Guest Wargoose Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 Just wanted to touch on the subject of hearing protection since the season is starting soon (at least for those of us in the northern climates) - seems a lot of new (and old) riders don't realize the amount of hearing damage that can occur when riding a motorcycle. The loudness of the bike or exhaust is not the issue, it is the wind noise passing over your ears. A full face helmet does reduce this a bit, but even at relatively low speeds, the volume is quite loud. At highway speeds, it can hit over 100dB, and that can lead to permanent damage in as little as a couple of hours. In addition to the damage done to your hearing, the excessive noise can lead to fatigue - and mental errors on the bike can be deadly. I have worn earplugs since I started riding, and have never found the reduction in volume to be an issue. I can still clearly hear the things I need to (vehicles, sirens, horns, etc.), but once you've ridden with them for a time, even a short trip without them really shows how loud things are. The best ones are custom made units as they fit your ear perfectly and are extremely comfortable, but these are quite expensive (between $100 and $150 or so). I personally use the E.A.R. classic plugs, which I purchase in bulk boxes for maybe $40, which lasts me years - they knock down about 30dB or so. Listening to music will not help much, since the earplugs used do not provide an adequate seal and I would think you are merely masking the wind with a different type of noise. A good article on the subject can be read here: http://www.freehearingtest.com/hia_motorcyclefacts.shtml Just wanted to hear any feedback from others on the subject. Wargoose Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Smola67 Posted March 23, 2007 Member Contributer Share Posted March 23, 2007 Never leave the house without my ear protection. :thumbsup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darth Bling Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 After trying some NRR 32 and 33 earplugs, I'll never go back to E.A.R. classic plugs which are NRR 29. JM2¢. Decibel ratings are based on a logarithmic scale. So, NRR 32 plugs block roughly twice as much noise energy as NRR 29 plugs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer chris2992 Posted March 23, 2007 Member Contributer Share Posted March 23, 2007 Lots of in ear canal style ear phones have noise reduction ratings in the upper 20's to low 30's db ratings. I use the Shure E2c's and find that they are nearly as good as my just plain ole ear plugs. But yes, wear something to block all that noise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer gll429 Posted March 23, 2007 Member Contributer Share Posted March 23, 2007 TOO LATE! :P Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tinyminds Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 :thumbsup: I wear earplugs anytime I hit the interstate. I don't tent to wear them when riding around in town primarily because I usually only travel 3-4 times down the road and back as a commute. But the few time I have forgotten my ear plugs, my ears ring for hours after I ride. If you want to listen to music and wear earplugs like I do, there are several different types of helmet speakers that are thing enough to fit in you helmet, and you can still turn the music up enough to hear it clearly even with earplugs in, but your blocking some of that wind from your helmet. Most of the people I know that ride a lot either wear earplugs, or wish they had because the wind noise will destroy your high pitch hearing. Ride safe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2003_VTEC_Rider Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 I ran out of ear plugs the other day, and I rode without them. Huge mistake. I tend to use the ones that are designed to reduce the noise from shooting guns. I can't remember who makes them, but they work better than the normal foam plugs. Later, Jeff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baileyrock Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 TOO LATE! :P :lol: I never ride without ear plugs! I buy the cheap foams by the box and keep extras everywhere! Don't leave home without them! :thumbsup: Wished I Always carried them on me all the time when some straight pipe dunba$$ decides to blow as many eardrums as possible while cruising downtown! :pissed: Too bad this type of exhaust isn't forced to exit at the riders head instead of behind them! :P Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bmv Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 Always. Even for the short rides! And besides, I will always want to hear my wife because she always has an interesting viewpoint. <_< :pissed: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hobie1dog Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 Always. Even for the short rides! And besides, I will always want to hear my wife because she always has an interesting viewpoint. <_< :pissed: Good answer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 Howard Leight Max 32db are the most comfortable throw aways I've found. I used them for years until I finally had customs made for racing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
afennell Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 I usually wear earplugs on the highway, but in the city I like to be able to hear the traffic around me. When I started wearing ear protection I realized how much it reduces fatigue. The only challenge is that I initially feel less alert with ear protection. This passes as I get into the ride. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Wingspan Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 I had a set of plugs made for my ears a few years ago. That was some of the best riding money I've spent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vfrbart Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 I never get on my bike without them.....I work in the construction industry so I am always wearing ear plugs I am currently using EAR soft blasts..I find they work very good.I use them when mowing the lawn or when using any power tools also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 What?...eh? As an audio engineer, this is a major deal for me as it could potentially affect my career. When I started riding, I went to the local hearing-aid store and without an appointment was immediately fitted for custom plugs. A week later and $70 they were in my hands. They are SO much better than the foamies or anything else I've used over the years. SPEND THE MONEY! People spend twice that on bling for their bike without hesitation. To me, this is as important as having a good helmet, gloves, boots, jacket, etc. (sorry, getting worked up! Time to go home) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 The howard leights are good. I like the moldex pura fit green ones. The box of 200 pair - each pair is individually wrapped in a paper packet - so you can keep them on the bike, in a bag, in your pocket..... the "spark plugs" are basically the same, but are "geared" towards nascar fans. Same deal - wrapped 2 to a package, in a 200 count box (they sell larger quantities).... lots of good stuff. the earplugstore they have corded ones, reusable ones, and so on. I just like the little foam disposable. Box of 200 pair cost me under $30 shipped. I use plugs every time - I love music and love my hearing! I have found that your ears will attenuate to the earplugs - I can hear all kinds of things just fine with them in after a little bit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VFR4Lee Posted March 24, 2007 Share Posted March 24, 2007 What's that, I didn't catch what you said. Speak up will ya! :pissed: Way too many loud rock concerts and long fast rides later without earplugs, I always wear them to ride now. It's getting to be like teeth, keep what I still have. :o Ears that ring are ears that have been damaged. :music: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon28 Posted March 24, 2007 Share Posted March 24, 2007 I wear the EIR-6 and never ride w/o those or some good 3m foam plugs. I can still hear emergency vehicles and such......AGATT!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Stéphane Posted March 24, 2007 Member Contributer Share Posted March 24, 2007 Ok, now I feel pretty dumb. Never wore them. I guess I'll give it a try this summer. As anyone started to wear them later on? What are the thing to look for? (i.e. do you feel like things snick up on you? Are you startled by vehicles you would usually hear?) How about track days? Thanks, SG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer tbzep Posted March 24, 2007 Member Contributer Share Posted March 24, 2007 After trying some NRR 32 and 33 earplugs, I'll never go back to E.A.R. classic plugs which are NRR 29. JM2¢.Decibel ratings are based on a logarithmic scale. So, NRR 32 plugs block roughly twice as much noise energy as NRR 29 plugs. E.A.R. makes the "Classic Super Fit" which is NRR 33. Same size and shape as the originals. http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/eclsupvcfopl.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Claude Posted March 24, 2007 Share Posted March 24, 2007 Ok, now I feel pretty dumb. Never wore them. I guess I'll give it a try this summer.As anyone started to wear them later on? What are the thing to look for? (i.e. do you feel like things snick up on you? Are you startled by vehicles you would usually hear?) How about track days? Thanks, SG I've been wearing them since I bought this bike a bit more than 3 seasons ago. If you're paying attention to your mirrors you really won't find anything sneaking up on you, and as an earlier poster said, your ears get used to the plugs and you'll hear everything fine - just not as loud. I hear my radar detector loud and clear. My work takes me to a lot of LOUD places and those places hand out quality ear plugs (32 NRR) like they're tictacs so I always have a good supply of good plugs on hand... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darth Bling Posted March 27, 2007 Share Posted March 27, 2007 After trying some NRR 32 and 33 earplugs, I'll never go back to E.A.R. classic plugs which are NRR 29. JM2¢.Decibel ratings are based on a logarithmic scale. So, NRR 32 plugs block roughly twice as much noise energy as NRR 29 plugs. E.A.R. makes the "Classic Super Fit" which is NRR 33. Same size and shape as the originals. http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/eclsupvcfopl.html Ooo, very cool. I had no idea E.A.R made the classic form plugs that were NRR 33. I'll have to check those out. Thanks! :thumbsup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Dutchy Posted March 27, 2007 Member Contributer Share Posted March 27, 2007 Used to ride with these yellow foam pads, but never liked the "feel". So I had a set made (a specialist that also sells hearing aids) by having my ears filled with some molding goo. This make a good imprint of the inside of my ears. The design allows air pressure equalisation but still filters the noise. They are easily cleaned in a glass of water with one of those dentures cleaning tab. :thumbsup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Birdman Posted March 27, 2007 Member Contributer Share Posted March 27, 2007 After trying some NRR 32 and 33 earplugs, I'll never go back to E.A.R. classic plugs which are NRR 29. JM2¢.Decibel ratings are based on a logarithmic scale. So, NRR 32 plugs block roughly twice as much noise energy as NRR 29 plugs. E.A.R. makes the "Classic Super Fit" which is NRR 33. Same size and shape as the originals. http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/eclsupvcfopl.html These work well. I have some used ones that I will sell anybody real cheap. :angry: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 27, 2007 Share Posted March 27, 2007 I always use whatever I can grab from the shop where I work. Some companies actually encourage people to take PPE home with them -a nice little perk. (happy employees steal less) My wife has trouble with every one we've tried. She may require custom fitted ones this season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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