Hearing Protection

[bradnw]

After taking a nice 250 mile trip for fireworks,  i was having hearing issues.  I wear a half-helmet with no ear protection,  I don't want to lose hearing of traffic around me,  but after this drive i am willing to take suggestions for some ear protection.

Thanks

[sheets]

Foam ear plugs or wads of cotton... to protect against wind noise. Yrmv,

[chrise2469]

The most common means of protection is foam earplugs. I will give you a link to webbikeworld where they discuss a sample pack of earplugs and they also have several other reviews of different plugs.
http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/earplugs/

Everybody has a different ear so it may be necessary to try several different plugs.  For foam plugs I like the Howard Leight MaX but some people find them to thick.

Another option is to get some custom plugs made up.  That is the option I use.  If you wish to go this route you can usually find a local person or audiologist  who does this.

Hope this helps ya

[fudgie]

Kit uses ear plugs once in a great while. They can help her hear noices better but without the wind noice. Kinda like I can hear my radio better when I wear my beanie.  ??? Drowns out the background noise. I've noticed when/if i wear my novelty helmet I get alot more wind noise. probaly same for you.

[FLAVALK]

I use Mack's silicone, moldable earplugs. They are soft comfortable and work really well. CVS and Walgreens carry them

http://www.webbikeworld.com/Earplugs/macks-ear-plugs/

[solo1]

I always wear earplugs when riding.  I've bought a box of E.A.R. Classics that work well. Since we are involved in the Shooting Sports, etc, a box is the cheap way to go, 200 pair for around $38.00 at most occupational safety stores.
 I had a custom set made by an audiologist but they're made of a hard material and don't work well.

I try to protect my ears as I have a hearing loss and have bought hearing aids,  They also don't work well AND they are expensive (like $3,000 to $5,000) for two.  My loss wasn't due to riding.

All that i can say is protect your hearing by using plugs.  Losing good hearing is a drag and it won't  come back.  Hearing aids are not a good option.

Off the soapbox, sorry.

[houstone]

I like Earplanes, but they take some getting used to...hmmm sounds like Darkside!  ;-)

[big turkey]

Ear Plugs are you Kiddin.

Big AL

Huh

Huh

What did you say.

I don't need no stinkin ear plugs.

Well maybe I do.

[T.P.]

Most large gun shows will have some one doing the custom plugs,  may take 15 to 20 min start to finish.

[RLD]

Check out Aerostich.com for an earplug assortment, then you can pick the ones that work for you. None of them worked for me, I even tried the wax ones but didn't like the way they collect every stray bit of hair and dirt. I used molded solid plugs from an audiologist for about two years and they worked very well for me, a simple 1/4 turn and they're in; about $80 locally. I have since stepped up to the musician's ear plugs and will never go back and will not ride without them. The music's clearer, I can carry on a conversation with them in, and they block the "bad" noise. About $180, again locally, but worth every penny, IMHO.

[six2go #152]

Here's a good source for earplugs.

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

[NITRO]

You can get a set of custom made silicone plugs made by an audiologist for around $40. They last a long time and are very comfortable since they're made specifically for YOUR ears.

The custom made ones sold at bike shows are another option, but I don't like the idea of some random person injecting the molding material into my ear. An aud. friend of mine said she sees people regularly with bits of the molding material stuck in their ears from having untrained people doing the molds.

[Valker]

I've used these for years. They are comfortable enough for all day and all night wear.
www.earplugsonline.com

[asfltdncr]

You can get dispensers full of the foam earplugs from safety supply vendors for pennies on the dollar.