Ear Plugs

[bros400]

Whats the best ear plugs you have found for cuting back the wind noise. Im starting to suffer from my ears playing up after rides more and more.. i try and wher ear plugs almost every time i ride now.

But im wondering if there is better ones around that what i have (ones my mum got from the air port.)

Daniel

[vifferman]

Whats the best ear plugs you have found for cuting back the wind noise. Im starting to suffer from my ears playing up after rides more and more.. i try and wher ear plugs almost every time i ride now.

But im wondering if there is better ones around that what i have (ones my mum got from the air port.)

DanielI use those cheap disposable orange 3M ones.
And wash and re-use them.
Comfort-wise, they're good for a couple of hours, and seem to block the tinnitus-inducing wind noise, while allowing me to still hear the engine and that sort of thing.

[StoneChucker]

I recently tried a pair of Class 5 X-Treme Brand (highest noise protection) disposable ear plugs (the ones you compress, and jam in your ear) - Available from NZ Safety Ltd on Adelaide Rd, Newtown, Wgtn for I think $76 for 200 pairs. They are really good, but I would only use them on LONG rides, since on the short ride I was on, I couldn't communicate with fellow riders at traffic lights, or hear the remarks from pedestrians I almost ran over (I like to hear the abuse, so I can give it back :)) hehe, partly joking of course.

They also have single units available, some with a cord attaching the two plugs ($0.88 each from memory)

All personal preferance I guess.
Dave.

[StoneChucker]

My first helmet, a FHM entry level brand was terrible with regards to wind noise. I bought a new HJC with my current bike( :bye: ), and it cuts out enough wind noise so I don't really need ear plugs anyway.

Just another option
So, if you plan to buy more than 1843 pairs of ear plugs ($0.38, disposable - no cord)), it would be worth your while to spend $700 on a relatively good helmet :whistle:

[Yokai]

I've got a Zeus fliptop. The noise is Ok - a little deafening, but it's a nice helmet... I think it would be better with a windscreen - I put my hand in front of my face to change the airflow on my ride yesterday, and it was much quieter...

*shrug* time for a visit to Givi I think!

Yo

[dhunt]

Is your new helmet still quite noisy then? I guess you need to make sure you've got the plugs in right, I know sometimes I have noisy trips than others depend on how good a job I've got them in. Also riding in the wind is noisier than riding on a calm day.

[Dodgyiti]

You can try a helmet on in the shop, and OK it fits, but asking to burn up and down the open road for wind noise is unfortunatly pushing the envelope a little. :disapint:
I have been unlucky each time I have bought a helmet. They all fit perfectly, but were wind noisy like anything each and every time.
I would be very interested in which ones are nice and quiet folks...

[rodgerd]

I use those cheap disposable orange 3M ones.
And wash and re-use them.
Comfort-wise, they're good for a couple of hours, and seem to block the tinnitus-inducing wind noise, while allowing me to still hear the engine and that sort of thing.

I'll second the recommendation. I notice a real difference in how fresh I feel if I ride the same road with and without plugs.

[Devil]

From the musical days of the heavy metal kinda, i have a pair of $55 ish hi-fi earplugs which are excellent. Cut the sound level right down without muffling or distorting anything, the only downside is the stubs on the end (that you grab) stick out a little way so they can bump/rub on the helmet padding which can be a little off putting.
Id give them a 9/10 for comfort and a 10/10 for noise quality.

On saying that, ive just got a 3 pair pack of the squishy yellow ones for $2.50 that I keep in the jacket for emergencies. They're not too bad, although id prefer not to have to wear earplugs, but thats life.

[vifferman]

I've got a Zeus fliptop. The noise is Ok - a little deafening, but it's a nice helmet... I think it would be better with a windscreen - I put my hand in front of my face to change the airflow on my ride yesterday, and it was much quieter...

*shrug* time for a visit to Givi I think!

YoBe aware that some screens can make the wind noise worse; depends where the resultant airflow is, and whether it's smooth or turbulent. If the airflow is at chest height, it should make it less noisy than if it's directed higher towards your helmet. The ultimate can be something which pushes the airflow above your helmet, but this may result in more turbulence and buffeting as the low-pressure area behind the screen can have a vortex behind it, which at some speeds could coincide with where you are. It may also take a lot more power to push through the air, and may mean reduced helmet ventilation.

Another consideration is mounting: if you buy a fork/handlebar mounted screen, it may affect the bike's handling in crosswinds.

I'm not trying to put you off, just alert you to some things to be aware of when choosing a screen, so you enjoy the result rather than curse it.

[Motoracer]

Ah FFS! That's what I forgot yesterday for racing! To wear the freakin earplugs.

[Two Smoker]

Ah FFS! That's what I forgot yesterday for racing! To wear the freakin earplugs.
i fucking told you to put them in LOL....... ah well, next time in April aye :niceone: (you better do the track day too....)

I have only just started wearing earplugs, and it has made a huge difference..... especially since my riding is done "cough, cough" at the speed limit..... i can concentrate more and focus on my riding better....

Most racers wear them too :niceone:

[Hitcher]

I use the yellow grommet type (with the blue connecting cord) that you get from Protector Safety or other similar outlets. Outstandingly good. Very comfortable and easy to use.

Never buy the hearing protectors that bike shops sell, unless you like spending four to five times more than you can get for superior protection elsewhere.

[sedge]

I get some good ones from the Chemist, bell shaped squishy ones, they come in a lilttle platic carry case with four pairs I think... they are rated at 36Db not 33Db like most of them. Being bell shaped they actually stay in my ear for a change, unlike the flat ones which pop out all the time (need more earwax to stick them in I guess)

Two cases a year is all it takes (I wear them a couple of hours every day commuting), they get a little sticky after three months or so... heh heh.

Sedge.

[Motu]

I hate ear plugs,I will stop when I get to gravel or go off road and take them out - I just can't think with them in.But I now have some Alpine ear plugs and they are great - just takes out the wind noise,I don't feel like my ears are blocked....I can hear the bike,people talking to me,even with the bike running,can hear cars,police sirens and sparrows farting.But they are a hassle to fit correctly,and the filters will contact the outer ear if not in right,then they hurt like hell.Got them in right on sunday and left them in for my whole ride,only taking them out when I got to Puke.They go in deep and I use a pair of small pliers to get them out - must look a bit strange to see me going into my ears with needle nose pliers - but people lead such boring lives watching a motorcyclist extracting earplugs with pliers will supply them with after dinner discussions for days.

[Blakamin]

I hate ear plugs,I will stop when I get to gravel or go off road and take them out - I just can't think with them in.But I now have some Alpine ear plugs and they are great - just takes out the wind noise,I don't feel like my ears are blocked....I can hear the bike,people talking to me,even with the bike running,can hear cars,police sirens and sparrows farting.But they are a hassle to fit correctly,and the filters will contact the outer ear if not in right,then they hurt like hell.Got them in right on sunday and left them in for my whole ride,only taking them out when I got to Puke.They go in deep and I use a pair of small pliers to get them out - must look a bit strange to see me going into my ears with needle nose pliers - but people lead such boring lives watching a motorcyclist extracting earplugs with pliers will supply them with after dinner discussions for days.
The reason you cant think is coz you pushed 'em in too far :eek: :moon:

[Bandito]

I hate ear plugs,I will stop when I get to gravel or go off road and take them out - I just can't think with them in.But I now have some Alpine ear plugs and they are great - just takes out the wind noise,I don't feel like my ears are blocked....I can hear the bike,people talking to me,even with the bike running,can hear cars,police sirens and sparrows farting.But they are a hassle to fit correctly,and the filters will contact the outer ear if not in right,then they hurt like hell.Got them in right on sunday and left them in for my whole ride,only taking them out when I got to Puke.They go in deep and I use a pair of small pliers to get them out - must look a bit strange to see me going into my ears with needle nose pliers - but people lead such boring lives watching a motorcyclist extracting earplugs with pliers will supply them with after dinner discussions for days.
Yeah I agree Earplugs really mess with my senses and make my riding less in tune. So given my lack of aptitude to ride a motorcycle I choose not to wear them. a personal choice

[Motu]

The reason you cant think is coz you pushed 'em in too far :eek: :moon:

Shit! do you think I mighta done an autolobotomy? - I thought that grey stuff on the plugs when I pull them out was just the porridge I poured in to remove ear wax...it tasted bloody awfull!

[Blakamin]

Shit! do you think I mighta done an autolobotomy? - I thought that grey stuff on the plugs when I pull them out was just the porridge I poured in to remove ear wax...it tasted bloody awfull!
hehhehehehe... well done <_<

[Zapf]

I am using the Alpine ear plugs as well, and I have switched to the yellow filters they came with. they selectively filters out the frequency spectrum as follows

Hz dB
125 18.8
250 15.6
500 16.0
1000 18.5
2000 27.7
4000 28.9
8000 22.0

I think they are great, as I can hear people talk and cars around me. but just enough sound and not loud as to hurt my ear

[Wenier]

The best place to get ear plugs is from a protective clothing place like Protector, they'll sell the ones that airport staff use which i can get for free from work which are the highest class of ear plug u can get, but id say get a good helmet and ya wont ever have to worry. And jus ask the shop guys bout the noise levels in the helmets ya look at they usually no how good or bad they are.

[StoneChucker]

Maybe thats why I can't hear squat when I wear mine. They are industrial plugs, rated to like 110Db (for working with a JackHammer, according to the catalogue)

The last ride I was on, the people would talk to me, and I'll just nod and smile, with no idea what they were on about. :2thumbsup

[MrMelon]

I've been using those orange bell shaped ones like Sedge uses, and I can't get by without them now. They tend to really block everything out though. There's no way to hear what anyone's saying when you've got them in, and I can only really hear the engine when it's above about 7k rpm.

[LB]

.
A friend of mine (and fellow Ducati rider) is an audiologist and can custom-make ear plugs - several of my mates have them and I'm seriously thinking of getting some. I currently use the 3M bright orange bell-shaped ones which are fine most of the time but sometimes they don't quite sit right.

Anyone wants info on the custom made jobbies give me a yell.
.

[igor]

I am using the Alpine ear plugs as well, and I have switched to the yellow filters they came with. they selectively filters out the frequency spectrum as follows

Hz dB
125 18.8
250 15.6
500 16.0
1000 18.5
2000 27.7
4000 28.9
8000 22.0

I think they are great, as I can hear people talk and cars around me. but just enough sound and not loud as to hurt my ear

ya seen the ads for the $49 ones that are mentioned above and ya go shit i ant paying that a.

but i used to get onthe AG and head out of town and after about 30kms the noise was prissing me off so i would turn around and come home.

i was getting pretty upset me riding was being ruined. Have a BMW helmut

I coughed up me $49 and bought some of these and all i can say is they are amazing. They get rid of all the backwash and craap wind noise. I can hear people talking and the roar of the AG's motor as I am cruising down the road. went around the mandel; last week and after 350kms ya still thinking man that motor noise is good and ya feel refreshed still.

i forget to put im in and straight away no the diffrence.

so if ya want im go to www.challengermotors.co.nz I got nothing to do with the company etc. only on eword of waring some people don't like im due to shape of inner ear. me i lov im

ya got a little dodah the earplug sits on and ya pull up the top of ya ear and rotate in in. made of surgical type latex. can be washed etc

[Motu]

. can be washed etc

I just suck them clean - the grey stuff is yucky tho....

[igor]

I just suck them clean - the grey stuff is yucky tho....

Hey Moty.

i been trolling a lot butt keepin very quiet on dizs and the other lists.

ya wanna tie up one day in Thames and we will go and do the Tapu -Coroglen Road and then the 309 Road then a snack in Feral Coromandel and then back across 309 and coroglen Tapu to c wot they look like the other way

OR MAYBE COLVILLE WAIKAWAU KENNEDY AND BACK

was up there last week and saew 4 cars on tapu coroglen road. its great fun cranking it through there

hey i mwon't have the panniers on this time so if ya behind ya can get pass the AG

IGOR

[vifferman]

Maybe thats why I can't hear squat when I wear mine. They are industrial plugs, rated to like 110Db (for working with a JackHammer, according to the catalogue)

The last ride I was on, the people would talk to me, and I'll just nod and smile, with no idea what they were on about. :killingme Yeah, me too. I usually leave them in when I stop for petrol (as I did on Sunday), and must come across as a fargin eedjit when the person behind the counter makes small talk.
Heh... on Sunday, the Service Station Dude said, "arrble mumble {sounded like $2 summat} arble arble..." and I thought, "Man, that's cheap...", and was disappointed to see it was $16.33 :wacko:

[750Y]

i get the green bullet foam one's from 3m in a pack of about 10. costs 3 or 4 bucks but they work fine. i don't ride without them. I can still hear most things but it's quiet. also washing the helmet liners tends to quieten down things as the sponge pads expand back to size, plus the helmet smells nice like fabric softener for a week.

[Kendog]

You can try a helmet on in the shop, and OK it fits, but asking to burn up and down the open road for wind noise is unfortunatly pushing the envelope a little. :disapint:
I have been unlucky each time I have bought a helmet. They all fit perfectly, but were wind noisy like anything each and every time.
I would be very interested in which ones are nice and quiet folks...

I bought a Shoei Raid. Very quiet.
The problem is each helmet brand and model fits a little different so its a case of finding the right one for fit, then dealing with the noise afterwards, e.g. earplugs.

[jrandom]

I bought a Shoei Raid. Very quiet.

They are, aren't they?

My one's so comfy that I don't feel a terrible need for plugs.

I should probably use them anyway, though.

[magnum]

3m orange foam plugs,free from work :whistle:

[Motu]

Hey Moty.

i been trolling a lot butt keepin very quiet on dizs and the other lists.

ya wanna tie up one day in Thames and we will go and do the Tapu -Coroglen Road and then the 309 Road then a snack in Feral Coromandel and then back across 309 and coroglen Tapu to c wot they look like the other way

OR MAYBE COLVILLE WAIKAWAU KENNEDY AND BACK

was up there last week and saew 4 cars on tapu coroglen road. its great fun cranking it through there

hey i mwon't have the panniers on this time so if ya behind ya can get pass the AG

IGOR


I haven't been able to get on the bike much these last few months,I hope to catch up this summer.Some zig zagging on the peninsula could be a bit o fun,Kennedy bay sounds good too.I was looking to do a Port Jackson and Port Charles (different days) sometime this year too.I mighjt take the XT400,so the AG just might be able to keep up - shit,no panniers,wher do you keep your lunch,an picknick table an chairs?

[igor]

I haven't been able to get on the bike much these last few months,I hope to catch up this summer.Some zig zagging on the peninsula could be a bit o fun,Kennedy bay sounds good too.I was looking to do a Port Jackson and Port Charles (different days) sometime this year too.I mighjt take the XT400,so the AG just might be able to keep up - shit,no panniers,wher do you keep your lunch,an picknick table an chairs?

Jacko or charles would be fine as well. Jacko or fletchers shore is bueadyfull. went up to stoney bay a while back and the doco guys said we could ride to fletchers if we wanted but the AG wouldn't mak it up one hill. they had problems on teh 4 wheele farmy bikes.

i mounted a big alloy rack on the bak of the AG and ya can use it as a helo pad so we can get the tables and chairs flown in.

bring the hondony. i like the big thumper

can't leave coro penn too late as the jaffas (oops u is 1 ) start arriving and can't drive for squat.

[FzerozeroT]

Best bet is to buy five or six types and try them for yourself, it'll only be $2 or so and you can decide for yourself, I picked "Ear-Soft" they are apparantly the softest on the market and they have a big flared end that makes tham easy to insert

[Stevo]

I used to use the cheapo model orange roll up ear plug but went to the fancy plastic cord ones cos I keep friggin losing the others. After a long period of riding ie. more than 3 hrs my ears start to get quite sore though. One day I will get me some custom fitting jobbies, for better comfort, plus get me a flasher helmet...................... Maybe get a good deal on one when I trade up my bike as it is costing all my dosh to keep it running.
For the mean time may stick to the budgo roll ups :ride:

[Coldkiwi]

Maybe thats why I can't hear squat when I wear mine. They are industrial plugs, rated to like 110Db (for working with a JackHammer, according to the catalogue)

no such thing as industrial plugs... they're called "ear muffs!" No plug will do as good a job as decent ear muffs so its a much better bet to use muffs for very noisy environments if possible.

The airport staff that spend most of their time on the tarmac would quite possibly use both plugs and muffs actually.



The last ride I was on, the people would talk to me, and I'll just nod and smile, with no idea what they were on about. :2thumbsup

I've gotten used to it! I tend to mumble and not listen properly anyway so it hasn't affected me much!

[Coldkiwi]

Whats the best ear plugs you have found for cuting back the wind noise. Im starting to suffer from my ears playing up after rides more and more.. i try and wher ear plugs almost every time i ride now.

But im wondering if there is better ones around that what i have (ones my mum got from the air port.)

Daniel


anyone looking for more info on ear plugs can visitthis thread (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=307&page=5&pp=15&highlight=ear+plugs)
or this one has some good links in it too (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=5233&page=2&pp=15&highlight=ear+plugs)

and if anyone has trouble putting plugs in, follow these steps (works for foam and plastic stem types but you don't need to roll the plastic ones)



>>>>>
AS for difficulties putting them in, I can offer some good advice.

Prior to putting them in, roll them reasonably tightly in your (clean) fingers. Then quickly (before they expand) reach over your head with your left hand and pull the top of your right ear up (not so it hurts but so it straightens the ear canal). You will then find that your rolled up plug slides in quite easily (be sure not to push it so far it touches your inner ear.. you'll know because it feels uncomfortable). Release the top of your ear while still holding the plug in place with your right hand until it has expanded fully (you should be able to hear sweet sod all!).

Repeat for the left ear.

Works a treat and prevents the plugs from getting knocked out when sliding your helmet over

[Ms Piggy]

I've just bought myself a decent pair of ear plugs, those little foam ones piss me off, but I was wondering do people wear them every time they ride or just for long rides? I ride around town a lot, everyday just about - is it "worth it" round town commuting?

Sorry if this has already been asked.

[Coyote]

I've just bought myself a decent pair of ear plugs, those little foam ones piss me off, but I was wondering do people wear them evert time they ride or just for long rides? I ride around town a lot, everyday just about - is it "worth it" round town cummuting?

Sorry if this has already been asked.
Isnt that up to personal preference?

[rodgerd]

I've just bought myself a decent pair of ear plugs, those little foam ones piss me off, but I was wondering do people wear them evert time they ride or just for long rides? I ride around town a lot, everyday just about - is it "worth it" round town cummuting?


Everything I've read about exposure to noise generally suggests there's a threshold for exposure to do permanent damage, depending on the amount of noise. That's going to vary according to speed and helmet, on a bike, so I generally don't bother with earplugs for a 10-15 minute squirt around town, but will always use them for open road riding.

There are a few (http://www.isvr.co.uk/at_work/m_cycle.htm) articles (http://hope4hearing.org/motorcycle1.htm) out there on the topic.

[Ms Piggy]

Isnt that up to personal preference?
Not if it means I'll be deaf by the time I'm 60 it's not. It's all about prevention. Like wearing any safety gear is really.

Thanks for the info Rogerd.

[badlieutenant]

if you dont want to go deaf but like listening to music (u never know) and may be a better option for onboard phs etc there are these thingimobobs from the uk
http://www.greenleopard.co.uk/osb/itemdetails.cfm/ID/11
not the cheapest option tho :D

[Aleph]

Try a scarf. Others will give you a hard time but only because they are not self confident enough to wear the scarf. Go silk in summer and make them all sick.