I always wear foam ear plugs, except on very short rides or when I know I won't go over about 60 km/h. The problem is, they really hurt my ears after about an hour. I have tried different types of foam ear plugs and they all hurt, even the ones that claim to be super soft. I guess I got small ear canals. On day-long rides, the last few hours of the day are very painful, forcing me to take frequent breaks to give my ears a rest. I am still looking for a solution that is effective but doesn't hurt. Maybe I should try the custom molded ones.

 

I found my helmet can affect this, my ears do the same in my shoei GT air especially the right one. What I have done to alleviate it is remove the speaker covers and cut (length ways) the earplugs, I cut about 1/4 of the total diameter, problem solved.
I wear earplugs on every ride, I find the noise of the exhaust/wind quickly annoying as I'm so used to wearing them.

These are the things I removed, the helmet flattens my ears against my head which I think is where the issue lies.

Sent from my POCOPHONE F1 using Tapatalk

 

I used to wear noise isolating headphones or earplugs everywhere. Now I've got a com system installed in my helmet that I connect to my phone for music; and this helmet is surprisingly quiet, especially for a modular. If I've got it all closed down, even without the music, you practically have to shout for me to hear you when not moving.

 

Didn't used to until about 7 years ago...now I won't ride to the corner store without them...just like putting on my other protective gear. Plus my bikes sound like they are falling apart if I don't have them in...lol

 

Didn't used to until about 7 years ago...now I won't ride to the corner store without them...just like putting on my other protective gear.

absolutely and wish I had done it 20 years ago

 

I few months ago I discovered these ear plugs and they are a big improvement over foam ones: Mighty Plugs - World's Finest Sound Blocking & Waterproof Earplugs

I can wear these all day and they don't hurt. They are made of beeswax, you roll them into a ball and stick them in your ear, they don't go all the way into your ear canal, they just form a seal around it which works well to block out wind noise. They are reusable although not infinitely, but I get a few months out of each pair.

 

I started using Eargasm Earplugs, loving them so far. I can still hear my music and noises around me, but it cuts the damaging noises down. I'm only 25, but have started loosing some hearing since working in factories for the last 9 years. I wear them at work now too, very comfortable, almost unnoticeable now. They come in a nice little metal case, keep them on my bike keychain.

 

Eargasm Earplugs

If you are talking about these. They look identical to the Westones that I have. Eargasm claims -21db and Westone claims -20db.

 

@trevor
Beautiful collection! Now that's a MAN CAVE!!!

 

Back to the thread topic, I've tried all sorts of plugs over the years, never ride without them.
The most convenient/effective/cheap ones so far are the green foam ones in the pic they have a central plastic rod core which helps with input and removal. I discovered the Earos before Xmas and put them on my suggestion list, they are priced from £40 to £80 and more in the UK which to me is ridiculous. Anyway lo and behold I was gifted a pair they are specifically intended for musicians and come with two sizes of insert which mount on a rigid base. Have not used them yet, waiting for the weather.
Link to review

 

Thanks dekker! Those earos look nice. I just ordered a pair. I like the shape of the outer part. The claimed feature of flat frequency response is the same as the Westones, although the attenuation is not quite as great (-17 vs, -20). I'm sure that will be sufficient for my needs.

 

although the attenuation is not quite as great (-17 vs, -20)

Most of the cheap ones IIRC are about 26 dB. 20 is not that great attenuation.

 

Have you tried Alpine moto safe race ear plugs?
To make things easier they come with a applicator.

 

To make things easier they come with a applicator.

Like a suppository?

 

You could I suppose?
At least no one would hear you fart!

 

That's true, but then you need nose plugs. The really expensive ones that let the good smells through, but block the offensive ones.

 

I think that idea stinks!
No plug intended

 

Ha Ha Ha Ha, stop it before I soil my pants.

 

I‘m always talking to myself so if I wore ear plugs I probably wouldn’t be able to hear what I’m thinking 🤔

Had a hearing test a year ago and had no discernible problems. Guess my only objection is I like to hear what is going on around me. Having said that I’ve never tried them, so... gonna get a set and give them a try.

 

Hey gonzo once you start there's no going back.
I started using ear plugs about 13 years ago and the only time I don't use them is when going to work on my z125. Work is close like 5k from home.

 

Cheers Jeff, I’ll let you know how I go 👍🏻

 

I haven't tried some of the options discussed in this thread so I can't compare though I have used disposable foam plugs and musician earplugs (used in a band, never on the bike) and I didn't like either of them.
I went straight to custom made plugs and I've never looked back.
For $75 you get the plugs and a pouch. He injects the resin in your ear and allows it to set, removes them, grinds off excess and dips them in a clear coat. Mine are well used and I can see them lasting decades.
They do cut quite alot of sound but I've found them to be ideal. The biggest benefit is the fit. They are the shape and size of your outer ear, nothing sticks out so wearing a helmet is a non issue. Very highly recommended if they're available in your part of the world.

 

I had a set of these and in hot weather I could hear like a wet sort of sticky sound in my ears when I turned my head it was really annoying.
Sounds a bit strange LOL

 

It does sound strange, i've used them year round including 40 degree days and never had that issue. I do have big ears and gaping ear canals there's probably no room in there for moisture.

 

I remember now I did try foam ear plugs quite some years ago and didn’t like them. They kept becoming dislodged when putting my helmet on and when they did stay in place they were uncomfortable and weren’t that effective. After one or two rides I didn’t bother.
I’ll pick some up from the bike shop next I go there. Maybe they’ve improved since then.