Are foam disposable ear plugs enough? : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

elamey · 06-05-2009, 10:05 AM

Does anyone know if the foam disposable ear plugs are enough protection? I've got a Thunderheader on my bike now, I wasn't sure if I would stay with it or go back to something quieter. But the bike runs great and I like it now.

I do some long trips and am wondering if the foam disposable plugs are enough on the right side. Our area has had high pollen counts, ragweed counts etc.. this year so it could be that, but my right ear seems a little stuffy lately.

Thanks for any expertise you can share

nightrob · 06-05-2009, 10:30 AM

If inserted properly the provide good protection. We use them around Jet engines and they are alot louder than any Harley ever thought about being.

'05Train · 06-05-2009, 10:49 AM

If they stay in, they're good. Between helmet straps, the wind, and narrow ear canals, I had a tough time keeping them in, so I got a set of custom molded plugs. Cost me $40, and they don't budge, even at highway speeds.

Shaw_2112 · 06-05-2009, 10:55 AM

I use 'em all the time for long trips, wind noise at 70+ mph for hours on end will make you deaf, literally. I also use in-ear noise cancleing headphones if I want a little music to ride too as well...

Big-G · 06-05-2009, 11:17 AM

I've also started using foam earplugs while cruising on the highways. Made a huge difference on how I felt when we stopped for the day. Seems I was not as tired if that makes sense. Over a few hours of riding the wind can beat ya down.

elamey · 06-05-2009, 11:47 AM

Good info from the gent who uses them around jet engines.
Do you know what kind/how many db attenuation the ones you use provide?

nightrob · 06-05-2009, 11:56 AM

Moldex, and earsoft are two of the brands we usually use. They provide a NRR 33 protection which is the highest on the market. Like I said before if you take your time and insert them right, they work very well.

histy · 07-15-2009, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elamey

Does anyone know if the foam disposable ear plugs are enough protection? I've got a Thunderheader on my bike now, I wasn't sure if I would stay with it or go back to something quieter. But the bike runs great and I like it now.

I do some long trips and am wondering if the foam disposable plugs are enough on the right side. Our area has had high pollen counts, ragweed counts etc.. this year so it could be that, but my right ear seems a little stuffy lately.

Thanks for any expertise you can share

WHAT!!-sorry cudn't resist that one, I carry three types, I have a custom made pair (which in fact are blank hearing aid moulds),another type which have a small tube in supposed to let some a sound inn and the good ol disposables.
nightrob has said it about putting em in right, it can also be a case of trying the different types of disposable to see what suits.
Disposables are good cos u dump em as opposed to re-usables which need cleaning.
If ya don't clean em, u may end up with an ear infection which throws your balance out and brings on nausea.So dump them disposables after use and wash them reusables.
Did ya hear bout the rider who was told he needed 50 pairs of disposable plugs for a long trip, but complained that he could only get 10 pairs in each ear?.

20538 · 07-15-2009, 08:47 AM

one thing that might of been missed is you say your only putting one in your right ear and sound travels to your left ear as well. use ear plugs in both ears and get a high NRR as mentioned. I've found from the ear plugs I use at work, "howard leight max" one use ear plugs work well. they have a NRR 33 rating.
http://www.howardleight.com/family/index/1
if you shop around online you can find them in bulk sizes at different prices.

I'm not sure about what is going one with your one ear and you might want to get it looked at by a doc.

Captain Bligh · 07-15-2009, 09:01 PM

The foam ones don't do it for me. The ones that I use are like putty. I think they're great.

When your hearing is damaged, it isn't ever coming back. Protect it while you still can.

tomv · 07-15-2009, 10:00 PM

if you stuff enough of them in her mouth you wont hear her anymore...

20538 · 07-21-2009, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomv

if you stuff enough of them in her mouth you wont hear her anymore...

I'm starting to see how some get their post count up.

I bought the ones like putty online with a suggestion from this forum and didn't like they. it felt like silly putty in my ears, all oily too. I guess you need to find what works for you and it may take some trying different types.

Harry 1 · 07-21-2009, 06:42 PM

Got to agree with either the disposable or reusable plugs they do work well for me. Its good to be able to hear when getting off the scoot to grab a bite or drink, no ringing ears is good. Also like them when its 30 degrees out quick way to get run down and sick as hell...

Big-G · 07-21-2009, 07:00 PM

Another thing good about wearing ear plugs is they keep bugs out of the ear. Went for a nice evening ride the other day without plugs and a small bug got trapped in my ear. Bothered the $hit out of me. Had to pull over and fish the sucker out.

Eddie Haskell · 07-21-2009, 08:57 PM

I use ear plugs whenever I ride, no matter how short the ride. I get them for nothing from friends, I live in an area with many mills/paper companies and ear plugs are everywhere.
Some give me a hard time but I ask them to put them in, ride 25 miles then take them out and ride back, you'll see/feel the difference!
As a bonus; the bike seems to run better and it sounds perfect