Earplugs while riding?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 208
Likes: 6
From: Renton, WA
Armored Cav, lots of shooting, rock concerts, racing cars and many motorcycles over the years with less than good hearing protection have taken their toll. Last week my audiologist recommended some good books on lip reading. Might be a bit too late, but have started to include ear plugs for rides to preserve what I have left.
Unfortunately, I now realize hearing loss isn't a joke. Even with hearing aids, going to a restaurant with my MC is a joke. Trying to have a conversation in a mildly noisy environment is a joke. I ran into some friends at a regional historic racing event, and couldn't understand many of them. I explained I've lost enough hearing to not be able to make out what they are saying. Their not so funny response - "Huh?". I tell them I also have lost my sense of humor.
Never too late to try to save what you have left...
Unfortunately, I now realize hearing loss isn't a joke. Even with hearing aids, going to a restaurant with my MC is a joke. Trying to have a conversation in a mildly noisy environment is a joke. I ran into some friends at a regional historic racing event, and couldn't understand many of them. I explained I've lost enough hearing to not be able to make out what they are saying. Their not so funny response - "Huh?". I tell them I also have lost my sense of humor.
Never too late to try to save what you have left...
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,986
Likes: 715
From: NE Philly
I use ear attenuators that reduce the outside noise yet let me still hear ambient sounds.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0012X...495173-4175968
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0012X...495173-4175968
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,460
Likes: 6,378
From: Honah Lee
Got me...I would assume this statement would apply to ear plugs in the VA law below. "or which impairs or hinders the person's ability to hear" Guess you could argue the point but it says or and the ear plugs do hinder. Good luck. Sure it's one of those points were we are discussing words. My original post was my assumption on what it appeared to be.
§ 46.2-1078. Unlawful to operate motor vehicle, bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, or moped while using earphones.
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle, bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, or moped on the highways in the Commonwealth while using earphones on or in both ears.
For the purpose of this section, "earphones" shall mean any device worn on or in both ears that converts electrical energy to sound waves or which impairs or hinders the person's ability to hear, but shall not include (i) any prosthetic device that aids the hard of hearing, (ii) earphones installed in helmets worn by motorcycle operators and riders and used as part of a communications system, or (iii) nonprosthetic, closed-ear, open-back, electronic noise-cancellation devices designed and used to enhance the hearing ability of persons who operate vehicles in high-noise environments, provided any such device is being worn by the operator of a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,000 pounds or more. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the driver of any emergency vehicle as defined in §
§ 46.2-1078. Unlawful to operate motor vehicle, bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, or moped while using earphones.
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle, bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, or moped on the highways in the Commonwealth while using earphones on or in both ears.
For the purpose of this section, "earphones" shall mean any device worn on or in both ears that converts electrical energy to sound waves or which impairs or hinders the person's ability to hear, but shall not include (i) any prosthetic device that aids the hard of hearing, (ii) earphones installed in helmets worn by motorcycle operators and riders and used as part of a communications system, or (iii) nonprosthetic, closed-ear, open-back, electronic noise-cancellation devices designed and used to enhance the hearing ability of persons who operate vehicles in high-noise environments, provided any such device is being worn by the operator of a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,000 pounds or more. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the driver of any emergency vehicle as defined in §
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 141
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
On my first long ride (350+) miles I rode about 245 miles without them and was beat. It was 97 degrees, humid, my head was screaming from the noise and I wasn't having as much fun as I thought that I should have been having.
I stopped in a shop and got some plugs and then later on a cup holder. With the wind noises gone and access to a drink I was having a great time once again. Do the plugs is you are going more than 45 miles.
I stopped in a shop and got some plugs and then later on a cup holder. With the wind noises gone and access to a drink I was having a great time once again. Do the plugs is you are going more than 45 miles.
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