motorcycle ear plugs, anyone wear the custom type?

[nerdybiker]

I have been pondering the idea of custom ear plugs. I like the idea of protecting my hearing, but the disposable plugs pretty much block the noise completely, which seems counterproductive.

Anyone try the custom plugs that allow the rider to hear? How much are they and where can I get some made?

[Black Diamond]

Check out the plugs made by SureFire. The pugs protect your hearing, without interfering with your ability to hear routine sounds and conversation. Safe sound levels are allowed to pass through while potentially harmful noises (above 80dB) are reduced via a proprietary design that incorporates the patented Hocks Noise Braker filter. When even more hearing protection is required—without the need to hear routine sounds or conversations—Sound Defenders' attached stoppers can be inserted.

http://www.surefire.com/EP3-Sonic-Defenders

[beaujames7]

I have a set I rarely wear anymore. Got them before I had a windshield, the windshield eliminated a lot of the noise not to mention bugs.I have the shortest Memphis Shades model and it comes to about mouth height so there is some turbulence. Recently, I got the Polo Novelty helmet from Head Trips Helmets; its noisier than my Skid Lid DOT half but really light and comfortable. I think the shade lip on the helmet makes more turbulence and noise, so on long rides I sometimes wear the plugs.

Got mine at Sears hearing aid store, worked for Sears at the time and the hearing guy was a rider too. They were about $ 90, custom made, same process they use for hearing aids, they fit real well and are comfortable to wear all day and you can still hear what you need to. They also have a hole through them with a hard plastic plug which you can take out for more sound, but I found that the wind noise was not lessened much with the plugs out. The material is clear and since it is molded to your ear they are not very noticeable.

[MilesToGo]

Originally Posted by nerdybiker

I have been pondering the idea of custom ear plugs. I like the idea of protecting my hearing, but the disposable plugs pretty much block the noise completely, which seems counterproductive.

Anyone try the custom plugs that allow the rider to hear? How much are they and where can I get some made?

If i'm running a fairing or windshield, which is most of the time, the only time i wear plugs is for long interstate rides. Even with the fairing, the wind noise gets to me after a while. I just use the cheap foam plugs that you roll up before inserting. I can still hear well enough even with them.

[berserker]

I don't understand whats wrong with the plain old ones. They sure don't block sound completely.

[Electra Geezer]

I have a set of custom made Insta-Mold hearing protectors with the electronic add on. Normal voice is unobstructed but anything load is cut off. I use them for everything from shooting to riding the bike. They were custom molded to my ears and I think they were around $400.00

[Thinblueline0_1]

Moist Toilet Paper........... What did you say?

[Thinblueline0_1]

10 cents.............

[berserker]

$400 ear plugs? I just don't there being a day, I have so much money to piss away, I would buy $400 ear plugs. Unless your to old for coke and hookers, even so, it would be a good way to go.

[FatBobRob]

www.westone.com Available at an audiolgist,worth every cent! Ask anyone with tinnitis.Cost me $160 witha hearing exam and a cleaning.Got a big blob of wax out of my left ear,wow!

[HDSG]

Originally Posted by FatBobRob

www.westone.com Available at an audiolgist,worth every cent! Ask anyone with tinnitis.Cost me $160 witha hearing exam and a cleaning.Got a big blob of wax out of my left ear,wow!

TMI.................

[Divertim]

Originally Posted by FatBobRob

www.westone.com Available at an audiolgist,worth every cent! Ask anyone with tinnitis.Cost me $160 witha hearing exam and a cleaning.Got a big blob of wax out of my left ear,wow!

I have the Westone Style No. 4RT they cost me 100.00 They are the best earplugs I have ever used.

[dog155]

One year I was overly sensitive about the ringing in my ears,panicked, and tried using protection.It was literally a pain,simply because one of the things I always loved about riding a Harley was leaning over to the side and whacking the throttle.Not being able to hear the pipes and all their glory was too much.Now 20 years later and absolutely no less hearing,I couldn't be happier.Good Luck

[CapeCodUltra]

I bought these, they are cheap and work great. There are two filters and the yellow filter blocks out more sound.
BTW the biggest benefit to knocking down the wind whistling, which is what damages your hearing, is how much better your music sounds when you block out the wind frequencies. That was the biggest plus to wearing them on the highway and long rides.
RJ

http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/almonasomoea.html

[RG7]

I have the molded type but only use them on long rides and only after I get tired of the wind noise.

I normally use a bandana and fold it until its 4 inches wide. I then place the bandana around my forehead going down around my ears and tie it tight behind my head. Sort of like a head band but covering the ears. Trick is to make sure it’s wide enough to completely cover your ears and tight enough. Make sure you put on your sunglasses before you tighten the bandana, this is for the tight fit. This keeps a good amount of wind noise out of my ears and collects sweet. I’ve been doing this for years, it also looks very cool.

If you use goggles’ it works even better because you would place the goggle elastic over the bandana instead of under it like you would do sunglasses. You'll be surprised how much wind noise this keeps out and at the same time you can hear your surroundings even better, including your Radio which gets muffed with earplugs