), haven't realised that I need hear plugs.

Shall I get ear plugs just as a prevention? I find them a bit disconforting but if they are a must, then they shall be.

Thanks.

[hayd3n]

how do people find plugz for lugz? im looking at getting a pair of their stereo plugs for the ipod, but at $220, i want to see what other people think of them. my current earphones are $2 POS and i have to have them really loud to hear anything, even at 50k. which means ive got ringing when i hop off.

i use shure ear phones they are a earplug/earphone
so you hear the music and fuck all of anything else

[vifferman]

Hello,

I have a HJC full face helmet and I don't find noise a problem when I commute (50-70km/h), haven't realised that I need hear plugs.

Shall I get ear plugs just as a prevention? I find them a bit disconforting but if they are a must, then they shall be.
Not necessarily. Only noise above a certain limit damages your hearing, and it's likely that at 70km/h it's not that loud, especially given you ride an unfaired bike. As bikes with fairings (apart from those like barn doors) move along and push the air out of the way, it tends to increase the velocity of air going over the windshield blade and past the rider's shoulders and head. This is what makes the wind noise that at speeds of over about 90km/h can damage hearing. Obviously, a lot depends on whether there's a headwind, the shape of the fairing, height of the rider's head relative to the airflow past the fairing and screen, the helmet's aerodynamics and internal lining, and even the shape of your jacket's collar!

As for them being uncomfortable, you get used to this very quickly, provided the earplugs are a good fit for your ears.

[p.dath]

Hello,

I have a HJC full face helmet and I don't find noise a problem when I commute (50-70km/h), haven't realised that I need hear plugs.

Shall I get ear plugs just as a prevention? I find them a bit disconforting but if they are a must, then they shall be.

Thanks.

You can ride for about 4 hours before you risk hearing loss at that speed. Your unlikely to be commuting for 4 hours in one ride, so you should be fine.

[jono035]

You can ride for about 4 hours before you risk hearing loss at that speed. Your unlikely to be commuting for 4 hours in one ride, so you should be fine.

Based on an incredibly WAG of the sound pressure level?

[Pixie]

NZ Safety has Moldex Rockets reusables on special at the moment for $3.25

[mowgli]

You can ride for about 4 hours before you risk hearing loss at that speed. Your unlikely to be commuting for 4 hours in one ride, so you should be fine.
Wow! You could be a climate scientist :shit:

[LBD]

Not many bikers will suffer from this but working in a diesel power station, I wore plugs 12 hours a day and encountered two problems

1) Ear infections from constantly wet or damp ears because they cannot breath and dry out..use a medicated ear drops for swimmers ear regularly after a shower fixes that

2) Ear wax naturally works its way out of an ear...constant plug use pushes the wax in and can form a solid lump that in extreme cases works like an ear plug. Lay with head on side and using an eyedropper, fill ear with moderate warm olive oil and massage the lobe for a while...this disolves the wax in time then a hot shower with a gentle stream of water toward the ear will wash it out...

[jono035]

Not many bikers will suffer from this but working in a diesel power station, I wore plugs 12 hours a day and encountered two problems

1) Ear infections from constantly wet or damp ears because they cannot breath and dry out..use a medicated ear drops for swimmers ear regularly after a shower fixes that

2) Ear wax naturally works its way out of an ear...constant plug use pushes the wax in and can form a solid lump that in extreme cases works like an ear plug. Lay with head on side and using an eyedropper, fill ear with moderate warm olive oil and massage the lobe for a while...this disolves the wax in time then a hot shower with a gentle stream of water toward the ear will wash it out...

Hopefully that is more of a 12 hours a day, 5 days a week kind of problem? The ear-wax buildup can also be dealt with by a nurse at a GPs office at pretty minimal cost. Think they just use warm saline rather than olive oil...

[tcpdump]

Hi,

I got some ear plugs (Thanks again C!), the 3M orange ones and the yellow ones. I tried the orange ones first since they are less powerful (20db).
I found riding with them very strange, they were cancelling too much noise, pretty much all of it. I could hear, somewhere far in the distance, the engine that was 30cm away but the rest of the street noise was missing completely.
It was nice that the wind noise was cancelled but I wasn't comfortable at all.

Are there any ear plugs that cancel only 5-10db?

I don't think it matters but I have a full face helmet (HJC FG15). I managed to put my helmet on the first attempt but it may just be beginner's luck :)

Cheers.

[p.dath]

Hi,

I got some ear plugs (Thanks again C!), the 3M orange ones and the yellow ones. I tried the orange ones first since they are less powerful (20db).
I found riding with them very strange, they were cancelling too much noise, pretty much all of it. I could hear, somewhere far in the distance, the engine that was 30cm away but the rest of the street noise was missing completely.
It was nice that the wind noise was cancelled but I wasn't comfortable at all.

Are there any ear plugs that cancel only 5-10db?

I don't think it matters but I have a full face helmet (HJC FG15). I managed to put my helmet on the first attempt but it may just be beginner's luck :)

Cheers.

My thoughts are that it you are riding at 100km/h that you want 15dB of protection to be confident of avoiding long term hearing loss.

Check out the review I did of a couple of different ear plugs:
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=111391

[GJR]

That all depends on how dirty you get the plugs. If (like me) you don't mind a bit of grime in wour ears then they will last for ages. After a while they don't expand as fast and can be loose. On a health note, the ear is a great way to introduce infection into the bloodstream.

[tcpdump]

How many db do you think a balaclava will stop?

[p.dath]

How many db do you think a balaclava will stop?

Unless you somehow shove it into your ear canal, almost nothing.

[wysper]

Just ordered some earbuddies today.
I will post up comments after I get a chance to try them out.

[sil3nt]

The wax i just purchased works really well when it seals. However moving my mouth breaks the seal as does putting on my helmet making them rather useless. Need to try them out a bit more though.

[Dodgyiti]

how do people find plugz for lugz? im looking at getting a pair of their stereo plugs for the ipod, but at $220, i want to see what other people think of them. my current earphones are $2 POS and i have to have them really loud to hear anything, even at 50k. which means ive got ringing when i hop off.

They are awesome, had mine for 14 months now, which equates to over 25,000km. No sign of any wear or damage. The sound is great! Because they fit in your ear perfectly and are soft, they are comfortable.
It is a lot of money for sure, but if they last a long time and save your hearing by not having to turn up the sound too loud because they block out the wind etc- then it's a good deal.

Edit; if you turn the music off, you can hear the bike really well. The first time I used them I could tell the tappets needed adjusting but I could not tell that before:o

[Gershon]

I've had a set of Alpine ear plugs for the past 4-5 years - awesome. Makes long distance riding really comfortable. Blocks out heaps of noise and I can still have a conversation with them in. Also, can listen to the iPod ear phones tucked into helmet lining even with the ear plugs in. Cost about $50 from Motomail - but they are so worthwhile!

[Morcs]

I just dont see the point in spending 4 figures on a nice set of pipes, to just block them out somewhat.

[jono035]

I just dont see the point in spending 4 figures on a nice set of pipes, to just block them out somewhat.

Depends on what you mean by block them out. With a good set of earplugs everything will still sound pretty similar, just lower in volume.

If I could go back in time I would be telling myself to wear ear plugs to concerts and not turn the car stereo up so loud. Tinnitus is a bitch.

[Morcs]

Depends on what you mean by block them out. With a good set of earplugs everything will still sound pretty similar, just lower in volume.

If I could go back in time I would be telling myself to wear ear plugs to concerts and not turn the car stereo up so loud. Tinnitus is a bitch.


mmm maybe I should wear earplugs.
Bike just failed a wof as the pipes put out 105db...

[p.dath]

mmm maybe I should wear earplugs.
Bike just failed a wof as the pipes put out 105db...

It's probably too late. You've probably already suffered some permanent hearing loss.

Best to try and save what you have left! Get the plugs. :)

[insomnia01]

Got me a set of Audio plugs from Sue & Grant of Plugz for Lugz @ 2 yrs ago & don't go riding without them now.... the reduction in external noise is bang on in my mind, when I'm listening to sounds & riding I only have the volume set at @ 11 - 15 ( tops out @40 ) so that I can still hear the rumble of the Arrow cans:rockon::rockon: when I'm not listening to sounds its very peacefull without all the wind noise & thats using my Flip front which as we know generates more noise than a full face lid.... SSSSSSssooooo what are you waiting for get some Plugz for your lugz

[Highlander]

Got me a set of Audio plugs from Sue & Grant of Plugz for Lugz @ 2 yrs ago & don't go riding without them now.... the reduction in external noise is bang on in my mind, when I'm listening to sounds & riding I only have the volume set at @ 11 - 15 ( tops out @40 ) so that I can still hear the rumble of the Arrow cans:rockon::rockon: when I'm not listening to sounds its very peacefull without all the wind noise & thats using my Flip front which as we know generates more noise than a full face lid.... SSSSSSssooooo what are you waiting for get some Plugz for your lugz

Yup. I rate them as my best bit of riding kit. I've been using mine for the last couple of years and my only regret is not getting them sooner.

[insomnia01]

my only regret is not getting them sooner.

I hear yah :rofl::rofl::rofl: it didn't take much effort from me to sus the difference between wearing them & not.. even more reduced wind noise when I use my full face helmet :woohoo::woohoo:

[Morcs]

I have an earphone wedged inside my helmet for my radar - i cannot adjust the volume when using earphones (cant find some with volume control would you believe) - so the earphone doesnt go in my ear, but inside the helmet I can hear it adequately.

If I wear earplugs I wont be able to hear it...

Which means I either go deaf, or loose my license, or not ride at all.

Good deal huh.

[p.dath]

I have an earphone wedged inside my helmet for my radar - i cannot adjust the volume when using earphones (cant find some with volume control would you believe) - so the earphone doesnt go in my ear, but inside the helmet I can hear it adequately.

If I wear earplugs I wont be able to hear it...

Which means I either go deaf, or loose my license, or not ride at all.

Good deal huh.

Have you tried plugs? They don't remove all the noise, just the more harmful stuff.

I'd try using something a plug with around 15dB of protection. If you can't hear your radar detector, then drop back to 14dB or less.

You can get them from NZ Safety. "Spark Plugs" or 3M are good brands, and you should have change out of $5 for a single pair.

[p.dath]

You might find this review I did of interest Morcs:
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=111391

[jono035]

Also if you bought a cheap pair of earphones that have the stem on them they can be stuck into the earplugs, effectively playing the sounds through the earplugs... Lots of them have inline volume control which would do for controlling the output volume.

[Bandit Rider]

If you are in the lower North Island, David Taylor WWW.kiwiplugs.co.nz is excellent. A professional audiologist, and really helpful. Based in Waikanae and Wellington.

[breakaway]

Forget all these expensive 'plugs for lugs' or similar. A pair of $50 IEM (canalphones) headphones will do the same job. And you can listen to music. http://www.dse.co.nz/dse.shop/4b8d82c7035935642741c0a87f3b06f0/Product/View/C6542 If you'rea fly buys member, you can get them here for relatively low points: https://www.flybuys.co.nz/GetRewards/pages/reward.aspx?RewardID=2018&OutletID=0

My mrs has the above and they work very well. They also have a rugged cord design like this:

<img src='http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img/2/0/0/5a/3/AAAAAjOYMqMAAAAAAFo1ww.jpg'/>

and come with a carry case. They're not the best in-ear headphones you can get, but are more than enough for the job.

For times I don't want to listen to music, I have some yellow foam earplugs I got from the pharmacy.

[p.dath]

Forget all these expensive 'plugs for lugs' or similar. A pair of $50 IEM (canalphones) headphones will do the same job. And you can listen to music. http://www.dse.co.nz/dse.shop/4b8d82c7035935642741c0a87f3b06f0/Product/View/C6542 If you'rea fly buys member, you can get them here for relatively low points: https://www.flybuys.co.nz/GetRewards/pages/reward.aspx?RewardID=2018&OutletID=0

You realise that normal, perfectly fine, disposable ear plugs cost less than $3?

[breakaway]

Yes. I recommended those headphones for people who want to listen to music also. In the last line of my post you'll find that I said I use earplugs from a pharmacy which cost about what you say they do.

[Warr]

Now that NZ Safety have gone to box sales only (200 units for ~$80)
Does anyone know where the Moldex 'Spark Plug' (http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/mosppluffopl.html) ear plugs can be sourced from locally ?

[Mully Clown]

I bought a pack of 10-pairs from NZ Safety recently and wasn't too badly priced. It did look like they just heading towards the big bins as you say though. Probably worth it if you really like them though.

I've seen these at a few bike shops and they look to be the same stuff. http://www.cycletreads.co.nz/products/451-rider_health/1137-oxford_moldex_ear_plugs.aspx

[Warr]

These (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=339447489) ear plugs are just the thing, but at $2 / pair I dont see why I should be funding his lavish lifestyle ..
I could buy the whole box from NZ Safety .. but at that price I could try for the 3rd time with the Plugz4Lugs guys. That would be the same outlay.
Trouble with my previous Plugz4Lugs plugs is once you get your helmet on, sadly my modest ears have been flattened by the fitting of said helmet and the plugs dont seal any more.
They are awesome pugs for sleeping or whatever but under a helmet not :angry:
So the last thing I havent tried with Plugz4Lugs is putting my helmet on while the silicon is curing ... That might work ?????

[davebullet]

Now that NZ Safety have gone to box sales only (200 units for ~$80)
Does anyone know where the Moldex 'Spark Plug' (http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/mosppluffopl.html) ear plugs can be sourced from locally ?

Forget the dispoables. I have a pair from "ear man pro" on this site (refer previous post about kiwiplugs.co.nz). these will last 7+ years and at $65 for the pair they are better. I've tried disposable plugs and ear buddies.

The disposable / earbuddies because they press into your ear makes your ears sore after a couple of hours.

The ear buddies do attenuate more noise when pushed in hard, but they are uncomfortable.

The custom ear plugs do not fall out when you put your helmet on (and I have a tight fitting helmet). the ear buddies / disposables would get knocked around and 50% of the time come part out when putting the helmet on.

I get zero ear soreness or fatigue with my ear man pro's.

go get yourself some.

[p.dath]

They are awesome pugs for sleeping or whatever but under a helmet not :angry:
So the last thing I havent tried with Plugz4Lugs is putting my helmet on while the silicon is curing ... That might work ?????

It sounds like you might not be fitting the plugs correctly. Check out this video from 3M:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPNPZJingZA

[CHR1S]

I've been trying all sorts in the last 12 months to get a good fitting earbud/plug to use with my radar detector. Finally the solution that worked for me:-

I now run $25 Dick Smith ear buds (sound quality not important to me, think they are Panasonic ergonomic or something along those lines)

I found if you first pick the right size silicon bits for your ears and smear them with a bit of chapstick they stick in and stay in. I'm sure there's a less rangi ear lube or something out there like that but it's compact and cheap.

I'm guessing this would work for silicon plugs too. :woohoo:

[slofox]

Interesting thread...

I was very happy with my Plugz4Lugz but one of them broke after a million km of wear...

While I was getting round to replacing the busted one, I invested in some el cheapo foam jobbies from the local pharmacy...no idea of the brand.

Now these foam ones are a bit of a bugger to get into your ear. You have to squeeze 'em up and sorta screw 'em into your ear canal to get 'em in far enough to stay in place. The P4L's were super easy to put in and never fell out of my ears (unlike Warr's). Secondly, the foam ones do not attenuate as much as the P4L's either.

HOWEVER! Despite these two factors , I find I actually prefer the foam ones. (sorry P4L...). For one reason alone. The foam plugs are better at attenuating wind noise than were the P4L's. Something to do with which frequencies they filter out I suspect. The upshot of this is that I can hear my headsets better with the foam plugs than I could with the P4L's. Which helps with RD and GPS alerts and instructions. And they are dirt cheap...

Course, they end up pretty manky after a bit...:sick: and need a wash but hey, they ARE cheap to replace as well...

Just my $0.02

[Usarka]

Foamy's can be good (I often use safety shop ones) but my issue with the foam ones is consistency. One day I'll get a superb fit and have an O-some trip, the next day it won't expand properly and do 2/10 of FA.

[Hitcher]

On a tangential matter, did I hear correctly that Plugz 4 Lugz have either an agent or a competing provider in the Wellington region?

If that's true, does anybody have contact details?

My moulded earplugs disappeared from my frame of reference at some time after 6:45pm on the afternoon of Saturday 16 October.

At some stage I plan to get my head back in a helmet and my arse astride a motorcycle and will be seeking hearing protection (from wind noise, not from hoardes of adoring fans).

[slofox]

My moulded earplugs disappeared from my frame of reference at some time after 6:45pm on the afternoon of Saturday 16 October.



Drunk again, huh?

[insomnia01]

[QUOTE=Hitcher;1129929118]On a tangential matter, did I hear correctly that Plugz 4 Lugz have either an agent or a competing provider in the Wellington region?

If that's true, does anybody have contact details?

QUOTE]

David Tayler www.kiwiplugs.co.nz 04293-4877 OR 027 378 9884

I recently paid $195 for 1 x audio set incl of skull buddy plugs + 1 x non audio set & you can choose what ever colour you want them to be if you like, :wari::wari::wari: you can however reduce this by providing your own audio plugs & suppling your own ear canel impression , if you already have some plugz for lugz plugs you can give these to Dave & he can make an ear canel impression using these, I have found that using proper stereo plugs gives you a better sound quality than the plug for lugz set because of the fact that they are stereo plugs not just a hollow tube, your choice depending on what you wish to pay but I know what i'm more than happy with now :woohoo::woohoo: bring on the xmas roadtrip :scooter::scooter:

[sinned]

These the best so far. http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/130214-Earplugs-or-whisper-kit-%28or-both%29?p=1129916888#post1129916888

If you don't check them out you and your hearing are the losers. Nuf said.:bye:

[Warr]

It sounds like you might not be fitting the plugs correctly...........



...........The P4L's were super easy to put in and never fell out of my ears (unlike Warr's). .........
No Plugs arent falling out. They loose their seal when my helmet goes on because my ears are being flattened by the inside of the helmet :)

[mrchips]

I have major issues with with foam plugs falling out due to my right ear canal being smaller than my left, i just can't seem to get anything in there.

I tried the NZ Safety shop & got me some of those $5 washable / re-usable 'rubber bung' type ear plugs..... they are awesome.

I've had them for 3 months & still as good as new even tho i use them for everyday commuting. They take half a second to fit + If you have trouble 'plugging' like i do, just apply a bit of lubricant (spit) to the end of the plug 'push & twist' & you're good to go.

I swear by them, best $5 i ever spent.

[NZsarge]

Would also like to put my hand up for Dave (EarManPro) at Kiwiplugs, will soon be knocking on his door for the new audio plugs he does.

[Neon]

Now that NZ Safety have gone to box sales only (200 units for ~$80)
Does anyone know where the Moldex 'Spark Plug' (http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/mosppluffopl.html) ear plugs can be sourced from locally ?

Yeah you can still get them at NZ Safety but they are in little round green plastic packs of 10 called 'Goin Green'. But they are identical to the Spark Plugs - they are the only plugs I use.