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I use plugs. My hearing is fading as I age, so I prefer not to speed up the process. This is also the main reason I'm keeping the stock exahust. The alternativeI guessis togo with a full face helmet, but during he summer, the damn thing is just too hot! For those states that don't have helmet laws, you should at least wear plugs - You will go lose some of your hearing!
Actually, with no lid, the wind noise at highway speed is not that bad. When I was in Cincinanti a couple of weeks ago, I wasn't wearing my lid or earplugs, and needed to go on the highway for a bit. I was shocked to find out that at 70 mph, there was very little wind noise. My 1/2 helmet directs the wind right past my ears, and if I ride even a couple of minutes at highway speed without plugs, it's actually painful. Now, I would still wear earplugs on the highway even if I had the choice not to wear my helmet up here.
I wear them if I'm on the interstate or if the wind is really kicking up on 4 lane roads. My ear drums are also sensitive to cold temperatures (they hurt) so in temps below 55 I use them. I still hear the engine (at a low noise), but can still hear emergency vehicles. My ears just hurt too much if I am on the interstate. Laws against their usage be damned. I'm going to use them if the situation requires them.
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