Odd. I have custom earplugs. It does knock down the exhaust noise, but the wind noise I get seems to be more percussive. The noise is conducted mechanically through the skull behind my ear (I think it's called the Mastoid Process) instead of through the eardrum ( crap, I remember the name for that, too).

I'm glad they work for everybody else, but I get ear infections and apparently I shouldn't wear mine so often.

 

i dont wear them because i like to hear the sound of the cage rolling up on me, besides i work in a call center so i am deaf anyway

 

We need to use ear plugs.. not just for riding, but for mowing, shooting, loud music, ETC...

Been saying the same in here for yrs... trouble is U can't tell the 20 something kids what there going to end up with.....too many know it alls....

After forty yrs plus in a factory being around loud machines and now having 24/7 ringing in my ears then being for the last seven yrs I worked as a Safety Rep, I also have a little experience.....

Still they think this ole man is full of chit.....

 

I like ear plugs. They make the long rides more comfortable.

 

I always wear cheap foam ear plugs...the yellow ones. Not to block my own exhaust but to cut the wind noise in my ears. Without putting them deep in the ear they cut the wind but still allow road sounds from other vehicles around me to get thru just fine.

 

I have some ear plugs that WBW (webbikeworld.com) rated really high. They are the foam ear plugs and are packaged in sets of two which is nice if you want to keep a set just in case. Since I have a shorty on my RG, I get plenty of wind around the helment (only wear a full face these days). These new Rinehart 4" slipons are nowhere near as loud as the full exhaust setup I had on my low rider so I don't need it for that. I guess to be honest, I hate wearing ear plugs. I would rather have a well sound insulated helmet but I really like my arai and don't plan on switching to anything else just yet. What I find most interesting is this; to hear my radio, I usually keep the face shield cracked about 1/2 an inch to let the sound in but if I put ear plugs in, I can hear the radio more clearly albiet it's loud as anything to everyone else, ha ha. Sound dynamics are an interesting study. Seems like I read somewhere that for every 10 decibel increase in sound, we perceive that as doubling in sound. That ought to tell you something right there.

 

i have always been told it is illegal to operate a vehicle with ear plugs..a lot of people are talking about it.. i must be missing something..

 

California use to limit ear plugs to one ear only. It's now legal to wear them in both.
Helmet speakers or headphones, is still limited to one.

The laws vary state to state.

 

I have that ringing in my ears, I only really notice it when it's quiet like now, but it is annoying at times.

 

I guess most of us go through this,I did 35 yrs ago.For me the things I missed while wearing plugs was not what I bargined for.Have had several hearing tests since then and nothing has changed other than what age is doing.Mother and I have lived in and around loud noise all our lives,rock in roll,guns,motorcycles,muscle cars, drag racing,the list goes on.Sure glad I made the choice I did,good luck with preserving all your hearing!