I've used earplugs for years. I've been riding for over 30 years and I can tell you they absolutely make a HUGE difference in how you feel after a ride (fatigue). They don't impair your hearing if you get the really soft ones that you can crush and then place in your ears. I find some that I really like at Walmart - soft, blue..... I think they're around $4.00 for about 5 sets of them. I swear by them.

 

Yeah, you have to watch for long term damage. My bike has a small fairing and I ride in a full face and have not noticed any problems. But I have always been half deaf. (Ask my wife ) Have to watch... some places earplugs may be illegal.

Brian

 

I wear a half (cruiser style) helmet. Never used ear plugs. I do not feel as comfortable with plugs sticking in my ears. Bad enough I have to wear them around work every now and then when going out to the production floor.

 

I wear them nearly every time I ride my 900. One of my cheapest and best mods for riding pleasure. When i wear them they reduce the vulcan engine and helmet noises while still allowing me to hear traffic and carry on a conversation in a normal voice on my cell phone when pulled over at a safe location. Like most safety equipment I use I've found it just takes time and use to become a comfortable piece of gear...

One other thing, they make many different kinds of ear plugs and I find one style much more comfortable than the others. A proper fit is a necessity for comfort, don't give up after trying just one type!

Howard Leight Laser Lite is my favorite at this time...

Howard Leight Max Lite ear plugs, disposable earplugs from T.A.S.C.O.

 

One other thing, they make many different kinds of ear plugs and I find one style much more comfortable than the others. A proper fit is a necessity for comfort, don't give up after trying just one type!

What type are you wearing that you described?

 

I spent the money on getting the custom earplugs molded specifically to my ears, have one set at work and one for the 900. Have been wearing them at work for 25 years in a very loud environment, and the annual hearing tests we take show NO hearing loss in that entire time. Thats proof enough for me that the 100 dollars is well worth it.

The mfr takes a temporary casted mould of each ear canal, then it takes about a week to get the plugs made. They keep the mould in case you lose an earplug, so ordering a replacement is easy. No more squishing foam plugs, its very convenient.

Just my .02c

 

I've worn earplugs for years. Once you try them, you will never ride without. Wind noise is the most fatiguing thing when riding. Especially long distances. For you non-believers, try them. You will be amazed.

I can still hear what's going on around me. Actually better. Traffic, sirens, horns. No wind noise to block it out.

I get my earplugs from the power tool section at Lowe's. About 3 bucks a pair.

I have some custom made earphones for when I listen to music while riding. They are also a 25db noise cancelling earplug. Work great.

 

The wind noice and pressure WILL DAMAGE YOUR HEARING over any protracted exposure. This is of course made worse if you have aftermarket pipes.

I do Long Distance riding and even with good earplugs the constant assault on your ears is noticable. It is damaging though without them.\

To each his own

R. Todd

 

I wear them on the highway but not in the city.

 

I wear them on the highway but not in the city.

+1

 

I agree with all here that have said positive things about wearing ear protection. In my line of work, high frequency hearing loss is an occupational hazard. If you think you want to save money now, you will pay hundreds and perhaps thousands later in life for hearing aids. Wind noise WILL damage your hearing over time. You will be the last one to notice it until your hearing is toast.

 

So I ask, has anyone else experienced this? For those that make long rides, do you use ear earplugs or do you just deal with it.

What happens is the tiny hair follicles or cells within the Corti constantly sway when it senses sound. The louder the sound the more they sway, or more so, bend (envision a strong wind blowing the grass). In time, the loudness of noise will weaken the cells at their stem until they lose rigidness and thus, result in hearing loss. This is what happened with the wind noise as you ride. The recovery is from the hair cells realigning or straightening back up, though the risk of individual cells not recovering increases as we constantly listen to loud sounds.

Those who deal with it now, will regret it later. Also, one does not get "used" to it, they simply start losing their hearing. Also the hearing loss can be accompanied by constant tinnitus (ringing in the ear) which has no cure. If you are still fairly young, trust me when I tell you to start seriously considering protecting your hearing.

I wear earplugs to eliminate any further damage to my present hearing loss, which I was born with. Though, the bad part about ear plugs is they can become bothersome and/or sore on a long day ride. The other part is not being able to take full advantage of a communication system when riding. Regardless, my hearing comes first and I wear the plugs all the time. Therefore, find a pair which fits comfortably to minimize ear fatigue on a long day, but wear them often.

 

I wear them when ever I ride, the wind noise was killing me.

 

Most definately use ear plugs. Not only when riding, but when shooting, using power equip in the garage and yes sometimes when sleeping.

Noise fatigue is cut down a lot by using them. You can tell a big difference when using them after a full day of riding or a really long stretch, you get off you bike and no ringing in your ears.

 

I have a hard time getting the foam type to seal so I just ordered a set of these to try, hope they work out:

Ultra-High Blocking Industrial Ear Plugs

 

I've worn earplugs for years. Once you try them, you will never ride without. Wind noise is the most fatiguing thing when riding. Especially long distances. For you non-believers, try them. You will be amazed.

I can still hear what's going on around me. Actually better. Traffic, sirens, horns. No wind noise to block it out.

Yup...I've been riding with them for awhile...and the few times I've forgotten, it has been an awful ride. Also find that when I have them in, I'm able to hear the hum from the motor...can't hear that when I don't wear them.

I wear them on the highway but not in the city.

That I can agree with...but mostly because when I'm riding around town, its too much of a hassle to put them in for a 5 minute trip...and the benefit isn't that much at lower speeds.

 

These are my favorites

Disposable MAX Tapered (25 Pair) - Earplugs - Off and Riding :: Aerostich/RiderWearHouse Motorcycle Jackets, Suits, Clothing, & Gear

Even though these are "large" and I have small ears and ear canals these fit me the best and block out the most noise but allow me to hear horns, cars, etc.

You can get a sample pack of different kinds at Aerostitch:

Aerostich Disposable Earplug Sample Kit - Earplugs - Off and Riding :: Aerostich/RiderWearHouse Motorcycle Jackets, Suits, Clothing, & Gear

 

Yup...I've been riding with them for awhile...and the few times I've forgotten, it has been an awful ride. Also find that when I have them in, I'm able to hear the hum from the motor...can't hear that when I don't wear them.



That I can agree with...but mostly because when I'm riding around town, its too much of a hassle to put them in for a 5 minute trip...and the benefit isn't that much at lower speeds.

+100%

 

I don't like the feel of wearing earplugs but I use them anyway unless I'm on a short, lower speed ride. After more than 40 years of riding I can still hear well - my wife sometimes complains that I hear things I'm not supposed to! Wind noise is the worst problem and not only is it as well as all the other noise potentially damaging to ears, but on a longer ride it's fatiguing as well.

 

I won't ride without them. The ear plugs block out high end noise, and I can hear FAR better without that high-end noise screeching away at my ear drums. I can hear the motor, other cars, and (sometimes unfortunately) my passenger blabbing in my ear. Once you get used to them you'll be amazed at how much BETTER you hear!

A friend of mine who is a sound-man also told me that hearing ability is reduced within a few minutes of hearing loud noise, so actually without ear plugs your ears are not functioning at their normal level. Wind noise also damages ears...

And ear plugs keep you warmer when it's cold out! Don't laugh! I'm not kidding!

Aerostich has a some good ones and they have an assortment pack so you can try it different ones: Earplugs - Off and Riding :: Aerostich/RiderWearHouse Motorcycle Jackets, Suits, Clothing, & Gear

I use these and I love them: Moldex Rockets Uncorded - Earplugs - Off and Riding :: Aerostich/RiderWearHouse Motorcycle Jackets, Suits, Clothing, & Gear

Ride safe... and QUIETLY!

Dep

 

I wear earplugs every time I ride, not only to prevent damage but they dampen a lot of the ambient noises and I can hear my rpms much clearer.

 

Have to watch... some places earplugs may be illegal.

There are no states or provinces where earplugs are illegal.
3 states and Canada have restrictions allowing no music, and 3 states allow music in one ear only.

 

Right on, Jim. I forgot to add that not wearing ear plugs brings on fatigue much sooner. I was surprised to find how true that is!

 

I have a hard time with the roll & insert foam variety. Once rolled, I can never find my ear canal. I got a set from the motorcycle store, they were soft silicone but they kept falling out. A set from Wal-mart's hunting section (made by Winchester, I think) were so stiff as to make my ears hurt.

My current set is from Lowes, softer yellow silicone and they're the best so far for easy insertion and not falling out.

I'm still looking for the ultimate variety, though.

 

I have a hard time with the roll & insert foam variety. Once rolled, I can never find my ear canal. I got a set from the motorcycle store, they were soft silicone but they kept falling out. A set from Wal-mart's hunting section (made by Winchester, I think) were so stiff as to make my ears hurt.

My current set is from Lowes, softer yellow silicone and they're the best so far for easy insertion and not falling out.

I'm still looking for the ultimate variety, though.

I agree, Belrix.

Check thsese out: Moldex Rockets Uncorded - Earplugs - Off and Riding :: Aerostich/RiderWearHouse Motorcycle Jackets, Suits, Clothing, & Gear