How quiet are your earplugs really?
Discussion
I passed my test a year ago and never thought to use any hearing protection at the time. Fast forward to when I bought my own bike and had some time on the motorway etc and the extreme wind noise made me reconsider that and order up a few different options.
I tried moto specific ones like the Oxford series and thought that they made very little difference. I’ve tried a few foam varieties and honestly they’re much of a muchness (although better than the Oxford reusables). I’m definitely inserting them correctly - they’re deep in the ear canal, rolled up and moisten to insert and no way they’re coming out unless they’re pulled out but I still feel like I’m getting quite a bit of wind noise at higher speeds.
A few weeks ago I had a few days of consecutive riding when the weather was good and afterwards my ears were ringing and they still are a bit. I’m concerned that this is some permanent, albeit mild, tinnitus.
Reading through some topics, people talk about being unable to hear anything with plugs in. Now don’t get me wrong, it’s definitely muffled if you’re talking to say a petrol station cashier with your helmet still on but I’m just not sure that they’re doing enough.
I’m going next week to get a new lid and looking at either a Schuberth C5 or Shoei Neotec 3 as these two seem like good options to close down as much as a helmet can. For the earplugs, I’m thinking about getting a custom set made up but a lot of people seem to suggest that the foam versions are actually the best you can get. Am I just expecting too much and are people exaggerating the effectiveness?
Anything else I should be looking into? I’ll be honest, it’s putting me off getting the bike out a bit at the moment which is really frustrating when the weather is so good. But at the same time, I really don’t want this constant ringing to get any worse.
Bikes an MT07 which is also probably not the best being a naked.
I tried moto specific ones like the Oxford series and thought that they made very little difference. I’ve tried a few foam varieties and honestly they’re much of a muchness (although better than the Oxford reusables). I’m definitely inserting them correctly - they’re deep in the ear canal, rolled up and moisten to insert and no way they’re coming out unless they’re pulled out but I still feel like I’m getting quite a bit of wind noise at higher speeds.
A few weeks ago I had a few days of consecutive riding when the weather was good and afterwards my ears were ringing and they still are a bit. I’m concerned that this is some permanent, albeit mild, tinnitus.
Reading through some topics, people talk about being unable to hear anything with plugs in. Now don’t get me wrong, it’s definitely muffled if you’re talking to say a petrol station cashier with your helmet still on but I’m just not sure that they’re doing enough.
I’m going next week to get a new lid and looking at either a Schuberth C5 or Shoei Neotec 3 as these two seem like good options to close down as much as a helmet can. For the earplugs, I’m thinking about getting a custom set made up but a lot of people seem to suggest that the foam versions are actually the best you can get. Am I just expecting too much and are people exaggerating the effectiveness?
Anything else I should be looking into? I’ll be honest, it’s putting me off getting the bike out a bit at the moment which is really frustrating when the weather is so good. But at the same time, I really don’t want this constant ringing to get any worse.
Bikes an MT07 which is also probably not the best being a naked.
I use 3M EarSoft FX on long motorway journeys, they provide 37dB cut and are very effective. I use Arai RX-7V lids which have great airflow and are noisy, the 3M plugs prevent ear ringing even on the autobahn. Going by the published figures the alternatives do not provide more protection, but the 3M's are not filtered, so conversations with the lid on are impossible. So, for lower paced trips I use filtered earplugs.
I'm really interested in the Cardo ANC lid when it comes out, if it fits I'll treat myself to that and some moulded plugs.
I'm really interested in the Cardo ANC lid when it comes out, if it fits I'll treat myself to that and some moulded plugs.
Anyone who tells you they can't hear anything with plugs in was either deaf to start with or is talking cobblers. All earplugs are simply noise reducers not noise eliminators. My earplugs still allow me to hear things around me but the sound level is reduced.
The fact that your ears are ringing is a sign that irreversible damage is already being done to your hearing.
Your approach of buying a quiet helmet and using plugs is the best. Try lots of different plug types and find which are both comfortable and give good noise reduction. Protect your hearing. I can promise you, hearing loss is really not fun.
The fact that your ears are ringing is a sign that irreversible damage is already being done to your hearing.
Your approach of buying a quiet helmet and using plugs is the best. Try lots of different plug types and find which are both comfortable and give good noise reduction. Protect your hearing. I can promise you, hearing loss is really not fun.
Redline88 said:
I tried moto specific ones like the Oxford series and thought that they made very little difference.
Little difference compared to other plugs, or no plugs? It should not be the latter if you're using them correctly; they make a significant and obvious difference.And do you have a windscreen on your bike? Mine is a naked with a screen which creates a lot of buffeting noise at higher speeds, but the earplugs still help a lot.
I'd also expect any benefit in changing helmet will be minimal compared to getting the earplugs right. Doing both could be best though.
Tonberry said:
I use Moldex 35db foam plugs. I can still hear wind noise at higher speeds but it isn't painful like it is without plugs. Just there in the background without causing any hearing loss.
Try different plugs.
That’s the same feeling that I have but the fact that I’ve now got this ringing suggests that it’s probably still not enough. Certainly when people talk about plugs being too muted to be able to hear a police siren or something - that’s very from from the case (not that I’d want absolutely everything blocked)Try different plugs.
I thought ear plugs were a bit like helmets, in that you needed to find the ones that fit you best. There used to be a company that did a trial bag of 20-30 different disposable sets to try for this purpose - don't know if there still is. It can be tricky, but whilst trying other people's recommendations it is worthwhile to make your own assessment. My brother wears different brands in his left/right ears as he couldn't find a pair to suit both ears for example of how it can be difficut.
Your ears should never be ringing after riding. There are some other things to try as well, for example I find wearing a thicker wool type neck warmer to "bunch up" under my crash helmet cuts a lot of wind and therefore noise - changing to a thin summer one in recent hot weather definitely adds noise. Crash helmets make a difference, my HJC is noisier than previous Arais, which is the vents as it's quieter with the visor cracked open. Screens can make a difference but as a naked bike rider I don't find them that bad as it's more consistent and the wind is never "aimed"/pushed directly at your helmet like on some bikes. I would suggest trying different things even seating position etc. as they may give an insight into the issue that you can solve.
A question for those in the know....I tried lots of different ear plugs years ago and settled on Laser Lite, do your ear canals change as you age and should you experiment again every few years? I guess it would be worth it to see if things have moved on anyway.....
There was the comment about moistening them and I don't ever do that, and I was always told that if reusing ear plugs they have to go back in the same ear or any infection/bacteria can be spread.
Edit to add an example:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Moldex-Howard-Leight-Hone...
Your ears should never be ringing after riding. There are some other things to try as well, for example I find wearing a thicker wool type neck warmer to "bunch up" under my crash helmet cuts a lot of wind and therefore noise - changing to a thin summer one in recent hot weather definitely adds noise. Crash helmets make a difference, my HJC is noisier than previous Arais, which is the vents as it's quieter with the visor cracked open. Screens can make a difference but as a naked bike rider I don't find them that bad as it's more consistent and the wind is never "aimed"/pushed directly at your helmet like on some bikes. I would suggest trying different things even seating position etc. as they may give an insight into the issue that you can solve.
A question for those in the know....I tried lots of different ear plugs years ago and settled on Laser Lite, do your ear canals change as you age and should you experiment again every few years? I guess it would be worth it to see if things have moved on anyway.....
There was the comment about moistening them and I don't ever do that, and I was always told that if reusing ear plugs they have to go back in the same ear or any infection/bacteria can be spread.
Edit to add an example:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Moldex-Howard-Leight-Hone...
GSA_fattie said:
a big bag of these from amazon
Howard Leight - Laser Lite LS 400 Piece Refill Disposable Foam Ear Plug for Dispenser
grabbed some of these myself at the beginning of the year. really pleased with them. nice and easy to get in the ear, not too chunky, seem to dampen any wind noise nicely. as others have said, it'll never be silent, but its so greatly reduced its just light background noise and pleasant to ride with. can still hear my intercom with the volume cranked right up too.Howard Leight - Laser Lite LS 400 Piece Refill Disposable Foam Ear Plug for Dispenser
CallorFold said:
GSA_fattie said:
a big bag of these from amazon
Howard Leight - Laser Lite LS 400 Piece Refill Disposable Foam Ear Plug for Dispenser
grabbed some of these myself at the beginning of the year. really pleased with them. nice and easy to get in the ear, not too chunky, seem to dampen any wind noise nicely. as others have said, it'll never be silent, but its so greatly reduced its just light background noise and pleasant to ride with. can still hear my intercom with the volume cranked right up too.Howard Leight - Laser Lite LS 400 Piece Refill Disposable Foam Ear Plug for Dispenser
I wouldn't ride a bike without earplugs now it's night and day difference and the noise is overpowering once you've got used to decent earplugs.
I did have some moulded ones years ago had them done at the bike show, never really got on with them, fiddly, hurt after a while, but they did work. Maybe be different for individuals but not for me.
I've never understood how fit comes into it if you're pushing compressed foam into your ear canal for it to expand. My approach was use the most effective material and if it cuts too much, work back. I've never worked back, but I do have re-usable filtered plugs too.
I have over time become more practiced at fitting plugs; I leave just enough material to get the plugs out, borderline needing tweezers. Having more plug in the ear canal cuts more noise: with the 3M plugs in and my lid on I can't hold a conversation, I have to be looking at someone and have them speak up for me to hear what they say.
I have over time become more practiced at fitting plugs; I leave just enough material to get the plugs out, borderline needing tweezers. Having more plug in the ear canal cuts more noise: with the 3M plugs in and my lid on I can't hold a conversation, I have to be looking at someone and have them speak up for me to hear what they say.
hiccy18 said:
I've never understood how fit comes into it if you're pushing compressed foam into your ear canal for it to expand. My approach was use the most effective material and if it cuts too much, work back. I've never worked back, but I do have re-usable filtered plugs too.
I have over time become more practiced at fitting plugs; I leave just enough material to get the plugs out, borderline needing tweezers. Having more plug in the ear canal cuts more noise: with the 3M plugs in and my lid on I can't hold a conversation, I have to be looking at someone and have them speak up for me to hear what they say.
For many there is definitely a fit issue. I know that the plugs I use, Mrs K1 finds them extremely uncomfortable.I have over time become more practiced at fitting plugs; I leave just enough material to get the plugs out, borderline needing tweezers. Having more plug in the ear canal cuts more noise: with the 3M plugs in and my lid on I can't hold a conversation, I have to be looking at someone and have them speak up for me to hear what they say.
Likewise, when I'm on an Old Gits trip - 9 days of riding 6 to 8 hours each day, my ears become painful if I use certain plugs but are OK if I use other types of plugs.
Redline88 said:
That s the same feeling that I have but the fact that I ve now got this ringing suggests that it s probably still not enough. Certainly when people talk about plugs being too muted to be able to hear a police siren or something - that s very from from the case (not that I d want absolutely everything blocked)
A step up from foam plugs are wax types - Quies are good, although you might need to mash two together to make a bigger ball:https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=quies&crid=2F0FCR...
They last about 2-3 weeks of use every day before they get a bit manky. Just don't forget to take the cotton wool off before use.
You might want to consider a custom pair which are moulded to your ears (taking the impressions is included in the cost):
https://acscustom.com/uk/
https://acscustom.com/uk/products/pro-series/pro-2...
Got a set of Ultimate Ear custom ones last year, always struggled with foam type ones being either painful after an hour or just not staying in.
Once i'd got the moulding done it seems my ear canals are fairly flat & explains why i just couldn't get a proper fit.
At £130 including the cost of getting a mould they are pricey but worth every penny to me. Now have decent noise reduction (29dB filter) & no issues with the intercom.
Once i'd got the moulding done it seems my ear canals are fairly flat & explains why i just couldn't get a proper fit.
At £130 including the cost of getting a mould they are pricey but worth every penny to me. Now have decent noise reduction (29dB filter) & no issues with the intercom.
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