Ear Plugs

2826 Views 30 Replies 25 Participants Last post by Phattexas, Dec 17, 2005

FE Butte

Discussion Starter · Dec 10, 2005

OK what types are used to keep out the wind noise?
I've been using a reuasable silicone type made by "North" orange com-fit a+b, but am having a hard time finding some spares. Have found some blue ones but are a larger size and don't fit well.
Don't much care for the foam type they tend to swell and cause a headache if worn for too long.

23103 it like a 10851

1 - 20 of 31 Posts

P 0 P E Y E

· #2 · Dec 10, 2005

Personal preference I guess. I used to use the EAR kind of yellow foam in my flight helmet with the ICS volume on 10 and still hear the radio. Never had a problem.

Now that I am a bit older, I have tried them on a long boat delivery (power boat with loud engine noise) and gotten a head ache.

labcab

· #3 · Dec 10, 2005

Etymotic ER20.. the best I've found

"Reduces sound approximately 20 dB at all frequencies"

http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er20.aspx

Mike

SSC

· #4 · Dec 10, 2005

Foam tapered plugs.

Regards, SSC

Fourcats

· #5 · Dec 10, 2005

I use Moldex Rockets {corded} from the Aerostich catalog. There are a bunch more at "webBikeworld" also.

FredGarvin

· #6 · Dec 10, 2005

I've tried many different styles and brands - even a pair of custom molded plugs. But, the best I've found are these: http://www.earplugsonline.com/
They have a NRR of 34 and have far exceeded my expectations for comfort (even better than my custom plugs), noise reduction and ease of use. The only possible drawback is that they "stick" to (in) your ear so well that if you're in situations where you need to put them in/out frequently it would be more work that a simple pair of over the counter type of plug.

They're sort of silly putty like material, easily moldable and stick into your ear without much effort. The material is a little firm when first touched, but reaches an easily moldable consistency within seconds...I pinch a little bit of it into sort of a "tail" that I then sort of direct into my ear canal. It doesn't penetrate far enough to be a potential danger, and then the remainder of the ball of material is easily molded/flattened into the rest of your ear.

frankencat

· #7 · Dec 10, 2005 (Edited)

I use the Sonic II's on stage. They make them in different db reductions. I think the ones I use are -12db but you can get up to -30db I believe.

Found a link to them http://www.cabelas.com/information/Archery/NorthSonicIIHearingProtectors.html

I usually buy them at the local Sam Ash. Hearo's are good too. The rest of the band uses them. Happy hearing!

hdmarsh77

· #8 · Dec 10, 2005

I use these. I picked them up last time I was at J&P. I used them for a 2,200 trip and hardly felt them in my ears.

84FXRP

· #9 · Dec 10, 2005

SSC said:
Foam tapered plugs.

Regards, SSC

Me too. I just buy them at a local gun shop.

butthertz

· #10 · Dec 10, 2005

I like the silicone type also. They are washable and reusable unlike the foam type. I got them from work when I was running a cnc mill, they cancel out the annoying noises but can still carry on a conversation without pulling them out. The foam type do work well....almost too good. They made my head feel like I was under water.

steveusmc

· #11 · Dec 10, 2005

Go to your local sporting goods or better yet, to a hunting and fishing store. Pick up a package of the good foamie ear plugs. They are the kind that you roll gently in your fingers, insert all the way in your ear canal, hold them in place while they re-expand, and you are set for a pleasant ride. The ones I use cost about $4 for a package of 12. I get at least 2 or 3 weeks out of each pair. You will find that although they are very inexpensive they really almost totally eliminate the wind and noise while allowing you to hear the bike and traffic stuff around you. I think the bike sounds better with the ear plugs because I can now hear it instead of the wind blasting in my ears.

For those in here who have never tried riding with ear plugs....I say give it a try...you will be very pleasantly surprised at how much more enjoyable your riding becomes. Can I get an Amen?

Semper Fi,
Steve....Pensacola
USMC 1972 - 2003

apache36

· #12 · Dec 10, 2005

you could always try doing a search for starters....this has been covered before in great depth...http://65.38.172.84/forums/showthread.php?t=51054&highlight=plugs . and here's the link to the ones i use, when i choose to use them http://store.yahoo.com/earplugstore/aosinranplug.html
josh

hdmarsh77

· #13 · Dec 10, 2005

Amen, Steve!

FE Butte

Discussion Starter · #14 · Dec 10, 2005

A lot of great input from all, thanks very much to all. I will continue to try some that have been suggested.

trooper113

· #15 · Dec 10, 2005

05fatty said:
I've tried many different styles and brands - even a pair of custom molded plugs. But, the best I've found are these: http://www.earplugsonline.com/
They have a NRR of 34 and have far exceeded my expectations for comfort (even better than my custom plugs), noise reduction and ease of use. The only possible drawback is that they "stick" to (in) your ear so well that if you're in situations where you need to put them in/out frequently it would be more work that a simple pair of over the counter type of plug.

They're sort of silly putty like material, easily moldable and stick into your ear without much effort. The material is a little firm when first touched, but reaches an easily moldable consistency within seconds...I pinch a little bit of it into sort of a "tail" that I then sort of direct into my ear canal. It doesn't penetrate far enough to be a potential danger, and then the remainder of the ball of material is easily molded/flattened into the rest of your ear.

The above "plugs" are excellent....far and away the most comfortable I've worn because they mold perfectly to one's ear each time they are used. Downside? They might take out a little too much noise and they aren't quite as quick to use as other plugs, but I still like 'em a lot.

T113

george248

· #16 · Dec 11, 2005

amen... preach on preacher

joediver

· #17 · Dec 11, 2005

I'll see you an Amen and raise you a boomshakalaka

Agree with riding with ear plugs although I'm also partial to the etymotics work great with intercom.

Its surprising the difference they can make rode with my full face helmet a couple weeks back without my etys and was surprized at all the wind noise, last time I do that. :duh?:

Safe motoring,

redhot

· #18 · Dec 13, 2005 (Edited)

Custom Plugs

Go to your local Audibel hearing aid dealer and look into a set of custom made westone performer monitors. These things are custom molded to fit your ears. They have receivers molded into the ear piece that allows you to listen to your I-pod or communication system while blocking out the noise. Westone markets a model of these plugs just for motorcycle riders .

Check out Westone.com
I have a set of these things and love them.:banana:

sthorp

· #19 · Dec 13, 2005

Full-face helmet, no problem with wind noise.

Shutterbug

· #20 · Dec 13, 2005

For just ear plugs, I use orange foam ones that I got at a local Eckerd Drug store. They work great riding or sleeping when I want to keep out external noise. For listening to music, I've used Etymotic ER-6i Isolators but I had a set of custom phones made by a company who set up at Myrtle Beach bike week this year (www.myearplugz.com). The electronics are done by Westone, they sound great and are very comfortable.

1 - 20 of 31 Posts

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