Do you wear ear plugs?

[1/32 man]

A mate showed me some he had custom made at an audiologist...said they were good but cost him $150.
Are there cheaper but still effective options.

After today’s ride of about 70mins I am contemplating using some.

Any comments or opinions welcome.

[pete376403]

$150 is dirt cheap compared to the cost of repairing damaged hearing - cochlear implants are currently $50,000 per side. If you are lucky (like I was) one will be paid for by Govt funding but if you want to hear in stereo the second will be on you.

[onearmedbandit]

I use the foam ones you can buy from any hardware shop, keeps the wind noise to an absolute minimum. As I only use them on the open road I'm not too worried about how they mask most noise (car horns, traffic etc) but for that reason I can see (hear?) the benefit of a decent set.

[Gremlin]

Yes

The wind noise at 100kph is sufficient to give you permanent sustained hearing loss. You also won't really notice until its way too late, and you can't get it back.

[pete376403]

Yes

The wind noise at 100kph is sufficient to give you permanent sustained hearing loss. You also won't really notice until its way too late, and you can't get it back.

Well you can, sort of, but as I said it's fecking expensive.

[nzspokes]

What?:facepalm:

[Owl]

I had a couple of pairs made, but they were no where near $150 and I think closer to $60 a pair. Mrs got a pair as well. Audiologist also provided us with the casts so we could get more made in the future without having to visit. Problem now though is he's back in the UK.
Was a few years back now and I'm on my second set, so I guess $150 could be called inflation. At least they do last a while.

[Blackbird]

Custom plugs @ $85 per pair from Plugz 4 Ĺugz in Rotorua if you're ever up that way. Takes about 40 minutes from woah to go.

[roogazza]

Hell yeah, been using plugs for probably 35 of my 56 years riding!

Worksafety shops ,about $4 !! The latest triple pack from them are the best yet. :msn-wink:

[F5 Dave]

I had custom made ones. Reverted back to foam ones when I lost one, when I finally found it I didn't bother going back. Foam ones are cheap and easier to deal with and seem as effective. Even use on my dirtbike.

[slofox]

I had custom made ones. Reverted back to foam ones when I lost one, when I finally found it I didn't bother going back. Foam ones are cheap and easier to deal with and seem as effective. Even use on my dirtbike.

I had the same experience. Bought custom ones, one broke, went to foam and stayed with foam. Seemed just as good to me. As long as you buy good quality.

[Jeeper]

https://www.alpinehearingprotection.com/product-category/motorcycle/

Fairly good and reasonable price.

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[BMW_BeMyWings]

I got some ISOTunes noise cancelling headphones. But strangely enough I get nausea if I stick anything into my ear on the bike. So I hardly ever use them except for mowing the lawns.

[Frodo]

https://www.alpinehearingprotection.com/product-category/motorcycle/

Fairly good and reasonable price.

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I use the beige foam plugs from Macks, which are the best of the foam ones I've used. Just done a week long tour of the North island and one pair almost lasted the whole trip.
But I would be interested in the plugs in this link.
Which version did you get?

[Jeeper]

I use the beige foam plugs from Macks, which are the best of the foam ones I've used. Just done a week long tour of the North island and one pair almost lasted the whole trip.
But I would be interested in the plugs in this link.
Which version did you get?Motosafe Race, although I don't race. But they are good value.

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[Frodo]

Motosafe Race, although I don't race. But they are good value.

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Take care! The $21.95 is actually USD 21.95 or NZD 31.45....

Or $45 here: https://www.hearagain.co.nz/product/alpine-hearing-protection-motosafe/

[Jeeper]

Yes, I should've said it's a US website. I got them on Amazon last time.

Motomail has Pinlock earplugs, which are good as well. $40 NZ.

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[F5 Dave]

I've used ones with good ratings from nz safety but M10 have 3M in packs of about 50.

[1/32 man]

Thanks for all comments so far.
The reason I started the thread was that I was noticing the wind rush noise more and more.
Now after some reflection my problem could be caused by me jamming sunglasses on and breaking any seal around the ears. I drive with sunnies on and thought riding would do the same. Waiting now for the weather to clear and another ride to try without the dark glasses. My helmet is a cheap Bell from Trademe.
I will also try a couple of types of earplugs.

Hindsight eh!!!

[Gremlin]

I had custom made ones. Reverted back to foam ones when I lost one, when I finally found it I didn't bother going back. Foam ones are cheap and easier to deal with and seem as effective. Even use on my dirtbike.
Depends on your ears. Foam flat out don't work for me, canals are too narrow. Had issues with alpine, mostly one breaking its seal 5min later on the road...

[nzspokes]

Custom plugs @ $85 per pair from Plugz 4 Ĺugz in Rotorua if you're ever up that way. Takes about 40 minutes from woah to go.

Agree 100%. Mine are about 6 years old now and am planning a mtb trip to Rotorua and will get 2 sets done.

[onearmedbandit]

Depends on your ears. Foam flat out don't work for me, canals are too narrow. Had issues with alpine, mostly one breaking its seal 5min later on the road...

I find I have to roll them tightly until they are thin enough to insert into the canal, which means they are virtually rolled to a sharp point.

[Blackbird]

Depends on your ears. Foam flat out don't work for me, canals are too narrow. Had issues with alpine, mostly one breaking its seal 5min later on the road...

Same problem Alan, which is why I went to custom plugs.

[Gremlin]

I find I have to roll them tightly until they are thin enough to insert into the canal, which means they are virtually rolled to a sharp point.
Yep, when they expand, they push themselves out of my ears. On my 3rd set of Plugz now (they're lasting really well, think there was a compound change) and have a 4th set as well.

[onearmedbandit]

Yep, when they expand, they push themselves out of my ears. On my 3rd set of Plugz now (they're lasting really well, think there was a compound change) and have a 4th set as well.

Ah yup that won't work then. I'd be keen to try some of the Plugz, I know they used to travel out of town to do fittings but I seem to recall they stopped doing that.

[Kickaha]

Ah yup that won't work then. I'd be keen to try some of the Plugz, I know they used to travel out of town to do fittings but I seem to recall they stopped doing that.

They're good, I have had two sets because I lost the first ones, used them for racing and road riding

[HEsch]

I had custom ones made at an audiologist as foam just don't work for me. Uncomfortable, don't seal, seal on one side then unseal, uncomfortable. They were $300 but they've also got filters in them, so they cut wind noise but I can still hear the engine, talking when I have my helmet on, etc etc. They also mean I can hear my headset unit much more clearly (music and gps). I hate riding without them now.

[dangerous]

fuck... just back from 2500k hoon two days ago, and my ears are still ringing... always used foam biff aways, but they just don't seem to work these days so need some custom jobbies, gona ring the hearing doc tomorrow to see whats about... cos other wise its back to mufflers... and that still won't sort the wind noise.

[Jeeper]

I don't use the foam ones for the same reason, they don't stay seated in my ears.

Alpines and Pinlock ones I use have the frequency filters. They allow me to hear certain frequencies for traffic awareness around me, but cut out wind noise.

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[Owl]

Make your own??? Site has other plug options and freight is reasonable.

https://www.earjobs.co.nz/collections/motorcycle-ear-plugs/products/radians-custom-molded-diy-earplugs?variant=27930826440778

[Laava]

Same problem Alan, which is why I went to custom plugs.
Yep, same for me but only with my left ear. I have a pair of noise cancelling earbuds which are amazing, but there are always up/down sides to everything, as I have tried them all. So you have to use what is comfortable. Make sure to get the best screen -helmet setup first. Then try your options wrt plugs

[Laava]

Ah yup that won't work then. I'd be keen to try some of the Plugz, I know they used to travel out of town to do fittings but I seem to recall they stopped doing that.
The lady that runs the business( I wont mention her name, although I recommend them) told me last year that her husband passed away and so she no longer travels about doing it as a rule. They did a lot of gun clubs and travelled to them mostly. Apparently the local gun club asked for his ashes and they loaded him into black powder and cannons and fired him out all over the lake. She was smiling when she told me that, is a nice memory for her whanau.

[Blackbird]

The lady that runs the business( I wont mention her name, although I recommend them) told me last year that her husband passed away and so she no longer travels about doing it as a rule. They did a lot of gun clubs and travelled to them mostly. Apparently the local gun club asked for his ashes and they loaded him into black powder and cannons and fired him out all over the lake. She was smiling when she told me that, is a nice memory for her whanau.

That's great, I didn't know the back story! A bunch of us from the IAM central north island region made arrangements to visit her last December and she ran a production line at her house for us. The previous time I had some made about 4 years ago, it was at the Pukekohe gun club where her husband was shooting.

[caspernz]

Yes.

Bag of 100 pairs or so from safety shop. Good enough for me.
There's even a selection of firmness.

Haven't had a custom made pair for ages.

[Ulsterkiwi]

any plug is better than no plug. So long as they are comfortable you are more likely to use them as a matter of habit.
I have odd ears, the foam ones don't stay in for me, got custom ones made. $80 for my first set, used them until they fell apart. Replacements cost $120. Worth every cent

[Reckless]

Cheers for the tread might try their Motosafe pro pack seem good value $29.95 USD for two sets

[dangerous]

I have odd ears, the foam ones don't stay in for me, got custom ones made. $80 for my first set, used them until they fell apart. Replacements cost $120. Worth every cent
Were from?
I rang my hearing specialist $50 for a consultation then anywhere from 400-600$
Fuck that..

[pete376403]

A tube of prosthetic grade RTV and you could make your own. Putting a small wad of cotton wool with a drawstring in first would make it easier to remove. (sceptics should note that this is the exact process that the ENT clinic used to create the hearing aid ear moulds that I had, prior to the cochlear implants). Extra credit for incorporating some small ear-bud type speakers. https://www.barnesnz.co.nz/addition-cured/platsil-gel-00-prosthethic-grade-silicone-1598

[F5 Dave]

So thats at M10 next to the antimould bathroom sealant is it?

[pete376403]

So thats at M10 next to the antimould bathroom sealant is it? You could try that but your ears may smell like salt and vinegar chips. Best to go with the real stuff from Barnes.

[HEsch]

Were from?
I rang my hearing specialist $50 for a consultation then anywhere from 400-600$
Fuck that..


https://www.pacificears.co.nz/

Pro 27

Standard are $299, could be a little bit extra depending on choices for colour etc. Order, they refer you to somewhere like Bay Audiology who do the mouldings for you (takes about 20min all up), send them away and shortly your new plugs turn up in the post. They'll remake them if they don't get them right the first time. Discounts for remakes within 2 years as they keep your ear canals on file.

[1/32 man]

Best to go with the real stuff from Barnes.
I mould and cast resin 1/32 scale(hence my user name) slotcar bodies...and use Barnes products.
I dont think I would pour any of that silicone into my ear. It can take 20-40 minutes to go off but more concerning would be where does it stop?....my head is a bit empty.

I wasnt having much success with the cheap foam plugs but a mate gave some advice about fitting them. I had a look at the ones I had and was surprised to see a hole in the fat end...Using a blunt end of a toothpick, some spit, and a lift to the ear from over the head I was able to push them in, let them expand and then went for a test ride. They stayed in place and gave some quieting effect.
347840



The helmet got some attention to the left side pivot/hinge and the pig squealing when I looked to the right was quieter, quiet enough to contemplate a longer ride...A previous poster mentioned a similar left side problem so now I am thinking of a replacement helmet.
Anyone got a suggestion for a mid priced fullface helmet(not flip up modular) that they like?
Also nothing with excessive graphics. Thanks in advance.

[dangerous]

https://www.pacificears.co.nz/

Pro 27

Standard are $299, could be a little bit extra depending on choices for colour etc. Order, they refer you to somewhere like Bay Audiology who do the mouldings for you (takes about 20min all up), send them away and shortly your new plugs turn up in the post. They'll remake them if they don't get them right the first time. Discounts for remakes within 2 years as they keep your ear canals on file.

BINGO.... rang bay today and they told me to contact pacific and they said... pro27

[mulletman]

Ive just ordered a box of the orange 3M plugs as they suit me.

https://www.officemax.co.nz/Safety-First-Aid/Protective-Wear-Apparel/Ear-Plugs/3M-1100-Earplugs-Class-3-Uncorded-Box-of-200-Pairs-2232154

[pete376403]

I mould and cast resin 1/32 scale(hence my user name) slotcar bodies...and use Barnes products.
I dont think I would pour any of that silicone into my ear. It can take 20-40 minutes to go off but more concerning would be where does it stop?....my head is a bit empty..

Thats what the cotton wool/ thread part is for. You put that in the hole first. Us the Barnes stuff a two pack that is blue? The stuff the ENT clinic used was like that, and it did take about 10 minutes to go off.

[1/32 man]

That sounds like a business opportunity to me.
The silicone I use is pink....now I need a paying volunteer who can lie on their side for 30 mins at a time.

[F5 Dave]

I mould and cast resin 1/32 scale(hence my user name) slotcar bodies...and use Barnes products.
I dont think I would pour any of that silicone into my ear. It can take 20-40 minutes to go off but more concerning would be where does it stop?....my head is a bit empty.

I wasnt having much success with the cheap foam plugs but a mate gave some advice about fitting them. I had a look at the ones I had and was surprised to see a hole in the fat end...Using a blunt end of a toothpick, some spit, and a lift to the ear from over the head I was able to push them in, let them expand and then went for a test ride. They stayed in place and gave some quieting effect.
347840



The helmet got some attention to the left side pivot/hinge and the pig squealing when I looked to the right was quieter, quiet enough to contemplate a longer ride...A previous poster mentioned a similar left side problem so now I am thinking of a replacement helmet.
Anyone got a suggestion for a mid priced fullface helmet(not flip up modular) that they like?
Also nothing with excessive graphics. Thanks in advance.
Slotcar bodies?!??
Are they still a thing? I found a couple of my Scaletrix in the attic in the weekend getting decorations down for my Christmas obsessed wife.

[1/32 man]

Slotcar bodies?!??
Are they still a thing?

Yes, there was a boom around the 2000s with the internet playing a big part and it continues today.
Many new brands from Europe. If you are keen search for Slotit, NSR, Scale Auto, Thunderslot, Carrera and of course Scalextric.

[roogazza]

Dropped in to VTNZ for a "warrant of stiffness" today,short hop to home so didn't put the Bungs in!!!
Man what a bloody racket !!!

(I'm reminded why I wear them every time on the bike !). :yes:

[Oakie]

Yes

The wind noise at 100kph is sufficient to give you permanent sustained hearing loss. You also won't really notice until its way too late, and you can't get it back.

Exactly what happened to me. I have about $4k worth of hearing aids now.

[Oakie]

Yeah. Wind noise screwed me. Noisy helmet ... didn't realise until after I'd bought it. It wasn't until I'd done a ride from Christchurch to Temuka (Timaru) and I struggled to hear conversation clearly for a while that I realised something was up. The rest of that trip involved going up the West Coast starting at Queenstown so 1000+kms damaging myself without really realisiing.
When the penny dropped, I did start using ear plugs ... nothing fancy though, just the foam disposables from Bunnings. that made a difference but of course once it's damaged, it doesn't come back. I probably wore them for about 8 years? I stopped using them when I sold my 600. I still ride (of course!) but it's only on a CT110 for DX Mail so I don't go that fast and I've got a good quiet helmet.

[1/32 man]

I have been riding every dry day(new bike) and using the foam plugs with moderate success.
I bought a Bell qualifier helmet which unknowing to me was a noisy thing with a badly sealing visor on the left side.
So after searching and reading reviews(just like the Mrs told me to do) I coughed up for another helmet LS2 Vector (she doesnt know that bit) which was about twice the price of the Bell qualifier...much better noise levels. The visor closes tight on the LS2, the air noise is there but no where near as bad as the squealing pig that I listened to previously...happy rider now.

And I will continue to use ear plugs.

[Jeeper]

I have been riding every dry day(new bike) and using the foam plugs with moderate success.
I bought a Bell qualifier helmet which unknowing to me was a noisy thing with a badly sealing visor on the left side.
So after searching and reading reviews(just like the Mrs told me to do) I coughed up for another helmet LS2 Vector (she doesnt know that bit) which was about twice the price of the Bell qualifier...much better noise levels. The visor closes tight on the LS2, the air noise is there but no where near as bad as the squealing pig that I listened to previously...happy rider now.

And I will continue to use ear plugs.Keep the ear plugs in when the wife finds out about the new helmet... Ear plugs come handy in many situations.

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[F5 Dave]

Or when you go on a road trip with the lads. Someone always ends up sounds like a chainsaw 1/2 underwater

[Skipper]

Good recommendations here, I just received my pacific ears pro27’s and did my 1st ride.... wow!

I’m new to riding 6 months ish, gt air2 with sena set up, stock tracer 700. I was initially surprised how much wind noise there is but have nothing to compare to & after a 2 hour ride my ears were ringing.

As a stop gap I used foam plugs which improved things but are a pain to keep in.

The process is really simple order them and pay online, they emailed fast to let me choose my nearest audiologist (bay audiology) I went for the moulds but had too much wax so if you’re getting some just get your ears cleaned 1st to save two trips.

Got the moulds which is 15mins and painless-no extra charge.

I popped them in today rode 2-3 hours and no ringing, I could hear my music clearly and my very quiet engine but couldn’t hear any road or wind noise. So I’d recommend them.

They’re silicone with a small canal and the noise filter you choose for those that haven’t seen a set.

Just for an idea of how they are ...the kettle was boiling (one of those loud annoying kettles) I popped them in and couldn’t hear it anymore but could talk at normal volume.
Same on the bike even with the visor defogger vent open at 100ish Kph there was no wind noise at all!!

[SaferRides]

Good recommendations here, I just received my pacific ears pro27’s and did my 1st ride.... wow!

I’m new to riding 6 months ish, gt air2 with sena set up, stock tracer 700. I was initially surprised how much wind noise there is but have nothing to compare to & after a 2 hour ride my ears were ringing.

As a stop gap I used foam plugs which improved things but are a pain to keep in.

The process is really simple order them and pay online, they emailed fast to let me choose my nearest audiologist (bay audiology) I went for the moulds but had too much wax so if you’re getting some just get your ears cleaned 1st to save two trips.

Got the moulds which is 15mins and painless-no extra charge.

I popped them in today rode 2-3 hours and no ringing, I could hear my music clearly and my very quiet engine but couldn’t hear any road or wind noise. So I’d recommend them.

They’re silicone with a small canal and the noise filter you choose for those that haven’t seen a set.

Just for an idea of how they are ...the kettle was boiling (one of those loud annoying kettles) I popped them in and couldn’t hear it anymore but could talk at normal volume.
Same on the bike even with the visor defogger vent open at 100ish Kph there was no wind noise at all!!Good to hear that the custom plugs work well for you. If you had a build up of wax that could explain your difficulties with foam plugs.

[Skipper]

Good to hear that the custom plugs work well for you. If you had a build up of wax that could explain your difficulties with foam plugs.

Yeah I’m not sure.... mostly the helmet pulling on the lanyard I think, I do have a lanyard (string) on the plugs but they don’t fall out🤷*♂️ Time will tell but at least in theory I can’t only loose one

[bert_is_evil]

I recently got a pair of pro 27's too, I've had plugz4lugz, ear jobs and a bunch of other types but these things are on another level. I wish I'd bought them years ago. I've been recommending them to anyone that's not already too deaf to listen.

[HEsch]

I recently got a pair of pro 27's too, I've had plugz4lugz, ear jobs and a bunch of other types but these things are on another level. I wish I'd bought them years ago. I've been recommending them to anyone that's not already too deaf to listen.

Me too - love them. Pity, I lost the case, so need to get another one.

[RDjase]

Pro 27, bloody awesome, have the Pro Impulse for shooting and chainsaw work, they are great for sudden loud noises but not a touch on the Pro27 for wind noise