Ear plugs - Hearing protetion

[Jess from VA]

My bikes are stock exhaust except for truck stacks, but ever since I got constant, never-ending tinnitus, I wear earplugs to ride for the wind roar (above 25), and also using power tools, mowers, 2-strokes, and anything else that makes noise.

I prefer the corded rubber ones over individual plugs (foam), so when you pull them out they just hang around your neck for when you need them again.

But just like kids playing with 2 tin cans and a tight string (cheap walky-talky), wearing the corded ones on the bike transmit the wind blowing and tugging the cord around and drives me crazy (never a problem with any other noisemakers).  So I stuff the foamers in my ears so far you almost need needle-nose pliers or hemostats to get them out.  LOL

My Interstate radios are pure stock but the speakers are good, and I listen to music riding, but have to turn it up to hear with the plugs in.  I hate people who play rap in their cars so loud I can hear it my house with all the windows closed.  So I have to remember to turn my radio down when I go rolling through little towns with people out there.    

Tinnitus is nerve damage and really in your head more than your ears, though it's always called ringing ears.  Whatever it is, it gets worse if you don't protect your ears with plugs.

This is kind of a public service post for our aging membership.  

WHAT DID YOU SAY?????    

[Willow]

You mentioned your pipes but the volume to your ears, as you noted, is to the wind as you travel, not from your pipes whatever they are.
 
Yes, wind damage to the hearing of motorcycle riders is real, especially to those of us who ride without a windscreen.

[Jess from VA]

Yes, wind damage to the hearing of motorcycle riders is real, especially to those of us who ride without a windscreen.

Or ride with only half helmets.

You know Carl, I have some mild hearing loss.  I let the audiologists sell me some very expensive hearing aids... but only because they had a tinnitus masking noise function (that turned out to not be helpful to me, mainly trying to sleep).  I wore them around some when I first got them, but never since.  I just don't need them.  I rarely have to ask someone to speak up or repeat things.

All my efforts with ear plugs and protecting against noise and wind is fear of my tinnitus getting worse/louder.  But I'm sure it's helped with limiting additional hearing loss.

[NewValker]

I liked the corded ones in had, made by Remington for shooting. I too left them hanging around my neck when not riding, then came that time I saddled up and took off….gee, everything was really loud….
Yup not around my neck anymore…on the side of I-495 somewhere.
Bought another set to shoot, and stick with foam throwaways for riding.

Craig

[Jess from VA]

Craig, no matter how I tried to tuck that cord in or down my collar it still caused constant tugging noise in my ears.

The little foamers are dead quiet so I'm sticking with them riding.

I'll still use the corded rubber ones for everything else (because there's no wind).  Even if they fall off your neck, they're still easier to find than the little foamers.  Mine are bright yellow and orange.

[carolinarider09]

I have mild tinitus (working on a nuclear sub in the engineroom does provide some "issues").

So, I live with it but, since leaving the Navy and getting into commercial nuclear power, ear protection became a thing we all worked at and tried to use to avoid additional ear damage.

I use "in the ear: earphones for listening to musics and my GPS while on the bike. 

I have tired several brands but the one I became reliant on was Ear Inc,  I have used their in the ear devises since 2007 and still have them.  I would recommend them for in the ear speaker or earphones.  They offer hearing protection and good audio. 

https://earinc.com/custom-ear-plugs/motorcycling/

I still have several of their products that I continue to use on every ride.  I am not without them when on the bike.

Another one, a local vendor who I first met in 2004 or 2005 or so at a Bike Rally in Myrtle Beach, was Big Ear.  I purchased a pair of earplugs (no audio) and still have them.  The worked well.  The in the ear molding was easy to do.

https://www.bigearinc.com

[f6john]

I still have my Army issue ears plugs that I wear for outdoor power equipment use. They work pretty well for that but they were no match for the concussion of a full powder load on an eight inch Howitzer going off only feet from your head. Sailors who maned those 16” guns on WW11 battleships have my utmost respect and admiration. I can only hope they had much better hearing protection than I had.

[scooperhsd]

I still have my Army issue ears plugs that I wear for outdoor power equipment use. They work pretty well for that but they were no match for the concussion of a full powder load on an eight inch Howitzer going off only feet from your head. Sailors who maned those 16” guns on WW11 battleships have my utmost respect and admiration. I can only hope they had much better hearing protection than I had.

I can't say, but since you're talking about WW2 - I have my doubts. Possibly for the Iowas as they were recommissioned in the late 1980's.

[Willow]

Yes, wind damage to the hearing of motorcycle riders is real, especially to those of us who ride without a windscreen.

Or ride with only half helmets.

You know Carl, I have some mild hearing loss.  ...

I do ride usually with a half shell.  I used to wear earplugs regularly but have not done so for several years now.

I don't honestly know whether it is age and injury or wind damage but I tell my wife regularly that I can't make out her words if she isn't turned toward me.  It is most specifically my right ear.  I find that odd (if one counts from the right).

[98valk]

I still have my Army issue ears plugs that I wear for outdoor power equipment use. They work pretty well for that but they were no match for the concussion of a full powder load on an eight inch Howitzer going off only feet from your head. Sailors who maned those 16” guns on WW11 battleships have my utmost respect and admiration. I can only hope they had much better hearing protection than I had.

I can't say, but since you're talking about WW2 - I have my doubts. Possibly for the Iowas as they were recommissioned in the late 1980's.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjnz6ppCWAw&t=16s

Overpressure: Can the Pressure of the Battleship's Guns Knock a Man Over?

[Robert]

The Apple as well as other MFG's have noise cancelling ear pods. Mine help a lot with wind and other noises

all the time but allowing you to listen to music. I use them sometimes in noisy restaurants to cancel the

drone of noises from surrounding conversation or out on the bike or with the top down on the convertible.

They make a huge difference and can eliminate not all but most of the wind noise and other not wanted

noises. The plus side is on conversation they can be set to automatically mute the noise cancellation to carry on

a normal conversation. Also on directions on your phone they allow you to hear the guided messages. I

bought different foam seals for the ear and they fit snugly and don't fall out. The noise cancellation can

be adjusted also on the amount of cancellation you want, so you do get surrounding sounds yet they stop

the ear damaging noises. They are not perfect but allow the music and other sounds but filter out most of the

noise that becomes a problem. I love them in the restaurant since they make it for a much more enjoyable

experience. You can eat in peace and you can even listen to music or watch a movie while eating. But you can hear

the waitress or anyone else you want to talk to.

[Jess from VA]

Pardon my ignorance, but these ear plugs/pods that play music..... do they have some kind of built in radio or (more likely) do your cell phones broadcast what you listen to, or are they plugged/wired into cell phones?

Many years ago, I had a pocket size cassette player and listened to music in headphones jacked into it in the bikes.  The batteries didn't last long.   I still have like 300 cassette tapes (from 40-50 years ago), somewhere around here.   

[Robert]

Pardon my ignorance, but these ear plugs/pods that play music..... do they have some kind of built in radio or (more likely) do your cell phones broadcast what you listen to, or are they plugged/wired into cell phones?

Many years ago, I had a pocket size cassette player and listened to music in headphones jacked into it in the bikes.  The batteries didn't last long.   I still have like 300 cassette tapes (from 40-50 years ago), somewhere around here.    

As always technology moves on, it is in a similar vain but they are Bluetooth and work off your phone so no cords.

The battery instead of short time works for hours and the case they come in is their recharger. So use them

for say 5 hours, put them in the case for about 15 minutes then have another few hours of playtime.

The case will recharge them about 4 or 5 times then it will be depleted, just put the earpods back in

case then put them on the charger and you are good to go again, good as new. They make them for either

brand of phone and some even dont need a phone to work. Not cheap but totally worth it and the if the fit

in your ear is not good you can like me buy other cushions for your ear. When I put them in I make sure they

have a air tight seal and then they are good to go.

As for the cassettes go digitalize into MP3,  then and you can once again take a trip to the past  

[Rams]

You mentioned your pipes but the volume to your ears, as you noted, is to the wind as you travel, not from your pipes whatever they are.
 
Yes, wind damage to the hearing of motorcycle riders is real, especially to those of us who ride without a windscreen.

Well, I do agree with the second sentence, wind noise is another culprit.  Now, significant tinnitus and basic hearing loss have me wearing hearing aides in both ears.   Yes, my former occupation playes huge role in that hearing loss but, loud pipes also have contributed to that loss.   

Ask any hearing specialist/Audiologist about high decibel noises.............

Rams

[Jess from VA]

Robert, if some don't even need a cell phone (I have none), how do those get a signal? 

[Nightflight99]

I always wear ear plugs while riding. In the rare occasion that I forget to put them on, the difference is dramatic ("What the hell is all of that noise?").

Years ago, I experimented with a lot of different ear plugs. The ones that came out on top by a wide margin were the 3M Skull Screws (corded), and they have been my go-to ever since. I even stash a couple of extra pairs either on my bike or in my riding gear, just in case I lose a pair while out and about.

[TTG53#1717]

Not really compatible with a full helmet but I prefer “Canal Caps” .

I wear a “pot” helmet and wore a hard hat at the refinery. The canal caps were very convenient and had only a 3 decibels difference (less effective) from the roll in plugs.

They are also my choice in my home shop when my machines are extra noisy.

[Robert]

Robert, if some don't even need a cell phone (I have none), how do those get a signal?  

They will not play music but some have internal software for noise cancellation. I use the Apple I pods Pro,

and even without the phone they do have noise cancellation. Also it is the same for other brands that you

can use an Android phone. But the Active Noise cancellation works independently of any phone, so you

use it without connecting to any phone. Although it will make the use much easier, and of course give

you more features.

[Mooskee]

I rode with a 3/4 shell helmet for many years. After an accident I decided to spring for a Shoei Neotech II full face helmet. It is a very well thought out system, and the cost reflects it. The first time I rode with it I thought why didn't I do this years ago. The noise abatement is really good. Of course I can still hear what is going on around me, but the helmet blocks out the wind noise. I also added a Sena Bluetooth communication system that was made specifically to integrate into the helmet. I can hear navigation, music, even phone calls if I choose to accept them, or turn it off and hear the road.

https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/shoei-neotec-3-helmet

[Jess from VA]

I have a beauty of an Icon full face helmet, brightly painted like it's a dragon head (for the Dragon).

But the darn thing gives me claustrophobia and I could never get used to it, or see well enough.  Wore it twice in cold weather (which made it steam up enough to blind me.  Until, I opened the eye hole  ).

I wore 3/4 helmets for many years. 

[Rams]

I have a beauty of an Icon full face helmet, brightly painted like it's a dragon head (for the Dragon).

But the darn thing gives me claustrophobia and I could never get used to it, or see well enough.  Wore it twice in cold weather (which made it steam up enough to blind me.  Until, I opened the eye hole  ).

I wore 3/4 helmets for many years. 

Have you tried one of those modular helmets with the fold down chin bar.   I love mine.   Perfect for both hot and cold weather.  (IMHO) 

Rams

[carolinarider09]

Have you tried one of those modular helmets with the fold down chin bar.   I love mine.   Perfect for both hot and cold weather.  (IMHO) 

Rams

The helmets the wife and I have used for the last 10 or so years.  (well me a little longer),  Shark EVO. 

I thought they stopped making this version but it appears to still be available.

https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/shark-evo-gt-helmet?sku_id=10407246

[Timbo1]

The helmets the wife and I have used for the last 10 or so years.  (well me a little longer),  Shark EVO. 

I thought they stopped making this version but it appears to still be available.

https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/shark-evo-gt-helmet?sku_id=10407246

Wife & I have been using Sedici Strada II Primo Carbon helmets the last 3 years (mostly the wife).  They're good helmets but the ventilation is not very good and being full face get pretty hot.  Also though it sounds like a contradiction they're not as quiet as one would think as there is a lot of wind noise.

The noise doesn't really bother me, as about the only time I don't notice the ringing from tinnitus is when I'm rolling down the road without a helmet.

I have been on the search for a LS2 Advant X Carbon as I've read good things about it but I want to find a deal.   Looks like the Shark may be a more economical option.

[Jess from VA]

I just got back from a visit to my local 'Cycle Gear' store.

The manager was a USAF Academy Grad (retired), and my salesman was ex Army, and I enjoyed talking with both of them.

I really didn't need a new helmet, but the half helmet selection was pitiful and the only one that interested me was only available in a super jumbo XXXL and 3 smalls.  But holy crap they had a 1000 full face helmets of every make and type.  I was able to have them order me a new half shield for my Bell Pit Boss (which had a small mount finger broken off of mine I didn't even know about, but explains the trouble I've been having with it).

No decent ear plugs either.