Ear plugs

Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 12:24 pm

Any goods ones that are comfortable to wear and don't pop out when you put your helmet on?

Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 1:24 pm

I find that the most comfort with the "roll'em up stickum in" type plugs. As I work in a oil refinery hearing protection is a must so I use my work place as a supplier. They have no trouble allowing employee's to practice "off the job safety".

I've also seen these foam plugs on sale at many of the DIY stores. Tool outlets and safety supply stores will also carry them.

Here's what you might find....first are the ones like I use. These are a "one size fits all" piece, that my helmet fits over with not much issue.

Others that may be found to work

The silcone rubber ones like below may work, but they tend to stick out of the ear and snag the helmet liner somewhat. A test drive will help you deside.

You will also find "custom plug" vendors at the bike shows that can take a mold of you inner ear and pour a plug just for you.

I'd stay away from anything with a string connector between them...bit of a pain to work around your helmet and collar area I believe.

These are desposable plugs btw,..so grab a mit full when you find what works. Yes they can be used more then once (check the ear wax build-up), but the idea in a industrial setting is that they should be trashed after each use to keep dirt and grim from the work place out of your ears.

As noted on the other "Long distance travel" thread. Ear plugs can increase you comfort level and reduce fatigue in a major way. both in the short and long haul mode. You can still hear most of the normal traffic sounds, and I find that the quieter noise level can also help you maintain situational awareness on the road,..your more attentive to the task at hand.

HTH.

Tony

Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 1:34 pm

I have been using the "Hearo's" brand for a long time and am very happy with them. The secret is to roll them up into a tight little cone, and then place them in your ear (pointy end first, of course!). They expand in there and stay in very securely.

Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 2:51 pm

As usual, nice post Tony.

IMHO, ear plugs a just as important as helmet, sunglasses and gloves. They are a MAJOR fatigue reducer. I keep a dozen or more sets in my tank bag. They should be as plentiful as aspirin.

Hawk Joined: Apr 30, 2008 Posts: 304 Location: Colorado

I cant speak from a riding stand point because i have never used them before on a bike but from being at the shooting range and when i had to use them at work i have to agree with TigreST. The roll them up types of ear plugs stay in better and are much more comfortable. For me the silicone rubber one that you just push in have to be adjusted every now and then and even after a short time can become quite painful.

Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 6:39 pm

I prefer just plain 'ol cotton balls. Just tear them ito a smaller size. They cut down on the noise some without giving you the plugged up sensation that those foam ones do. It just depends how much noise you wish to cancel.

Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 7:47 pm

Wal-Mart sells little tub of 50 of the foam ones very inexpensive and like -28db. Always keep a few in the tank bag and range bag.

BTW for those that have never used ear plugs while riding, it really can relieve strain on long rides.

Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 8:09 pm

I use any of the first three that Tony put up, the expanding foam type. ..I don't like the rubbery silicone stuff...

This is a great post, curious about how many of us wear earplugs when riding. I for one,
Do Not Ever Ride Without ear plugs Exclamation

.... It feels like driving a car without seatbelts, feels unsafe or naked... know what I mean??

Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 9:55 pm

I use all of the above, but I also use noise suppressing earplugs. Phillips SHN2500 ear plugs do a good job of reducing noise and also amplify the music. I've used regular in ear earphones without the external noise suppression and the difference is huge. Just standing next to my bike and turning the Phillips on and off makes a huge difference. As far as using the foam plus, I really like the ones with the string between them because when I'm riding I can adjust the placement of the plugs by pulling on the string which has an effect on how well they're sealed

Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 10:26 pm

I wear the foam Hearos all the time. On top of strain the main reason is to protect your hearing. The wind noise etc. when your riding can cause hearing loss. Cotton balls don't do a thing to protect you. Get whatever type works for you.

Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 10:28 pm

most drug stores sell gel plugs...they come in a little plastic case and form fit to your ear. These are so much better than the in-ear type, I've also seen them in bike parts supply companies too. Cool

Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 10:56 pm

beer? I can't have beer,????? OH a deer, you hit a deer, I don't need no stinkin earplugs.
Never tried em on a bike. Always used ANR headsets in the plane though. I even have a pair of aviation helmets with built in head sets. I'll have ot give em a try. They won't block the lovely sound of the 11 with a Yosh rowing through the gears will they? I have found relatively modern helmets a lot quieter than the wind whistlers of old.

Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2009 2:14 am

buy a bunch of diff types sqeezums, some just fit you diff than others and comfort is the key, also get best noisesupression u can get..nothing helps you go further more comfy other than baby powder.. Smile

Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2009 2:21 am

Baby powder for your ears...kidding...A friend bought some stuff as a joke..called Anti Monkey Butt powder...
he said it worked well Very Happy

Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2009 5:35 am

Amen, bro!!

Just say no to Monkey Butt!!!

Monkey Butt Link

Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2009 1:31 pm

I have worked in a metal shop for 20 years and have tried many different plugs. I have found these to be the most comfortable. They are soft and easy to install and work well.
I wear them about 80% of the time that I am riding.
And about 90% of the time I am at work.

David