Who uses earplugs?
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,960
Likes: 6,716
From: WI
I bought some off Amazon...
... But I couldn't stand them. I have Eczeme in my ear though and have to use drops monthly. I can't stand anything in my ears more then 5 minutes including ear buds... I know I should find something that works because it would be far better for my hearing, but as of now I have not and do not wear plugs. I do not do a lot of interstate riding though either. Maybe 5% of my riding is on hwy's... Not that it is an excuse, but the road noise isn't as bad on back country roads or state hwy's as it is interstates.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,508
Likes: 303
From: N. Tx.
I received a case (200 pair) of 3M classic yellow foam earplugs as a Christmas present about 15 years ago and am still using them. . . all these years later there's still about 20 pairs left. I've used them when mowing, weed eating, and riding the bike since I got them.
On the bike they cut the wind noise substantially but still leave the muffler roar, only subdued a bit. After all these years of using them, when they run out I'll buy another case...which is around $30 on Amazon.
On the bike they cut the wind noise substantially but still leave the muffler roar, only subdued a bit. After all these years of using them, when they run out I'll buy another case...which is around $30 on Amazon.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 943
Likes: 41
Been using hearing protection for years to avoid sensori neural loss. My preference is Howard Leight Smart Fits. They have a NRR of 25, much easier to insert and remove than a foam plug, re-suseable, and have a cord that helps keep them from getting lost. They make plugs with a higher NRR rating but the 25's work great for me and I find them to be the most comfortable. I also use the same plugs for trap and skeet shooting.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 797
Likes: 166
From: MA
After trying all types of foam, inserts, etc, I sprung for a pair of custom fit plugs with replaceable attenuators at an audiologist. I started out using 25db and couldn't hear anything (dangerous), so I opted for 15db (which I understand is what musicians use), and they are great. Comfortable to wear all day and no ringing after.....yeah, a bit pricey but I figured my ears are worth it.
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 29
Likes: 2
From: CO
Ear plugs response.
Like some of the posters here I have prior military (aircraft technician) and after the service I went into law enforcement where there was of course a lot of shooting practice. Like most in my position I have ringing in the ears. I spare no expense in getting custom made earplugs. Yes, they mute my surroundings while on the bike (then a EGC now SG) but what little hearing I have left I want to protect. For shorter trips I don't bother. But for longer trips to like Sturgis I wear them. Ya know I have to protect my hearing so I can hear all the rock bands there!
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 1,229
From: Depends on where I am
I almost always use plugs, and when I don't I wish I had. Most of the foam type irritate my ears, so I use these.
https://www.earplugsonline.com/
They are basically cotton and wax that form to your ear canal. I can wear them all day riding or shooting, and can still hear the exhaust and traffic / sirens fine. I bought one of the large packs over a year ago and keep a few stashed on the bike, some in my range bag, and have given a few away to friends.
https://www.earplugsonline.com/
They are basically cotton and wax that form to your ear canal. I can wear them all day riding or shooting, and can still hear the exhaust and traffic / sirens fine. I bought one of the large packs over a year ago and keep a few stashed on the bike, some in my range bag, and have given a few away to friends.