Earplugs: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

**madmal64** · 6th November 2006, 20:57

Originally Posted by Gremlin

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

), 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** · 6th November 2006, 22:26

Originally Posted by madmal64

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** · 7th November 2006, 14:23

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** · 7th November 2006, 14:48

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....

**limbimtimwim** · 7th November 2006, 17:20

Originally Posted by 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!

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** · 7th November 2006, 19:04

Originally Posted by roogazza

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** · 7th November 2006, 19:08

Originally Posted by 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....

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** · 7th November 2006, 19:24

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** · 7th November 2006, 20:34

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

**DogBreath** · 7th November 2006, 23:01

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** · 8th November 2006, 09:47

Originally Posted by limbimtimwim

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** · 8th November 2006, 12:25

Originally Posted by Beemer

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** · 8th November 2006, 16:50

Originally Posted by 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

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** · 8th November 2006, 23:18

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

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