Earplugs: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

[Gremlin]

So my bike is kinda loud... and wind noise means it mandatory unless you don't like your hearing. Except I often had the problem that the ear plug popped out, or at least lost its total block (using the alpine ones). So I made damn sure to block them in this arvo, on a ride.

The Good:
I got them in real good, and they never budged. Blocked out a lot of noise (ummm... including people :innocent: ), but I don't think I lost any of my permanent hearing at all.

The Bad:
They were bloody impossible to get a grip on, to get back out again. Managed to get them out at a stop, and at home I had to resort to pliers to get one out.

The Ugly:
At home, straight away, my right ear was totally blocked with presumably wax, that had been shoved there. I had partial hearing in the left. After a shower, and sticking my ears under them, I lost all hearing in the left, but opened the right...

So now I have to book an appointment to have my ears syringed. This 5th of November was eerily quiet for me :mellow: I might also attach a cord to the plugs, so I can pulll them out :yes:

Let this be a lesson... earplugs have pros and cons... :lol:

[stanko]

Getting your ears syringed is not much fun, try ringing a hearing place and make an appt to have the shit vaccumed out, costs about the same but less chance of infection ot damage.

[sAsLEX]

<img src=http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=43726&d=1160527909>

From left to right at the back
Rockets Earplug - reusable cord 4.27
Bilsom reuseable cord large 5.10
E.A.R push ins with grip rings 0.84

and in the front is the old 3M foam ones I used to use but found these gave me a headache after not long.

Initial fitting showed the Rockets most comfortable, with the bilsoms being a bit big(could try the small size) and the EAR ones being rather to large.

Advantages of the first two is they come with the little storage box for off the bike storage and are billed as reusable and can be cleaned between uses.

EDIT: Wrote that a while ago on another site and have been using the purple ones since on each ride even commuting, and of note is the lack of noise which lead to me constantly being quicker every where without that reference any longer, in far too hot in a few corners but gotten used to it now and find them very comfortable.

[ZeroIndex]

Getting your ears syringed is not much fun, try ringing a hearing place and make an appt to have the shit vaccumed out, costs about the same but less chance of infection ot damage.

totally agreed.. the wax woulda built up over the years and earplugs would've agrevated the condition.. the syringing hurts bad, and half the time doesn't even work half the time.. my right ear was blocked for over a week and it hurt like hell, and I went into one of those specialist places, and within 5 minutes, i had my hearing back :)

[skelstar]

I started having blocked ears and used some ear drops...this effectively sealed my ears completely and I was partial deaf in both ears for three days. I went to a BBQ during this period and essentially became a recluse. I feel socially withdrawn, it was awefull. It real does affect your mood/disposition. One visit to the nurse and everything was back to normal.

If anything I have found using earplugs everyday keeps your ears from blocking up. I use them maybe two days a week now and the ears are starting to bung up again.

[trumpy]

.. the syringing hurts bad, and half the time doesn't even work half the time..

Only if the person doing it lacks competence. Syringing should NOT hurt if done correctly and if the water is at the correct temperature it is normally very effective.

[Kflasher]

Hi, I've been using earplugs since my 2-stroke days almost 15yrs ago and have not looked back. Important to keep clean as an infection can occur. I also find I can 'feel' the engine (if that makes sense to you). There are plenty of brands out there, I have found a jell type plug to be the softest and easier to use.

[slimjim]

and a very well old used idea is "Blue Tac" yup straight up, and you also don't need to push the blue tac as deep as the standard ear plugs that are shown above, as you can mould the blue tac , and no it will not stick like paper or such, and yup its easly removed, "Pliers" far out dude,!

[Pixie]

<img src=http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=43726&d=1160527909>

From left to right at the back
Rockets Earplug - reusable cord 4.27
Bilsom reuseable cord large 5.10
E.A.R push ins with grip rings 0.84

.

I have found the rockets to be best for me.They do swell over time,but at < $5 who cares.
The most common problem with earplug performance is that many people don't know the correct technique to insert them.Get someone in a NZ Safety store to show you.
Rockets are made by Moldex,and they do foam plugs in packs of three,in a plastic container,for $ 1.50 At NZ Safety.
I've seen these for $13 in bike shops-beware of rip-offs

[bobsmith]

What would I look for to find these specialist places for ear? (don't know what they're called). I have an earwax problem and I have to get my ears syringed every year or sometimes more often... in Korea I used to always get it vacummed (never heard of this premitive syringing before I came to NZ) but I've just gotten it syriged here but with the history of ear infection it's not very ideal (It's already led to 2 seperate occations of outer ear infection)... any ideas?

[TLDV8]

As Pixie says,the biggest problem seems to be fitment.
Bikes or engineering,i have seen folk take the foam items out of the packet and simply sit them in the outer part of the ear like two antenna's which will do little.
Roll and fit them to the ear canal,flush not pushed in.They should be easy to remove....I find giving them a minute or so to expand and seat before putting your helmet on is best...Never had any discomfort which can come back to fitment perhaps.
Personal pick.... Orange 3M's or blue ELVEX,both cone shaped,cheap and easy to keep a few spare pair's in the jacket pocket.

[roogazza]

I have found the rockets to be best for me.They do swell over time,but at < $5 who cares.
The most common problem with earplug performance is that many people don't know the correct technique to insert them.Get someone in a NZ Safety store to show you.
Rockets are made by Moldex,and they do foam plugs in packs of three,in a plastic container,for $ 1.50 At NZ Safety.
I've seen these for $13 in bike shops-beware of rip-offs

Yeah pixie , second that , Rockets ! although they hurt my lugs if I ride for and hour or more. Might just be me or my ear/helmet combo ?

[ceebie13]

I use the beige cylindrical foam jobbies from most pharmacies. Never really had a problem with them other than the odd fall out if I havent waited long enough for them to expand in my earole. They are lovely and soft/maliable when warm but not too pleasant if stiff ... this is earplugs we are talking about here OK? ...furthermore Mrs CB and I use a rider-to-pillion intercom (Oxford Bikemate3) and we can hear each other beautifully even with ear plugs in. Since I started using plugs umpteen years ago, I find I cant bear to ride without them now. The CB with standard can will never attract the noise police so imagine what it's like with ear plugs in? Heaven!

[stanko]

Here is a contact in Wanganui that does this stuff 06-348-7980 Cheryl.
Give them a ring and find out if they do Palmy

[Swoop]

As Trumpy said, syringing should NOT be painful. The skill of the "health professional" is what is hurting.
Had mine done years ago and I had to put drops of Cerumoil in for several days beforehand to loosen my brain (or the wax).

[Gremlin]

mmm cheers for the tips... I think the big problem was pushing them in further than normal, and probably dragged the bit of wax together...

I woke up this morning to find my right ear had blocked again :mellow:

I have had some oil in the left, to loosen up my brain for the syringe. Dad has just had it done, and reckoned the people were real good.

On the bright side, I have no need for plugs at the moment :2thumbsup However, I can hardly hear a thing, and it was eerily quiet this morning, as I couldn't hear any road noise or anything, from outside.

[Freakshow]

I have had some oil in the left, to loosen up my brain for the syringe. Dad has just had it done, and reckoned the people were real good.


There is a hippy alternative the the Syringe and its called ear candeling. I havent needed it but have heard great things and its not painfull.

I ll ask my partner for more details and let you know if interested.:yes:

[HenryDorsetCase]

There is a hippy alternative the the Syringe and its called ear candeling. I havent needed it but have heard great things and its not painfull.

I ll ask my partner for more details and let you know if interested.:yes:

please please don't do this: its new age quackery of the worst kind

there are other sites, but check the wiki link for starters.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ear_candling

[Gremlin]

err.... quackery ain't my thing, but cheers for the tip anyway.

Booked to have my brain remnants sucked out tomorrow afternoon. I just hope they succeed... I have to put the office phone on speaker phone, and then to my best ear, in order to hear the other person.

[Black Bandit]

I use the cheapo orange plugs from Mitre 10. They only cost ~ 90c a pair and tend to last 2 - 3 weeks depending on how much riding I do. I just buy 5 pairs or sumin and they last me for a few of months. A little container would be a good thing - I like that idea. The best thing about them is that they're really soft - make for comfortable plugs even on long rides. The only thing I find is that I need to snip the last 2mm off the ends otherwise they sick out and rub against the helmet.

[lukelin250]

from personnal experiance i tend to go with the rockets. then again this is biased considering i get them free at work lol :innocent:

[Hitcher]

I am a "rocket" man. They're great.

As for "ear candelling", I want to know who lies awake at night dreaming up all of this stuff, like iridology, homoeopathy, aromatherapy. I mean, for fuck's sake.

Some little voice will no doubt pipe up "But they work!" Bullshit. "Alternative medicine" my arse. Just because something is unscientific (albeit harmless) doesn't mean it should have to be considered (by the politically correct amongst us) to have equivalence to procedures and remedies that have withstood credible scientific analysis and peer review.

(Dismounts hobbyhorse)

[Ixion]

like thalidomide ?

[lukelin250]

(i cant stand to see your thalidomide robot face) slipknot-slipping away

[limbimtimwim]

I use the 3M ones. I got a box of 200 pairs for not a hell of a lot. I only use them for one day and never reuse them after that. They are very good. If I ride for whole day without them, I feel like shit afterwards. If I ride with them for a whole day with them in, no problem.

I have no problem with my ears gooping up. I suggest anyone with gooping up problems buy a big box of the disposable ones and try them for awhile. I figure the reusable ones get dirty every time you touch them, and ear wax is the ears' natural response to the small amounts of stuff (Food, dust, chain lube (In my case) and general crap) that you will be transporting into your ear everytime you put in an earplug.

So that is the easiest way of having a clean one, unless you clean your earplugs every day of course.

[Hitcher]

like thalidomide ?

Thalidomide is making a comeback as a treatment for leprosy and some forms of cancer, but not as a cure for morning sickness (against which it was particularly effective, by the way).

[greenman]

I've used nearly every type of earplug there is because my ear canal is tiny.
The Alpines are the best so far, but I had to cut them down to make them fit.
The foam type can take too long to expand, and on a hot day they expand too fast.
I've tried the natural wax/cotton type, but they fell out after about 10 minutes. These are really for shooters though.

The 3M type, too fiddly to fit correctly with a helmet. And too big for me.

I've had the most success with cutting down the soft rubber types that are available, but over time I notice that they go hard and get really painful.

[Kendog]

I'm with you greenman, small ear canals, also have a baby helmet so have to trim the hell out of them, but am finding the Alpine ones great so far (should do for the price!)
Mrs KD.

[roogazza]

Thalidomide is making a comeback as a treatment for leprosy and some forms of cancer, but not as a cure for morning sickness (against which it was particularly effective, by the way).

I knew it , you're pregnant !!!!!! ????? :gob:

[Lou Girardin]

Syringing hurts? Have a BIG cup of harden up.

[madmal64]

Except I often had the problem that the ear plug popped out, or at least lost its total block (using the alpine ones). So I made damn sure to block them in this arvo, on a ride.

The Good:
I got them in real good, and they never budged. Blocked out a lot of noise (ummm... including people :innocent: ), but I don't think I lost any of my permanent hearing at all.

The Bad:
They were bloody impossible to get a grip on, to get back out again. Managed to get them out at a stop, and at home I had to resort to pliers to get one out. :

Im using Alpines and I have found them bloody good and now have got fitting sorted.
As long as I follow the instructions I find them comfortable and no problems taking them out or having them fall out. I did take me a little while to get it sorted out but its easy now.
What colour filter are you using? I find the green ones way better than the yellow as I can still hold a conversation with them in and they still block road/wind noise to a level I feel comfortable with. The yellow ones are way too quite.

[Gremlin]

What colour filter are you using? I find the green ones way better than the yellow as I can still hold a conversation with them in and they still block road/wind noise to a level I feel comfortable with. The yellow ones are way too quite.
Never used green, and I will get my hands on some silicon to make green quieter than the yellow. Yellow isn't enough in the country...

I did try the foam ones, but found them useless and difficult to get right.

Having never had my ears done since basically a baby, and I suspect wax is a problem in my family, I guess it was obvious in hindsight... but I'll see what the nurse says during it.

[Beemer]

Have any of you guys heard of something called CLEANING YOUR FUCKING EARS ON A REGULAR BASIS?

I've never had any problems with my ears because every day when I have a shower I clean my ears - and if there is anything there I use a cotton bug to gently remove it! Great hearing, ear plugs that stay clean always - and all for a bit of soap and water...

It must be a man thing - every guy I know has dirty ears!

[S&S]

Three of us purchased the Rocket earplugs for our trip to the Cape over the long weekend. After 8 hrs ridding they hurt like hell. Almost unbearable using them on our way back from the cape... putting them in & out continuously over distance ridding. Wouldn't suggest... they are comfy at first, don't be fooled.... :no:

[limbimtimwim]

Have any of you guys heard of something called CLEANING YOUR FUCKING EARS ON A REGULAR BASIS?
I've never had any problems with my ears because every day when I have a shower I clean my ears - and if there is anything there I use a cotton bug to gently remove it! Great hearing, ear plugs that stay clean always - and all for a bit of soap and water...
It must be a man thing - every guy I know has dirty ears!Well missy, I have some shouting for you:

DO NOT CLEAN YOUR EARS WITH A COTTON BUD!

This is a dangerous thing to do. You risk pushing things into your ear. If your ears need cleaning (Which they should not) go to your doctor. Your doctor will recommend what is best for you, and may recommend a product you can get at the pharmacy.

If you leave your ears alone, they will not require cleaning.

Once again: Do not clean your ears with a cotton bud.

[Pixie]

Yeah pixie , second that , Rockets ! although they hurt my lugs if I ride for and hour or more. Might just be me or my ear/helmet combo ?

Possibly your helmet plays a part in this.If it causes your outer ear to move,over time the plug may chaff your ear canal.This can feel similar to red hot spikes in the ears.

[Pixie]

Three of us purchased the Rocket earplugs for our trip to the Cape over the long weekend. After 8 hrs ridding they hurt like hell. Almost unbearable using them on our way back from the cape... putting them in & out continuously over distance ridding. Wouldn't suggest... they are comfy at first, don't be fooled.... :no:

You need to find a product that suits your mutant ears.

I can wear rockets for 8 hours +
The only plugs I can do that for that long

BTW I cut the lanyard off them as it causes movement that eventually causes ear pain

[Pixie]

As no one has mentioned it,The correct way to insert an ear plug is to pull the outer ear up and back.This straightens the ear canal and allows for easy insertion to the correct depth.
Just pushing the plug into your ear is about as sensible as pushing a car with a tow-rope

[Lou Girardin]

If you want to make your Alpines quieter still, put a dab of silicone over the hole on the attenuator.

[DogBreath]

Had never heard of using earplugs on a bike 'till several months ago, thought I'd try them out.
Went for a ride in the country, stopped at a friends place, remembered they were in my jacket pocket and put 'em in.

Well, I had no idea I could corner so fast, thank heaven for the Goose's nimble feet, 'cause the third corner I went thru I was way way too hot, no point of reference you see.
So, a word to all you little ones out there, sure, wear earplugs, but watch the bloody revs eh?
(nearly pooed meself)

[Beemer]

Well missy, I have some shouting for you:

DO NOT CLEAN YOUR EARS WITH A COTTON BUD!

This is a dangerous thing to do. You risk pushing things into your ear. If your ears need cleaning (Which they should not) go to your doctor. Your doctor will recommend what is best for you, and may recommend a product you can get at the pharmacy.

If you leave your ears alone, they will not require cleaning.

Once again: Do not clean your ears with a cotton bud.

Been cleaning around my ears (NOT shoving the cotton bud right to the hilt!) with cotton buds or a rolled up tissue for years. I've never had any problems because I don't have a build-up of crap in my ears to start with. I've never had to go to a doctor or pharmacy because of crap in my ears and I don't believe anyone who says if you leave them alone they will not require cleaning! I suppose you subscribe to the same school as those with dreadlocks - after a while the oil and grease and dirt build-up will sort itself out and not require cleaning - yeah, right!

[ceebie13]

I suppose you subscribe to the same school as those with dreadlocks - after a while the oil and grease and dirt build-up will sort itself out and not require cleaning - yeah, right!

Dreadlocks... now there's an idea. I could grow some and stuff them in my ears instead!

[sAsLEX]

As no one has mentioned it,The correct way to insert an ear plug is to pull the outer ear up and back.This straightens the ear canal and allows for easy insertion to the correct depth.
Just pushing the plug into your ear is about as sensible as pushing a car with a tow-rope

It is on the packaging of most earplugs but as most tend to do they ignore the instructions cause " I know everything why would I need to read that!"

[Gremlin]

Does anyone have any idea how noisy a mouse click is? or typing on a keyboard? even your shirt rustling on your back - I thought I had some plastic on my collar or something :shit:

In the end, I don't think they used a syringe, more like a solution, that they squirted up my ear, which then worked its way around the wax, and the whole lot then came out. VERY weird feeling, and I was as dizzy as hell after one was done, but fine after the second.

Feeling fine now... just hating how goddamn loud the world is... even taking a shower, sheesh, the water made a hell of a racket hitting the base :gob:

[Karma]

Yep, thats an ear enema for you...

[Stan]

The best earplugs you'll get are "Musician's Earplugs". They reduce the noise by 15 or 20dB (depending on the model) but they reduce it evenly across the frequency spectrum which means everything sounds like it should, just quieter.

They are custom fitted so you go to an audiologist and get a mould taken of your ear and they make them to suit which means they fit perfectly and are comfortable for hours of use.

The downside is that they are expensive and take a week or two to get made.

I got a set made years ago when I was running sound-off competitions and they are fantastic.

Check them out:
http://www.elacin.co.nz/music%20protection.htm

[Warr]

These people are from Rotorua and make up silicon ear plugs while you wait.
They were at Turangi at the beginning of the Grand Challenge where I picked up a card intending to check them out later.
To date I have been using the NZ Safety "SparkPlugs" but thought some custom made ones might be the go for $60 I recall.

[notme]

The best earplugs you'll get are "Musician's Earplugs". They reduce the noise by 15 or 20dB (depending on the model) but they reduce it evenly across the frequency spectrum which means everything sounds like it should, just quieter.

They are custom fitted so you go to an audiologist and get a mould taken of your ear and they make them to suit which means they fit perfectly and are comfortable for hours of use.

The downside is that they are expensive and take a week or two to get made.

I got a set made years ago when I was running sound-off competitions and they are fantastic.

Check them out:
http://www.elacin.co.nz/music%20protection.htm
Elacin good.

Me drummer.
duuuuur.
Me have custom made plugs for me lugs.
dribble.
Ears hear good still, not hardly deeeef at all.
Not even that expensive - around $200 is not a lot for the value i place on my hearing.
Elacin goooood.

[igor]

Been cleaning around my ears (NOT shoving the cotton bud right to the hilt!) with cotton buds or a rolled up tissue for years. I've never had any problems because I don't have a build-up of crap in my ears to start with. I've never had to go to a doctor or pharmacy because of crap in my ears and I don't believe anyone who says if you leave them alone they will not require cleaning! I suppose you subscribe to the same school as those with dreadlocks - after a while the oil and grease and dirt build-up will sort itself out and not require cleaning - yeah, right!


hey get back in the kitchen. ya ears don't wax up s ya so close to the ground

i got the alpines and love im. follow the instructions putting im in. I pull the top of me ear up and they go in easy. they even supply a little dofah to put im on and then push in in. use the other end to xtract im. 6 hrs of riding and not tired.

[greenman]

These people are from Rotorua and make up silicon ear plugs while you wait.
They were at Turangi at the beginning of the Grand Challenge where I picked up a card intending to check them out later.
To date I have been using the NZ Safety "SparkPlugs" but thought some custom made ones might be the go for $60 I recall.

at $60 they are cheaper than what I thought, when I wear oup my alpines I will give them a try.

thanks

[Gremlin]

... They reduce the noise by 15 or 20dB (depending on the model) but they reduce it evenly across the frequency spectrum which means everything sounds like it should, just quieter.
Thats not really enough, hoping for more like 30-ish dB (Alpine reach 27-ish at certain frequencies). Alpine Motosafe are targeted for wind noise, but yeah, would prefer something that is right across the range.


These people are from Rotorua and make up silicon ear plugs while you wait.
Do you know how many dB reduction these plugs are rated for? Might give them an email otherwise...

[Highlander]

There is a hippy alternative the the Syringe and its called ear candeling.

You mean like Shrek did when he pulled the glob of wax out and lit it for a candlelight dinner? :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[Moxy]

These people are from Rotorua and make up silicon ear plugs while you wait.
They were at Turangi at the beginning of the Grand Challenge where I picked up a card intending to check them out later.
To date I have been using the NZ Safety "SparkPlugs" but thought some custom made ones might be the go for $60 I recall.

Silicon ear plugs are the shizz. I bought a pair at a chemist in aus for about $7.

Basically, they are 2 blobs of silicon which mould around your outer ear like the ones in the picture, only enter maybe a half cm into your ear, and cut out most all noise.

$7 is a lot better than $60 - I don't think you really need custom moulded silicon plugs when the generic ones do the trick.

[Kendog]

Thats not really enough, hoping for more like 30-ish dB (Alpine reach 27-ish at certain frequencies). Alpine Motosafe are targeted for wind noise, but yeah, would prefer something that is right across the range.


Alpine plugs are great.

I would have thought making everything quieter would be the way to go, but not really. I can stil hear the bike, cars and talking pretty well but the wind noise has gone down a lot. For me that is what good ear plugs should do.

[NinjaNanna]

There is a hippy alternative the the Syringe and its called ear candeling. I havent needed it but have heard great things and its not painfull.

I ll ask my partner for more details and let you know if interested.:yes:


I heard this called Quackery. That's not true I've used these a number of times and they are fantastic for cleaning your ears out, I've no opinion on their other SUPOSSED benefits.

I highly recommend them, you should be able to find them at a chemist, and take care of your blocked ear the same day instead of having to wait for a doctors appointment.

Also out of interest, ear candles in Australia are about $20 for two, how much was your doctors appointment, not being a smart arse, I'm geniuinely interested.

[SuperDave]

I use those purple rocket ones which are fine. The first thing I do with a new set of them is rip the annoying cord off and cut the 'trunk' of the earplug down so that they don't stick so far out of my ears - I find this stops my helmet from pushing on them.

Dunno about others, but I personally don't like to put the earplug fully in and fully seal the ear off, which of course is when the earplug will be the most effective. Rather I put them in partially so I only get a slight noise reduction. I can't handle having them fully in when riding, I find that I am unable to equalize my ears and I 'feel' every little bit of road shock in my head, wind buffeting over my helmet becomes almost intolerable as it will then feel like its smashing my brain.

Does anyone else find this to be the case?

[terbang]

Well I've got big holes..! So regular earplugs don't even touch the sides. Yeah I know a freak and I'm also deaf as a post. Just got a set of Elacin ones made by this bloke here:
Thomas Müller
Acoustix Hearing Limited
437 Remuera Road
Remuera
Auckland
New Zealand

Ph: +64 9 522 9240
Fax: +64 9 524 9192
Mobile: +64 21 528 510
Email: acoustix@paradise.net.nz

He takes a copy of your ear hole and sends it away to Holland (I think) for manufacture. The product I chose was one that was specific to people who wear helmets in a noisey environment. Yup thats us lot. Not cheap at $250 kiwi but then what value is our hearing. eh..?

[Hitcher]

Fascinating. How, exactly does Herr Müller take a cast of one's ear? Should one scan it and fax it to him?

[Karma]

I'm also deaf as a post.

[snip]

Not cheap at $250 kiwi but then what value is our hearing. eh..?

Deaf as a post? I'll take that as a glowing recommendation they work eh?

[bell]

Fascinating. How, exactly does Herr Müller take a cast of one's ear? Should one scan it and fax it to him?

Interesting views here re protecting your hearing.

Hitcher, they mix up this silicone/some bullshit space-age type stuff into a putty (think Liquid Nails and you're a bit too gooey) firstly. Actually firstly is a piece of cotton plucked from your shirt hem and wrapped/tied to a piece of cotton wool that gets pushed into your ear canal. Then in gets pumped the gooey gel stuff and is allowed to set. 10 mins max. probably.

Pull on the string that was cleverly left hanging outside your ear and out pops (doesn't make a pop actually, but I think you knew that) the mould of your ear and your ear only. Unique.

The link below is for the bloke up in Rotorua I think. I had mine made up in Oz.
A$200 and 30 minutes and you can choose what attentuation you'll get from the plugs. Mine are the "stereo wires" with a 3.5 or 2.5 mm plug for radio, MP3, radar detector etc. Easy to put in and don't come loose as they were made to fit your ears like, er, a glove. No that's not the best analogy.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Helmets-clothing-footwear/Other/auction-76707948.htm

There was another thread, I'm sure there are more than a few on here, re earplugs. Some helpful person will post more links. http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=29559
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=30492

Oh yeah, I'm deaf. Not 100% but across the range it's pretty 'bad'. 200$ is worth paying so that I'll be able to communicate with people in the years to come. Fuck, it's already hard but trust me, you'll regret not doing something about it when you could have. That time is now.

When was your last hearing test? :done:

[terbang]

Fascinating. How, exactly does Herr Müller take a cast of one's ear? Should one scan it and fax it to him?

Somebody else beat me to it but its painless though it feels strange.
Yup he is from Zurich.


Deaf as a post? I'll take that as a glowing recommendation they work eh?

More like the reason I got them. I do a medical every year and my hearing has deteriorated to a point where I need to keep an eye on things and have good ear protection close by. Apart from walking around aeroplanes with screeching APU's (OSH has ensured that we get ear muffs for that). And as I have had more time of recent to do lots of riding, it is my helmet environment that is the culprit.

[Gremlin]

how much was your doctors appointment, not being a smart arse, I'm geniuinely interested.
Cost me 65 kiwi rollah... The doctor saw me for 5 mins, and repeated everything I said (well, it was a pretty obvious case), looked down me ears, and said what I expected... he charged $50...

Then the nurse blasted some solution up me lug holes for $5 an ear, for say 10 min worth, and $5 for materials...

being the doctor ain't a bad gig really :shit:

[Pixie]

Had never heard of using earplugs on a bike 'till several months ago, thought I'd try them out.
Went for a ride in the country, stopped at a friends place, remembered they were in my jacket pocket and put 'em in.



You probably found they didn't work too well in your pocket,right?

[Pixie]

I've never had any problems because I don't have a build-up of crap in my ears to start with. I've never had to go to a doctor or pharmacy because of crap in my ears

You must only associate with people who talk sense,then?

[Plugz 4 Lugz]

..... the only way to go!!! Comfortable, reusable, made on the spot from medical silicone, to fit your ears only. To all those riders who had them molded at the various motorcycle events over the past month, your feedback has been positively wonderful. Word of mouth sells this product faster than any advertisement!!!! For the sceptics who want to know more, and reap the benefit, we'll be at Pukekohe March 10/11th, Featherston Mar 18, and Manfeild April 1st (if there's enough interest for us to be there!!!). Check the website www.earmold.com.au and contact us on rowlsy@xtra.co.nz. (Oh, they have an Aust/NZ Std Grade 4 rating, and are rated for 45dB). The price is now $65 for the basic earplugs, $220 for the wired sets for the ipods etc. Ring me on 027 275 6848.

[Plugz 4 Lugz]

Cheers Ears:) Thanks for plug!!! Give us a bell when you want some made:) 027 659 1583.

[Manxman]

I've never had to go to a doctor or pharmacy because of crap in my ears.

I've only ever had to go the doc for the crap between my ears...:eek:

[Grub]

and a very well old used idea is "Blue Tac" yup straight up, and you also don't need to push the blue tac as deep as the standard ear plugs that are shown above, as you can mould the blue tac , and no it will not stick like paper or such, and yup its easly removed

He's right. Nasty had some hi-tech silicone ones and I borrowed them ... got a real bolixing for that! They were much better than the plug type ... but alas I couldn't use them again. Then I thought, they really felt the same consistency and denisty as bluetac - so I tried it. Not only was the bluettac better than the plug types I was using, they were better than the silicone ones too!

Yup, you sure get some raised eyebrows as you pull them out on a group ride ... but I promidse they work and they DON"T FALL OUT (which you might gather is my pet earplug hate)

[Plugz 4 Lugz]

Ear candling has been around for centuries. Practitioners try to sell it to you that the crap left in the base of the candle is dead skin cells, old wax and whatever else from you ears. Extensive research on the net tells one that candling actually warms the vessels surrounding the ear canal, thereby softening the wax so it can drain naturally as you lay (in bed asleep!!!). For chronic syringers, it's definitely worth a try.....

[Plugz 4 Lugz]

Give us a bell if you want to 'discover' the real comfort in earplugs, custom mold, silicone. 027 275 6848 or rowlsy@xtra.co.nz. Check out the website www.earmold.com.au

[Slingshot]

..... the only way to go!!! Comfortable, reusable, made on the spot from medical silicone, to fit your ears only. To all those riders who had them molded at the various motorcycle events over the past month, your feedback has been positively wonderful. Word of mouth sells this product faster than any advertisement!!!! For the sceptics who want to know more, and reap the benefit, we'll be at Pukekohe March 10/11th, Featherston Mar 18, and Manfeild April 1st (if there's enough interest for us to be there!!!). Check the website www.earmold.com.au (http://www.earmold.com.au) and contact us on rowlsy@xtra.co.nz. (Oh, they have an Aust/NZ Std Grade 4 rating, and are rated for 45dB). The price is now $65 for the basic earplugs, $220 for the wired sets for the ipods etc. Ring me on 027 275 6848.

Are you talking Featherston in the Wairarapa? If so, where abouts in Featherston?

[roogazza]

" ROCKETS " under five bucks at the safety shop !!! Give'em a lick and they pop straight in !!! Gaz.

[MikeyG]

I've got a set similar to the purple ones. I don't find them too comfortable and they often move as I put my helmet on. Also if I push against the side of my helmet with my hand I can feel the stalk on the plugs rub against the inner of my helmet making me worry that if I crassh and hit the side of my head the ear-plug will get pushed through my eardrum.

I'll be going for a set of the custom-made silicon ones soon. There was a stand selling them at the nationals at Manfield and $65 is cheap compared to a hearing aid.