noise-cancelling earphones
Discussion
I thought I'd ask in here, as I don't think I'll get much joy in the Kitcar forum....
I run a Westfield, with an aero-screen and throttle bodies on the driver's side, poking out through a cut-out in the side of the bonnet. It's pretty loud when under load but the wind noise above 60mph is far worse.
I wear a full-face helmet, simply for comfort and protection and I also use moulded earplugs. However, a lot of the wind noise still gets through (also lots of "white noise" such as tappets, injectors, differential, gearbox, etc)
Has anyone tried noise-cancelling earphones in their full-face helmet? My understanding is that they significantly reduce the background noise without killing off important sounds like sirens, car horns, rev limiters ( ;-) ) etc. I'd still like to hear some of what the engine is doing (all part of the fun), but if I could take some of the wind noise away, it would be much more comfortable.
The helmet is a pretty tight fit, but has built-in cut-outs in the polystyrene lining for slim speakers. I don't think earbuds will work, as they'll just get pulled out when I put the helmet on (I had to repeatedly trim my earplugs to make them comfortable enough to wear under the lid).
Thanks in anticipation.....
I run a Westfield, with an aero-screen and throttle bodies on the driver's side, poking out through a cut-out in the side of the bonnet. It's pretty loud when under load but the wind noise above 60mph is far worse.
I wear a full-face helmet, simply for comfort and protection and I also use moulded earplugs. However, a lot of the wind noise still gets through (also lots of "white noise" such as tappets, injectors, differential, gearbox, etc)
Has anyone tried noise-cancelling earphones in their full-face helmet? My understanding is that they significantly reduce the background noise without killing off important sounds like sirens, car horns, rev limiters ( ;-) ) etc. I'd still like to hear some of what the engine is doing (all part of the fun), but if I could take some of the wind noise away, it would be much more comfortable.
The helmet is a pretty tight fit, but has built-in cut-outs in the polystyrene lining for slim speakers. I don't think earbuds will work, as they'll just get pulled out when I put the helmet on (I had to repeatedly trim my earplugs to make them comfortable enough to wear under the lid).
Thanks in anticipation.....
Edited by Nigel_O on Wednesday 3rd June 18:34
I personally wouldnt like to wear noise cancelling earphones while riding my bike.
But you do mention cut outs in your helmet I notice. I assume that it is still just the shell liner that is there and no other material inside the cut outs?
For reference, I stripped the interior out of my Shoei helmet to give them a wash and the interior or that helmet also has cut outs where earphones can be set in to, but if there are no earphones in it just has small foam and fabric covers over them. When I put the reassembled the helmet liners I forgot to put these cover pieces back in and the noise was terrible, as soon as they were replaced the noise was vastly reduced (still have to wear earplugs of course).
If you havent already, it may be worth packing those cut outs in your helmet with some foam type material or similar which along with your existing earplugs may reduce the noise to an acceptable level.
If you are quite canny about it too you could build the foam packing up to a point where it comfortably nestles against which will reduce the noise to as minimum a level as possible using that method.
But you do mention cut outs in your helmet I notice. I assume that it is still just the shell liner that is there and no other material inside the cut outs?
For reference, I stripped the interior out of my Shoei helmet to give them a wash and the interior or that helmet also has cut outs where earphones can be set in to, but if there are no earphones in it just has small foam and fabric covers over them. When I put the reassembled the helmet liners I forgot to put these cover pieces back in and the noise was terrible, as soon as they were replaced the noise was vastly reduced (still have to wear earplugs of course).
If you havent already, it may be worth packing those cut outs in your helmet with some foam type material or similar which along with your existing earplugs may reduce the noise to an acceptable level.
If you are quite canny about it too you could build the foam packing up to a point where it comfortably nestles against which will reduce the noise to as minimum a level as possible using that method.
BobSaunders said:
What helmet?
Custom moulded ear plugs? Night and day difference between the spongy ear plugs.
OP already said he tried moulded plugs, I was about to suggest foam plugs as you can pick the dB rating and they tend to be more effective over time as apparently moulded plugs don't work 100% forever.Custom moulded ear plugs? Night and day difference between the spongy ear plugs.
But noise-cancelling earbuds would likely be very effective - I have some active over-ear cancelling headphones and they're amazingly effective, I even use them as ear defenders while working with power tools as they're so much more effective. It also means you can listen to music while working. In a car I'd be less worried about using them too.
BobSaunders said:
What helmet?
Custom moulded ear plugs? Night and day difference between the spongy ear plugs.
Simpson Venom Carbon (effectively the Bandit, but apparently, Simpson don't have the rights to the "bandit" brand in the UK)Custom moulded ear plugs? Night and day difference between the spongy ear plugs.
I think that one of the problems is the airflow and the angle of the helmet in the wind - clearly, in a kit car, I'm seated very low and upright. On a bike, I'd generally be far more prone (or at least on the bikes I'd want to ride - last bike was a Buell a few years ago)
I also find that the airflow over the car is not quite right - if I move forward towards the steering wheel by about 6-9 inches, the wind noise is vastly reduced, so the airflow over the aeroscreen is clearly dumping the airflow into my face in a normal seating position (no scope for lowering the seat any further - it's already bolted to the floorpan)
The moulded earplugs I'm using are the self-mould jobbies from Stanley - I guess they are "general purpose" rather than specifically for motoring use. I've read some very good things about professionally-moulded plugs, but the cost is much higher (which is not an issue, as I'm happy to pay whatever it takes to protect my hearing)
OP have a look at Ultimate Ear custom earplugs, I have just ordered some for the bike and they are supposed to be fantastic, I hope so at almost £220, they don't do a noise cancelling version but they will block out a lot of the nuisance noise whilst still being able to hear everything, and you can listen to music.
https://www.ultimateear.com/?msclkid=77d09a7530361...
I have never seen noise cancelling speakers for helmets, and I can't see how they could work in conjunction with earplugs as they'd never be loud enough to work effectively.
Its a pet hate of mine whilst wearing helmet, wind noise and buffeting, I did a 300 trip on the bike on sun and when I got home my ears were ringing, despite 31 SNR plugs properly fitted, the current bike is on borrowed time if I can't find a solution.
https://www.ultimateear.com/?msclkid=77d09a7530361...
I have never seen noise cancelling speakers for helmets, and I can't see how they could work in conjunction with earplugs as they'd never be loud enough to work effectively.
Its a pet hate of mine whilst wearing helmet, wind noise and buffeting, I did a 300 trip on the bike on sun and when I got home my ears were ringing, despite 31 SNR plugs properly fitted, the current bike is on borrowed time if I can't find a solution.
Nigel_O said:
Simpson Venom Carbon (effectively the Bandit, but apparently, Simpson don't have the rights to the "bandit" brand in the UK)
And its known for being one of the noisiest lids in existence, which probably doesn't help Edited by Jazoli on Tuesday 2nd June 10:40
Try different foam plugs and watch the vid to see how you are supposed to fit them - I've had a real game with mine
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10-Pairs-Moldex-Howard-...
Just bought these to try too:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-PAIRS-OF-DIY-CUSTOM-F...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10-Pairs-Moldex-Howard-...
Just bought these to try too:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-PAIRS-OF-DIY-CUSTOM-F...
myself and two friends have all used the bose QC20 noise cancelling in ear buds in conjunction with an android walkie talkie app which worked pretty well in terms of noise reduction and maintaining a level of awareness to outside noise .
once they were in they were pretty good and comfy but as a trio some of us found them harder than others to get them in your ears which was a bit of a faff each time your helmet came off. I have a flip helmet which helped, with cut out holes for speakers, but i also have a wonky head so swings and roundabouts...
i did get a bit worried about the thought of crashing with something solid in my ear though so havent really used them since
they are pretty expensive though and i did slightly damage mine too. so in summary, a rambling but not exactly a raring review
once they were in they were pretty good and comfy but as a trio some of us found them harder than others to get them in your ears which was a bit of a faff each time your helmet came off. I have a flip helmet which helped, with cut out holes for speakers, but i also have a wonky head so swings and roundabouts...
i did get a bit worried about the thought of crashing with something solid in my ear though so havent really used them since
they are pretty expensive though and i did slightly damage mine too. so in summary, a rambling but not exactly a raring review
Not sure noise cancelling "in helmet" earphones exist. The requirments for thecircuitry, power source etc estabish fairly big constraints onthe packaging.
As said above, the "bandit" type helments are horrifically noisy. Yes, very cool Stig like looking but when they appeared yonks back, we all ran out and got them and got rid ASAP because of the noise and crap aero making you feel like someone was pulling your head around at anything over 50.
A good friend has tried the expensive custom moulded earplugs and loved them, whenthey worked. he found it was if his ear would change shape minisculy and the plug wasn't as effective as the day before.
So he uses, as I always have, the soft foam plugs from the chemists, rolled up and put well into the ear. And that's the key, they need ot bewell inserted so when they expand they lock in to the narrow part of the outer ear canal. I've been riding since a kid and due to my profession haveregular health checks including hearing test. My hearing is spot on with normal high range loss for my age, so they seem to work.
As said above, the "bandit" type helments are horrifically noisy. Yes, very cool Stig like looking but when they appeared yonks back, we all ran out and got them and got rid ASAP because of the noise and crap aero making you feel like someone was pulling your head around at anything over 50.
A good friend has tried the expensive custom moulded earplugs and loved them, whenthey worked. he found it was if his ear would change shape minisculy and the plug wasn't as effective as the day before.
So he uses, as I always have, the soft foam plugs from the chemists, rolled up and put well into the ear. And that's the key, they need ot bewell inserted so when they expand they lock in to the narrow part of the outer ear canal. I've been riding since a kid and due to my profession haveregular health checks including hearing test. My hearing is spot on with normal high range loss for my age, so they seem to work.
Nigel_O said:
I also find that the airflow over the car is not quite right - if I move forward towards the steering wheel by about 6-9 inches, the wind noise is vastly reduced, so the airflow over the aeroscreen is clearly dumping the airflow into my face in a normal seating position (no scope for lowering the seat any further - it's already bolted to the floorpan)
I'd be thinking about a new lid then - either a bike-specific one designed for nakeds, or a car-designed motorsport one.Both are designed to be facing directly into the wind rather than angled like a sports bike style.
Rather than noise cancelling earphones, I use combined earplug/earphones, specifically Plugfones. I wrote a little about them here: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
The short version is they work well, but are a bit fragile. My second set is still going strong and I'm being more careful with the cable, but I don't expect them to last forever...
You can still hear loud noises (e.g. sirens) with these.
The short version is they work well, but are a bit fragile. My second set is still going strong and I'm being more careful with the cable, but I don't expect them to last forever...
You can still hear loud noises (e.g. sirens) with these.
andburg said:
tried removing the aeroscreen?
given thats directing air directly at your face removing it might improve the noise.
.
the aeroscreen is attached to the body with four bolts - two along the top edge and two at each side - I'm thinking about slotting the bodywork so that I can change the angle of the screen. Tilting it up might help, but I think it will just create more turbulence (a bit like a near-vertical screen on a bike). I reckon lowering it a little might just helpgiven thats directing air directly at your face removing it might improve the noise.
.
In another development, my son has suggested that driving with noise-cancelling earphones / headphones / earbuds might actually be illegal - I need to look into it, but at the moment, I'm tending towards some high-quality professionally moulded-earplugs, possibly with small speakers built in so I can hear satnav commands rfom my phone
If you need it to be vented, Schuberth is the helmet to get. If not, I've found my Biltwell Gringo is far quieter than my vented flip front (LS2 so not very expensive, but vents everywhere that seem to make loads of wind noise) Any old style lid with no vents is going to be quieter if it's wind noise you're getting. I use Howard Leight plugs and find them a good middle ground between noise reduction and still being able to hear the bike, other traffic, sirens and horns etc...
Commuted with RedMi Airdots for a while. They were one of the smallest, wireless, NC buds I could find. They fit ok inside my lid but I stopped using them after 2 weeks, because the ears started bleeding after 45mins. If I hadn't stopped using them, I would have lost either/both under the gutter, because it was such a fuff to take my lid off, with them inside ears.
If blocking out the wind/white noise whilst keeping the rest of the important sounds is the goal, then its got to be some sort of filtered ear protection.
Active noise cancelling is going to block out most of the sound, unless its a fancy one which you can configure.
Foamie pads are also unfiltered, so will block out most of the sound too.
If you haven't had 'proper' moulded ear plugs, then maybe give them a go.
I use custom fit guards, but there are loads of other brands, and the filtered ones are cost effective at ~£100 compared to active stuff, granted though, greatly more expensive than foam ones.
I've used them on long and short road trips, and they are really comfortable. I have the sleep versions too and can easily wear them all night no drama, foam ones caused my ear canals to ache because of the radial loads their expansion places on your ear canal.
Everyone is different, i doubt there will be a common solution for all people, you'll just have to try it out.
I have two bikes, one with a screen and one without, the one without is much quieter, even though there is more airflow, the aero screen removal/mods/adjustments maybe a plan.
Matt
Active noise cancelling is going to block out most of the sound, unless its a fancy one which you can configure.
Foamie pads are also unfiltered, so will block out most of the sound too.
If you haven't had 'proper' moulded ear plugs, then maybe give them a go.
I use custom fit guards, but there are loads of other brands, and the filtered ones are cost effective at ~£100 compared to active stuff, granted though, greatly more expensive than foam ones.
I've used them on long and short road trips, and they are really comfortable. I have the sleep versions too and can easily wear them all night no drama, foam ones caused my ear canals to ache because of the radial loads their expansion places on your ear canal.
Everyone is different, i doubt there will be a common solution for all people, you'll just have to try it out.
I have two bikes, one with a screen and one without, the one without is much quieter, even though there is more airflow, the aero screen removal/mods/adjustments maybe a plan.
Matt
Steve Bass said:
Not sure noise cancelling "in helmet" earphones exist.
Have you seen Quiet Ride helmets? I've yet to see one reach the UK market, but these helmets have active noise cancellation: https://www.webbikeworld.com/quiet-ride-helmet-rev...Also, whatever happened to the Sena Momemtum INC helmet with active noise cancellation? It looks like it's available: https://www.sena.com/product/momentum-inc
I used moulded ear buds with over the ear headphones in my old Caterham with Aero screen, which wasn’t too bad, but obviously you can’t use a helmet. My moulded ear buds have never been very effective when used with a helmet, I think the shape of the ear changes when you put the helmet on, have you tried decent “squashy” buds ?
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