Ear Plugs?

[jimdaworm]

I am just interested, what do you people think? Is it ok to wear ear plugs while riding?

[Jackrat]

Hell yeah,but I'm cheap as so I just use cotton wool.

[surfchick]

Hell yeah,but I'm cheap as so I just use cotton wool.

try blue-tack...but cotton wool sounds warmer :cold: :cold:

[Big Dave]

I am just interested, what do you people think? Is it ok to wear ear plugs while riding?

Only time I ride without them is when I have the iPod pumping.
$9.10c for a pack of 30 pairs at the safety shop Jackrat - would last me 6 months easy - that's prolly cheaper that your cotton buds.

[Grumpy]

Yep. Was told that no matter how good your helmet is, 30 minutes riding is enough to start to do damage to your hearing. Don't know if this is a little exaggerated or not but why take chances with your hearing.

[Aitch]

My ears ring for ages even after an hour on the road

[Krusti]

WHAT?.....

[N4CR]

I used em for a while when I got my can 'renovated' but realised... hey if I'm braking and a truck locks up behind me I'm not going to hear it.. or sirens (cant really hear them anyway).

I got rid of them.. I might do what I do with drums sometimes and cut them in half so its not blocking sound as much.

You can also get custom ones for about $250 that have a custom fit and inner core that blocks only certain frequencies YOU specify.. ear specialists will know. That sort of investment would only pay off for musicians like myself and others :Punk: , only bikers might just want to try half ear plugs...

[Beemer]

I used em for a while when I got my can 'renovated' but realised... hey if I'm braking and a truck locks up behind me I'm not going to hear it.. or sirens (cant really hear them anyway).

Holy hell, I don't like to point out the obvious, but do you ever use your mirrors? If a truck was locking up behind me, I'd hope I'd seen it coming first before I heard it! I don't always hear sirens even in the car as it depends on the direction they are coming from, but I usually notice the flashing lights...

I always wear ear plugs but didn't when I first started riding. Now I find the wind noise (the whistling) from my helmet really annoying if I don't wear them. I have trouble getting them to fit and I'm too tight to pay to have some custom-made, but when they are in place properly, I can still hear everything but the wind.

[NinjaBoy]

Always wear them when I on a weekend blat but don't when I'm commuting. Generally commuting is at lower speeds and close quarters riding makes it essentials to have all your senses available.

I find the soft yellow or orange sponge ones are the best but you need to keep them clean and soft. It doesn't completely cut out the wind noise but takes the edge off and allows me to hear the engine note (so I know when to change gears)

[Big Dave]

I used em for a while when I got my can 'renovated' but realised... hey if I'm braking and a truck locks up behind me I'm not going to hear it.. or sirens (cant really hear them anyway).


you're dreamin - all they cut is wind noise and a bit of engine whir - you can still hear other vehicles and sirens just fine.

[Pixie]

I used em for a while when I got my can 'renovated' but realised... hey if I'm braking and a truck locks up behind me I'm not going to hear it.. or sirens (cant really hear them anyway).

I got rid of them.. I might do what I do with drums sometimes and cut them in half so its not blocking sound as much.

You can also get custom ones for about $250 that have a custom fit and inner core that blocks only certain frequencies YOU specify.. ear specialists will know. That sort of investment would only pay off for musicians like myself and others :Punk: , only bikers might just want to try half ear plugs...
I always worried that a meteorite will be heading for me and I won't hear it. :weird: :weird:

[Ixion]

I always worried that a meteorite will be heading for me and I won't hear it. :weird: :weird:

You that worried about little Royal Enfields ? Not many of them round nowdays. Wouldn't mind picking up a meteor m'self

[TygerTung]

Yeah I noticed it was bloody loud at 100kmh, I always thought it was cos I had a cheapo nitro helmet, but is it like that with all helmets?

[wkid_one]

you're dreamin - all they cut is wind noise and a bit of engine whir - you can still hear other vehicles and sirens just fine.

I agree - had them when I had the VTR and R1 - never had a problem with other vehicles. Most over the counter plugs are only good for a reduction of 20-30dB (refer back of packs). You can go to safety shops for higher rated ones.

Even with Arai, Shoei etc - studies have proven that at 100kph and above, wind noise created can cause hearing loss. You would be a mug not to wear them. This also doesn't take in to account the fatigue of having a loud noise in your ear all day.

[placidfemme]

I've never worn ear plugs... I never even considered it... But then I just commute a short distance (only 15 minute ride at the most) to work and back... but it's something I'll now consider when going on longer rides...

[Blackbird]

and always wear ear plugs. There was a test in Performance Bikes magazine a couple of years ago and even the very best helmets exceeded the dBA rating for a continuous work environment. The average person can be exposed to a sound source producing 90 dBA for a maximum of 8 hours. If the sound level is 100 dBA, then the maximum exposure is 2 hours. An unprotected ear can be exposed to 115 dBA for a maximum of only 15 minutes a day. Your ears should not be directly exposed for any length of time to sounds greater than 115 dBA. For every 5 dB increase above 90 dBA, the permissible exposure time is reduced by half. For example, if you rode a bike with a 95 dBA wind noise, you would be risking a hearing loss after 4 hours of exposure. (and from memory, even the best helmet is >90 dBA at open road speeds.

I don't know if anyone has a contact email but there's a husband and wife team (Taranaki I think) who make custom moulded reusable ones for about $50 a pair. They used to turn up at motorsport events.

[placidfemme]

and always wear ear plugs. There was a test in Performance Bikes magazine a couple of years ago and even the very best helmets exceeded the dBA rating for a continuous work environment. The average person can be exposed to a sound source producing 90 dBA for a maximum of 8 hours. If the sound level is 100 dBA, then the maximum exposure is 2 hours. An unprotected ear can be exposed to 115 dBA for a maximum of only 15 minutes a day. Your ears should not be directly exposed for any length of time to sounds greater than 115 dBA. For every 5 dB increase above 90 dBA, the permissible exposure time is reduced by half. For example, if you rode a bike with a 95 dBA wind noise, you would be risking a hearing loss after 4 hours of exposure. (and from memory, even the best helmet is >90 dBA at open road speeds.

I don't know if anyone has a contact email but there's a husband and wife team (Taranaki I think) who make custom moulded reusable ones for about $50 a pair. They used to turn up at motorsport events.

Awesome information... Now... I didn't know any of that...

*makes a mental note to buy some ear plugs*

Where can I buy ear plugs (the cheap kind)

[Pwalo]

I always wear my ear plugs. I only started it when I started riding again after the obligatory marriage, kids, mortgagae break but now I can't stand riding without my ear plugs in. I don't have any trouble hearing sirens, brakes etc, and it sure cuts out the wind noise, which I find pretty tiring after a while.

Apparently it also keeps you a lot warmer. Sounds weird but if you do a quick experiment and stand outside on a cold day, with and without wearing ear plugs, it does seem to work.

[bungbung]

it sure cuts out the wind noise, which I find pretty tiring after a while.

Putting the potential hearing damage to one side, as Pwalo and wkid point out, the wind roar is fatiguing after a while. Those of you who have not tried ear plugs yet should do so.

I couldn't believe the difference they make.

[Big Dave]

Where can I buy ear plugs (the cheap kind)


The 'Safety Shop' are cheapest I've found, also Bunnings Warehouse, most Hardware stores and bike shops.

[placidfemme]

The 'Safety Shop' are cheapest I've found, also Bunnings Warehouse, most Hardware stores and bike shops.

thank you :) *will get some and try them out*

[Lou Girardin]

I've been using the Alpine plugs for a while now, they are expensive ($49.00) but very good. They also last a long time if you look after them. ( A tip, cats think they're great toys). They come with 2 attenuaters so you can vary the amount of sound you hear. They also cut the frequencies where wind noise is most common, but let you hear the good sounds.
I bought a set for my wife because she complained that the foam ones spoilt the sound of her Ipod, these are much better.

[Blackbird]

Fatigue is a good point. It really makes a huge difference, even on a moderate distance.

Placidfemme: Suggest you try a range of plugs first to see what brand you're most comfortable with as they vary a fair bit. When you've settled on something, then you can buy a big box from a safety shop as Big Dave said. Protector Safety are another national safety chain.

Geoff

[jimdaworm]

Thats for all your great replies! I thought it made sense but wasn´t sure if there were any reasons not to wear them. I am sure I will still hear everthing I need to though my hjc helmet... and maby a little less of my 2 stroke Rg!!! :ride:

[Big Dave]

I've been using the Alpine plugs for a while now, they are expensive ($49.00) but very good.

Really? I'll revist the set Tony gave me then. I thought they were a bit small for my economy size bung holes, but i've changed shape since I last tried them.
Might just wait for the rain to stop - September innit?

[Motu]

I've been using the Alpine plugs for a while now, they are expensive ($49.00) but very good. They also last a long time if you look after them. ( A tip, cats think they're great toys). They come with 2 attenuaters so you can vary the amount of sound you hear. They also cut the frequencies where wind noise is most common, but let you hear the good sounds.
I bought a set for my wife because she complained that the foam ones spoilt the sound of her Ipod, these are much better.

After 30 years of riding,some of that without a helmet,plus the noise from my job,I guess my hearing is pretty well stuffed - if I put my phone to each ear I hear a completely sound,and sound level.So now I try to wear ear plugs,but it makes me feel like I am wearing a 44gal drum full of kapock on my head.I have the Alpine plugs now and they are great,apart from my Nolan helmet issue, I can wear them all day,I don't have to take them out because I can hear people talking,cars etc.I can even hear my phone ringing,that's pretty freaky.

[Beemer]

When I first started riding no one mentioned wearing ear plugs to me so I just didn't bother. I did find my ears would ring after a longish ride, and I also hated that high-pitched whistle from the wind rushing past my helmet. When I met my better half he told me I was mad for not wearing them and said I'd wish I had in years to come when my hearing faded, so I started wearing them. If I am just popping into town (about 8km) I don't always wear them, and when I first got the Goose I liked the sound so much I left them out for a few rides until the novelty wore off! But anything more than about 10kms and I wear them. We bought a box of Elvex ones - blue foam ear plugs - that seem to work really well. I always have trouble getting the left one in position properly, but once it's in, I'm fine.

My problem is I have really good hearing so any noise inside my helmet (the Shoei is much quieter than the Nolan) seems to be magnified, making ear plugs a necessity. And I can only wear them for an hour or so with the Nolan and then I have to take them out or it feels like someone has punched me under the ears!

[Blackbird]

Where are Alpine plugs available from? Are they multi-sized? One of my ear 'oles must have come from the reject bin when God handed them out as I have more trouble getting a plug in the right hand one than the left hand one!

[dhunt]

Yip I always wear earplugs out of town, makes life much more enjoyable and I can concentrate on more important things easier with them in. As well as not getting sore ears after a ride.

[unhingedlizard]

my cat used to eat my earplugs. Made him sick but he didnt learn..

[Big Dave]

After 30 years of riding,

I never figured you for a newbie - I've got more than 40 - nyah!

I calculate approx 1,250,000km ridden - on averages and allowing for a few years with toddlers and no bike and round-the-park-and-property mini bike estimates.

[Eurygnomes]

I have more trouble getting a plug in the right hand one than the left hand one!

There's a method of putting them in that I learnt on a firing range once. It's really difficult to describe, but it's brilliant (I used to wear earplugs when my partner stayed over - he snored fit to wake the neighbours and I'm the lightest sleeper ever!) so I'll give it a go.

TO INSERT INTO LEFT EAR.

Hold plug in left hand.
Put your right arm around the back of your head (warm up stretches SHOULDN'T be necessary!)
Pull the cartilage on the back of your ear (top) towards the back of your head a little ways (ie. pull ear REALLY flat).
Insert plug.
Repeat (swapping left and right) for right ear plug.

This method never fails to ensure perfect positioning of earplugs for me. And there ain't nowt special about these oscillatory tunnels.

(except the headache I get if cold wind goes into them - anyone else with that problem?)

[Big Dave]

my cat used to eat my earplugs. Made him sick but he didnt learn..


Did you use them again afterwards?

[vifferman]

Placidfemme: Suggest you try a range of plugs first to see what brand you're most comfortable with as they vary a fair bit.
Although I haven't seen them, I've heard that 'sampler' packets are available, that let you try different types, so you can find the ones that suit you. I prefer the 3M orange tapered ones - they're cheap, readily available, and work well. I suggest that using smooth, tapered plugs is better than those cylindrical ones (usually blue of yellow) as they're easier to insert.

We bought a box of Elvex ones - blue foam ear plugs - that seem to work really well. ...And I can only wear them for an hour or so with the Nolan and then I have to take them out or it feels like someone has punched me under the ears!
Then I suggest they're not the right ones for you. Try a few other ones - it's not worth sticking with the Elvish ones just because you already have them. Unless you've got blue Elven ears...

I had several long rides in the late 90's - like Hamilton to Chch and back - where I didn't wear ear protection. It took a very long time for the tinnitus (ringing in my ears) to subside. Crazy, when I always wore earmuffs with power tools... I guess it's because the wind noise is sort of innocuous and sneaky - it's not obviously REALLY LOUD, so you don't think it's harming your ears, until you come back from a long ride and your ears HURT. Then it's too late.

[AMPS]

Where are Alpine plugs available from? Are they multi-sized? One of my ear 'oles must have come from the reject bin when God handed them out as I have more trouble getting a plug in the right hand one than the left hand one!

We have them. They have 2 soft baffles so they should fit most ears.
Lou

[vifferman]

Did you use them again afterwards?
Speaking of that - because I've got Scottish ancestry, I re-use my disposable earplugs. Just wash 'em in warm soapy water, rinse, squeeze dry with a towel or summat. It's not so much a cost-saving thing, as a convenience.
BTW - the airlines will give you earplugs if you ask. :yes: Got a recent set from my bro-in-law who travels very frequently. Even came in a nice plastic case, which I now use for my 3M ones. :yes:

[k14]

Yeah I "aquired" about a hundred or more sets of the 3m ones from my old work. Always wear them when racing and when I had a road bike I wore them whenever I was going out of town. Too much of a nusiance to put them in when I was only travelling 2 or 3km. Makes life alot easier and you can still hear the engine etc fine.

[Pixie]

Speaking of that - because I've got Scottish ancestry, I re-use my disposable earplugs. Just wash 'em in warm soapy water, rinse, squeeze dry with a towel or summat. It's not so much a cost-saving thing, as a convenience.
BTW - the airlines will give you earplugs if you ask. :yes: Got a recent set from my bro-in-law who travels very frequently. Even came in a nice plastic case, which I now use for my 3M ones. :yes:
There must be some shared ancestry between Scots and Italians,I do the same.My excuse is that the Conform Foam softens with repeated washings.
I tried every disposable on the market till I found E.A.R. EZ Fit.I have small lug canals and the EZ Fits are the only ones that are EZ to fit.Funny that.
I even got the Audiologists to make me some molded plugs,when I worked at Green Lane hosp.They were useless.
Sometimes I get a sore head If I push the plugs in too far,I think they press on my brain.
Before I found the EZ fits I would get such sore ears after a couple of hours that taking my helmet off was like jamming red hot pokers into my ears.
But ear plugs reduce fatigue while on long trips and fatigue = accidents.
I even used to wear them in my '80s Toyota Camry -Bloody aussies..didn't they hear of sound insulation? Probably because they went deaf driving the camry.
And,if your ears ring after you ride, that is a bad sign!
When you are 70 you be one of those deaf old bastards we all love :rofl: :rofl:

[Pixie]

Awesome information... Now... I didn't know any of that...

*makes a mental note to buy some ear plugs*

Where can I buy ear plugs (the cheap kind)
NZSafety or Protector Safety stores in most industrial areas

[Pixie]

Really? I'll revist the set Tony gave me then. I thought they were a bit small for my economy size bung holes, but i've changed shape since I last tried them.
Might just wait for the rain to stop - September innit?
Something happen to your head Dave? It didn't involve a backing truck I hope?

[Big Dave]

Something happen to your head Dave? It didn't involve a backing truck I hope?

No - it's just skinnier. It's always had a weird shape and contents.

[Big Dave]

>>>Mmmmm......Soylent Green ( tongue lols out,drool forms) <<<

What's next - Logan's Run?
I can't do 'Chuck' since the NRA 'dying hands' thing.

[TygerTung]

What about those dudes on goldwings with the massive windscreens and stuff?

Do they get wind noise?

[Lou Girardin]

There must be some shared ancestry between Scots and Italians,I do the same.My excuse is that the Conform Foam softens with repeated washings.
I tried every disposable on the market till I found E.A.R. EZ Fit.I have small lug canals and the EZ Fits are the only ones that are EZ to fit.Funny that.
I even got the Audiologists to make me some molded plugs,when I worked at Green Lane hosp.They were useless.
Sometimes I get a sore head If I push the plugs in too far,I think they press on my brain.
Before I found the EZ fits I would get such sore ears after a couple of hours that taking my helmet off was like jamming red hot pokers into my ears.
But ear plugs reduce fatigue while on long trips and fatigue = accidents.
I even used to wear them in my '80s Toyota Camry -Bloody aussies..didn't they hear of sound insulation? Probably because they went deaf driving the camry.
And,if your ears ring after you ride, that is a bad sign!
When you are 70 you be one of those deaf old bastards we all love :rofl: :rofl:

Italian or Scot, a tightarse is universal.
They must br frigging long earplugs - stick them in your ears and they reach your butt.
Don't knock selective hearing, it's the greatest boon to married mankind ever.

[Beemer]

[QUOTE=vifferman]Then I suggest they're not the right ones for you. Try a few other ones - it's not worth sticking with the Elvish ones just because you already have them. Unless you've got blue Elven ears...QUOTE]

Ah, another LOTR funny man! The ear plugs are fine with any other helmet but the Nolan - that hurts my ears with or without ear plugs. I don't use them for adventure riding and I still have pain. The Elvenx ones are tapered at one end and seem to work really well. I don't think I have overly large ear canals though, because after wearing them all day (with them being inserted and removed a few times during the day), I do find my inner ears can be a little tender. I've tried heaps of different ear plugs over the years and they all do it unfortunately.

I wish I could wear them to block out snoring when away on club events, etc., but I can't bear them in when trying to sleep - apart from on the back of a bike that is!

[Big Dave]

What about those dudes on goldwings with the massive windscreens and stuff?

Do they get wind noise?

Not if they eat the digestive biscuits in the glove box.

Most of those bikes with sails on the front get buffeting noise.

[Pixie]

>>>Mmmmm......Soylent Green ( tongue lols out,drool forms) <<<

What's next - Logan's Run?
I can't do 'Chuck' since the NRA 'dying hands' thing.
Every episode of The Simpsons that in set in the future has a reference to soylent green (the biscuits)

[Pixie]

Italian or Scot, a tightarse is universal.
They must br frigging long earplugs - stick them in your ears and they reach your butt.
Don't knock selective hearing, it's the greatest boon to married mankind ever.
Smart arse. Do some work

[Big Dave]

Every episode of The Simpsons that in set in the future has a reference to soylent green (the biscuits)

Ahh - I shall look for it.

[Kiwi]

Based on several research studies, the major contributor to hearing loss in the motorcycle industry remains the "silent killer" known as "wind noise." Generically termed as the amount of noise turbulence produced around the head while the rider is in motion. Its inherited consequences result in irreversible hearing loss damage over a period of time when adequate hearing protection is not worn.

Experts agree that continued exposure to noise above 85 dBA over time will cause hearing loss - the maximum liability at 85 dBA is 8 hours!

Hearing loss is preventable. If you ride for any length of time without ear protection, you will suffer irreversible hearing damage. Whether high quality disposable ear plugs or custom-made and fitted ear plugs, consistently wearing a high quality ear plug every time you ride will ensure you won't have to go through life constantly asking people to repeat themselves, or wondering if that ringing in your ears will ever go away

Remember
If you damage your motorcycle, you can either have it mended or you can buy a new one.
If you damage your hearing, you can’t have it mended and you can’t buy a new pair of ears![/

[N4CR]

Holy hell, I don't like to point out the obvious, but do you ever use your mirrors? If a truck was locking up behind me, I'd hope I'd seen it coming first before I heard it! I don't always hear sirens even in the car as it depends on the direction they are coming from, but I usually notice the flashing lights...

I was trying to find an example that would work.. obviously not that one.. what I'm trying to say is that when I have earplugs in I don't hear a whole lot, sometimes hearing a low engine or change in frequency can indicate a changing movement in a blind spot or other area (obviously you are not looking at your mirrors 24/7 or you would eventually run into someone).

The frequency of my exhaust at idle/low rpms perfectly blocks out sirens without ear plugs unfortunately, so I'm a little cautious using them on my bike. I don't find wind noise very bad as being a drummer I get accustomed to loud muffled sounds (while wearing earplugs).


EDIT: Insertion tips ;)

Best way for me after using them for about 5 years is to wet willy yourelf with one hand's little finger while rolling the plug up into a tube and putting it in. Feels weird but goes in and stays in. Because of the 'lube' you get deeper penetration. Whoops :lol:

[2_SL0]

if

Remember
If you damage your motorcycle, you can either have it mended or you can buy a new one.
If you damage your hearing, you can’t have it mended and you can’t buy a new pair of ears!

Yes I can,


Got to go, plane to catch.
CU.

[Big Dave]

being a drummer.

Say no more, I understand perfectly. Have you ever thought about taking up a musical instrument?

[Eurygnomes]

I wish I could wear them to block out snoring when away on club events, etc., but I can't bear them in when trying to sleep - apart from on the back of a bike that is!

For a moment there - I thought you were going to say that you wished you could wear them while clubbing!

I was thinking the EXACT same thing re-reading the thread. And someone mentioned musician type earplugs that only block particular frequencies and that you can hear people speaking etc. through? From where does one purchase such beings? The Music Shop? I went to DanceNation on Friday night in Welly and still couldn't quite hear properly on Saturday night :confused: so I think I ought to consider it for the next big DJ visit.

[jimdaworm]

I have been wearing my earplugs the last few rides and its great! Takes most of the loudness away from my lovely 2 stroke sounding bike :devil2: I was wondering if it would be safer having a noisy bike as everyone can hear you comming :ride:

[skidz]

What's wrong with you lot? I for one love to hear the sound of my bike.

Other people following may want ear plugs though.

[MSTRS]

From where does one purchase such beings?
Probly only available thru an audiologist. Go see one to confirm this. We had to get these special ones for our young fella (he's a drummer = musician!)after he had ear surgery for removal of a tumour. The plugs had to be made in Aus, cost about $250 and will need to be replaced every couple of years until his ear canals stop growing.

[Motoracer]

I can't ride/race without ear plugs. Without them I can't relax or concentrate as much on riding.

[Smorg]

My bike is overly loud but i actually never thought of wearing earplugs (i just love listening to it) but lately ive noticed the TV is up alot higher than it should be maybe its time for the tide to turn???? :no:

[oldfart]

Whated ya say!! I say, whated ya say!!!???? :drinkup:

[myvice]

To prevent wind noise try wearing your helmet backwards.
To insert plugs: Close eyes and mouth, hold ear plugs aprox 10mm away from ears, now FART as hard as you can!

[hXc]

Say no more, I understand perfectly. Have you ever thought about taking up a musical instrument?

The drums are a musical instrument. Not many bands can get around without a drummer. I'm a drummer and I wear expensive ones when drumming specially made in Aus to fit my ears just as MSTRS said. They make ahuge difference and I would never drum without them unless I didn't have them on me. They are awesome. If you don't mind flicking out a bit of money for them then do it. They don't block noise out, they just make everything quieter. You can still hear EVERYTHING and it isn't muffled at all.

[TLDV8]

I prefer the 3M orange tapered ones - they're cheap, readily available, and work well. I suggest that using smooth, tapered plugs is better than those cylindrical ones (usually blue of yellow) as they're easier to insert.

<img src=http://www.tlplanet.com/forums/images/smilies/bigthumb.gif> I would second the Orange 3M plugs described (based on 29 years as a Boilermaker and Bikerider)........ I seem to remember first using earplugs on a bike around 1985,which was semi accidental ( i left them in after Clay shooting) but have been a permanent fixture since.
>
It seems a lot of folk who have trouble with plugs do not insert them properly,that being not rolling them before inserting them...... if they stick out of the ear canal to far and touch the helmet lining,noise can almost be increased (imo)

[Toast]

I've been using the Alpine plugs for a while now, they are expensive ($49.00) but very good. They also last a long time if you look after them. ( A tip, cats think they're great toys). They come with 2 attenuaters so you can vary the amount of sound you hear. They also cut the frequencies where wind noise is most common, but let you hear the good sounds.
I bought a set for my wife because she complained that the foam ones spoilt the sound of her Ipod, these are much better.


After 30 years of riding,some of that without a helmet,plus the noise from my job,I guess my hearing is pretty well stuffed - if I put my phone to each ear I hear a completely sound,and sound level.So now I try to wear ear plugs,but it makes me feel like I am wearing a 44gal drum full of kapock on my head.I have the Alpine plugs now and they are great,apart from my Nolan helmet issue, I can wear them all day,I don't have to take them out because I can hear people talking,cars etc.I can even hear my phone ringing,that's pretty freaky.

Cheers guys, I was going to ask about these. It's a purchase I've been putting off for a while now, but I think it's really a about time to make it.

How much difference do you notice between the two attenuaters?

[pete376403]

Yes I can,
Got to go, plane to catch.
CU.

That thing on the back of the mouse will make a reasonable facsimile of your external ear, but that doesn't have much to do with hearing, apart from funnelng the sound to the middle and inner ear, where the real work is done. It's the inner ear that gets damaged, and the damage is permanent. There are ways of overcoming damage to the inner ear - cochlear implants - and they are 1. very good and 2.very expensive. If you don't get it covered by either insurance or government funding expect to lay out about $48,000. Per side. I got one ear done on public funding, there was a 6 year wait and they won't do the other one.
I get so angry when I see young people blasting the shit out of their hearing.

[Lou Girardin]

Cheers guys, I was going to ask about these. It's a purchase I've been putting off for a while now, but I think it's really a about time to make it.

How much difference do you notice between the two attenuaters?

To be completely honest, I've blocked the hole in the attenuators with silicone. (I like it REAL quiet). My wife uses the green (louder) ones because her Ipod sounds better that way and wind noise is still cut appreciably.