I ride with a half helmet most of the time so my ears are exposed to the wind all the time. The wind noise gets too loud and I find that when I stop for a break, my ears are ringing from the noise. I try to use earplugs but they are a pain in the a$$ most of the time. I do not want to go deaf so I and considering going with a full face helmet as they are pretty quiet. Just curious what others do to reduce the wind noise, if anything.

 

A proper fitting helmet helps. And ear plugs. If you ignore this, you'll eventually need hearing aids.

 

Ear plugs. Find a style and type that are comfortable for you.

BTW: some 1/2 helmets come with ear flaps and 3/4 helmets are in between 1/2 and full face. A windshield also will quiet the wind noise but you will hear more of the engine noises.

 

Ear plugs regardless of shield or no. My hearing's about shot, so I need to keep what I have left. Tip: give yourself a wet ***** with your pinky and the earplugs will seal real nice.

 

I don't recommend ear flaps on 1/2 buckets unless you have a windshield. Without a windshield, the wind will create a pretty loud "roar" as it gets forced between the ear flap and the side of your head at speeds above ~45-50 mph.

 

Ear plugs are alot more comfortable than hearing aids and are a hell of a lot cheaper too. Keep ignoring the ringing and one day it doesn't go away. Then it's too late and hearing aids won't get rid of it either. Protect your hearing now before it's gone.

 

Absolutely effing right you will. I worked in printing most of my life. It's prolonged exposure to high frequency noise that does the worst damage. Anything over 80 DB - like wind noise. That ringing and temporary hearing loss that you are already experiencing after a ride will take longer and longer to go away and eventually over time it won't go away at all - perminant damage. Ear plugs a pain in the ***? I think not, but I used to. Perminantly damaged hearing? Total pain in the ***.
I never ever ride with out my ear phones or some ear plugs - trying to conserve what little hearing I have left - docs say about 50% gone. Trust me, it sucks.

 

Ear plugs or iPod (not sure that will help not going deaf).

 

I stopped wearing my half helmet mostly because I like my Bell 500 more. It's a 3/4 and really cuts down on the wind noise. I don't know if I could wear my full face in the heat of the summer. However, if I'm out for an extended ride I will use ear plugs with the Bell.

 

Ear plugs x100

There are more than a few types. Keep trying until you find one that is the most comfortable.
Look at these:

http://www.etymotic.com/hp/er20.html

They reduce sound by about 20db. That approximately 1/4 or 75% less. The one thing they do is let you still hear ambient sounds around you. You know, the cagers. These will save your hearing while preserving your awareness to what's around you. I'd get the corded ones because they're less likely to get lost.

As I said, there are several to choose from, just be careful not to seal out everything.