Bluetooth audio for the hard of hearing

[anonymous-user]

[redacted]

[SBDJ]

I would get some Bluetooth moulded plugs, like the ultimate ears. I’m also a little bit of the deaf side and really do struggle with the levels from normal helmet comms. I found the custom moulded ones much much better.

https://www.ultimateear.com/products/bluetooth-sou...

[Bob_Defly]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

If you already have reduced hearing, ear plugs would probably be better.

[Bob_Defly]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

If you aren't wearing proper ear plugs (protection) then your hearing is only going to get worse. I know it can be boring without music, but at least you'll not be deaf.

[MajorMantra]

Give Plugfones a go? That way you get protection and can listen to audio/satnav.

https://www.plugfones.com/

I use the basic version for commuting. Audio quality is decent (not audiophile quality, but fine, I mainly listen to podcasts).

I have a £10ish bluetooth controller on my handlebars which gives me basic controls:



There's a much more expensive Bluetooth version as well which might make more sense if you're mounting the phone on the bars. (I keep mine in my pocket.)

[DuckSauce]

Does the Bluetooth controller connect to the phone, or the headphones (guessing it's the phone)

I've tried all sorts of headphones and they either fall out, or really hurt where the helmet presses against my ear, so the plugfones look like a great option, but I don't have a headphone jack and I've lost the USB-C adapter.
Can't seem to find the Bluetooth version of the headphones in the UK and don't want to pay almost £100 for them to be imported

[MajorMantra]

DuckSauce said:

Does the Bluetooth controller connect to the phone, or the headphones (guessing it's the phone)

I've tried all sorts of headphones and they either fall out, or really hurt where the helmet presses against my ear, so the plugfones look like a great option, but I don't have a headphone jack and I've lost the USB-C adapter.
Can't seem to find the Bluetooth version of the headphones in the UK and don't want to pay almost £100 for them to be imported

In my setup the Bluetooth connects the controller to the phone. You could get a Bluetooth adapter like this instead and plug the headphones into that:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01HRYAP1K/

...the downside being you wouldn't have a convenient bar mounted controller that way.

I have small ear canals that don't play nice with some headphones but I get on ok with the Plugfones using silicone tips. The important thing is correct insertion technique (pull your ear up to open it right up) and they work best if you moisten them first. Yeah, it's a bit gross.

[black-k1]

I have petty poor hearing. Tinnitus and flat spots. These are as a result of riding motorcycles while not wearing ear plugs.

If you want to look after the hearing you have left, get a quiet helmet and wear (properly fitted) ear plugs.

My helmet has the Cardo Scala 9X fitted. I can hear music/sat nav/telephone at all legal speeds even with ear plugs in.

The key thing is ensuring the speakers in the helmet are directly over the ears. It took me several attempts to get the poition exacly right but now I have I can set the headset volume to something that's right without my plugs in and still clearly hear everything with the plugs in. It's only the background noise that's been reduced by the plugs.