Headphones?

[samo]

Just wondering if anyone rides with music? I ride to work and back most days and thought of listening to music on the way. Completely stupid idea or is it general practise?

[James Deuce]

Really bad for your hearing.

But the people that listen to music through headphones under their helmet will deny that - if they hear you ask the question.

You have to overwhelm 86-96db of noise to be able to hear your earbuds. Decibel rating is not measuring a linear increase in sound volume either, so the difference between 10 and 30dB is that 30 dB is 100 times louder than 10.

Contrary to popular opinion, ear buds do not block external noise.

You can get noise canceling earbuds (http://www.amazon.com/Philips-HN060-37-Noise-Canceling-Earbuds/dp/B00061IYJC) and I would strongly recommend that you purchase these if you really must go down this route.

Bear in mind that you are removing one of the many defenses you need to successfully negotiate riding on the road. Many is the time I haven't changed lanes because even though I can't see anything in my mirrors and I missed seeing anything with my headcheck, I still didn't change lanes because I can hear something, usually a Ducati or Aprilia rider moving much faster than me :)

[Macktheknife]

Or you can get in-helmet speakers with noise cancelling earplugs. Sounds wierd I know but it works, the plugs block the wind noise and are designed to still pick up vocal frequencies, seems to work.

[Devil]

Plain earbuds are a no-no for keeping your hearing.
Decent Noise-isolating, or preferably noise-cancelling ones are the go.
I have a set of noise-isolating ones which let me use a far lower volume than plain earbuds, while still letting me hear *enough* outside noise (like you would with earplugs).

Ride with mine daily.

[knutts]

If you are feeling flush with cash, the March Kiwi Rider mag has an advert for a helmet for $599.00 :gob: with all the the toys already fitted. Ad is about 4 pages in.

[XP@]

Where do you get the noise canceling plugs from?
I find i have to listen to music on my commute at the moment, so i am trashing my hearing... but trying to ride a tad slower to cut the wind noise.

There again I should re-investigate the n-com set for my hat (Nolan N102)....

Basic kit + cable to my phone = $125 Auzzie

[Devil]

Where do you get the noise canceling plugs from?

Many different manufacturers do noise cancelling or isolating plugs. Eg. Sony, Phillips, Creative Labs (which i've got, EP630's). Use your inner google-fu.

[Hans]

Hate to be a killjoy, but IMHO it's not such a great idea in terms of general awareness of your surroundings. I'm not a complete noob when it comes to riding /12 years/, but when I tried it with a mate's setup, I found it reduced my concentration and awareness. Anyways, up to you.

[Pwalo]

Not too sure if I need any distractions on my way to and from work. I like to have my wits about me when I'm playing in the traffic.

I always ride with ear plugs, which cut down the wind noise, but still seem to allow me to hear enough to pick out threatening noises.

[samo]

yea im a little worried about the lack of awareness side of things but i might try it(with noise canceling headphones) and see how i go. I didnt even think of ruining my hearing if i didnt use nch! so thanks guys

[ArcherWC]

I use the MotoSafe earplugs and my MP3 player pipes into my intercom system.

All can be purchased here
http://www.challengermotors.co.nz/

Tony is really good to deal with too

[idleidolidyll]

The comments on awareness of other traffic etc may, or may not, apply to any one individual.
I know a number of riders who go bloody well while wearing earphones and I've not seen them put a foot wrong. On the other hand, some people are just plain dangerous even without earphones and adding these just exaggerates the problem.

So there are some people who CAN focus on riding as well as listen to music but there are others who cannot. Nobody here can tell you which category you fit into and you therefore can only suck it and see.

That said however, the comments on decibels and noise cancelling are very valid. Buy a really good set of earbud phones with noise cancelling system. Expect to pay in the hundreds of dollars or you're probably not getting quality.

[Pumba]

The search is your Friend

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=30492&highlight=Music

:rockon:

[Waylander]

Didn't want to start a thread forthis since there are so many so I'll just resurectthis one.

This guy has an interesting solution to this problem lol.

2-zQ-shbHs0

[Teflon]

I listen music going to work and back. i cant see any problems with this at normal listening levels.

I don't think it will damage your hearing either. I'm forced to get my hearing checked yearly, no problems yet.

[Dave-]

anyone know where you can get those noise canceling earbuds at retail?

[MyGSXF]

I use my mp3 only when out on the open road touring. I don't use it on short trips & around town.. need to keep your wits about you in heavy traffic!!! :yes:

[Young&Stupid]

Brands like Sony, Seinheisser (spelling?) and Shure all make quality Noise canceling earphones, take a look on Trademe or maybe somewhere like Noel Leeming or Bond and Bond?
I use a pair of Sony MDR-EX71 earbuds which are not noise canceling but noise isolating and I can use these at a reasonable volume (non damaging) while riding.

[SpinFx]

used a mp3 player and ear plugs once, typical....... got pulled over and didn't notice for 2 kms until I looked in mirror......( was thrashing Metallica and doing 120ks ) got a big fine and stern warning from coppa.........Never again.

[dman]

Happened to see today a couple of noise isolating earphone advertised in a recent mailer, $400 and $600 each!! ouch

[kazter]

i do it too.. :) on a not-too-loud volume.. keeping my emotion on a stable point.. haha....

[kazter]

used a mp3 player and ear plugs once, typical....... got pulled over and didn't notice for 2 kms until I looked in mirror......( was thrashing Metallica and doing 120ks ) got a big fine and stern warning from coppa.........Never again.

lol, be careful for songs that you chose :Punk:

[bell]

Ditto Jim's post re the need to appreciate the dangers inherent in sticking noisy things into your ears when your ears are already being trashed by noise from your helmet (at highway speeds more so).

I am fairly deaf anyway (probably since birth as opposed to industrial deafness or it being an acquired thing), so I am a bit anal about protecting the hearing I do still have. I'll turn around and ride home after 10 kms on the bike after forgetting my plugs, just to go through with the routine of gloves off, helmet off, key in door, find plugs (which should have been in the pocket of pants or jacket or tankbag...), stick in ears, helmet on , gloves on, off we go again.....

The product in the link below kind of kills two birds with one stone. The amplifiers for the speakers are actually located at the end of the twisty/springy bit of tubing that goes into the custom fitted earmould. You can basically dial up the reduction in sound pressure level when you get the moulds made up. You can get the equivalent of at least a Class 3 earplug through to Class 5, as well as the benefit of the stereo sound coming through the tube. Noise suppressing plug+half decent stereo sound in the one item.

I have my phone/mp3 player on about half volume level and that's sufficient to be able to hear music or a podcast or radio at highway speeds with a very average HJC (ie. noisy) helmet.

They come with a 3.5 mm plug that'll fit most devices save for an iPod or nano (are they 2.5mm?).

The only downside I have found is that they do create a bit of extra bulk between my jacket collar and my neck. That point there is vulnerable to a certain amount of buffeting and due to that there can sometimes be wind noise that's picked up through the tubing that is meant to be bringing you your stereo sound. This can be diminished by making sure that the curly bit of the wires goes inside the helmet (I loop mine around the back of my ears to take up that bit of extra tubing).

HTH. Let us know how you find the product you eventually choose, be keen to hear your results.

But don't stuff your hearing for the sake of a few tunes. Long rides at highway speeds and even just the cumulative effect of daily short rides at highway speeds are definitely damaging your hearing. You want to be able to hear your grandkiddies whining, er, chatting away to you when you get older? Admit it, of course you do....look after your ears.

http://www.earmold.com.au/content/view/25/35/

OR....go here for the TradeMe seller doing them.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Helmets-clothing-footwear/Other/auction-98791209.htm

[Dave-]

legend bell, just what I've been looking for.