Earplugs: Difference between revisions

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Lots of experienced riders say that earplugs make riding less tiring and stressful. They let you focus better on riding. They minimize the wind and exhaust noise that can really soak up your attention. (And that constant wind noise really tires you out. Try it and see.)

People who have never worn earplugs are concerned that they won't be able to hear things they need to hear while wearing them. What plugs do is remove a lot of noise (wind, exhaust blat) that you don't need to hear, but still let in sirens, horns, and so forth.

People who have never worn earplugs are concerned that they won't be able to hear things they need to hear while wearing them. What plugs do is remove a lot of noise (wind, exhaust blat) that you don't need to hear, but still let in sirens, horns, engine noise, and so forth.

Most riders use disposable store-bought plugs and are quite content with them. They can be found in the pharmacy section of many stores, or in larger quantities inexpensively online (see below).

You can also get a pair of custom fitted earplugs made by an {{wikipedia|audiologist}}. These are cast from molds made in your own ears and contain a tiny valve that allows low level sounds to be heard, while at the same time cutting out everything that's above a given sound pressure. People have had differing luck with the custom-made ones. If you decide to go this route, make sure you wear your helmet when getting the mold made. Another thing some people do is coat them in something (Duke uses Neosporin, others use Vaseline) which helps with sealing. All this makes a lot of people just stick with regular foam plugs.

====Earplug fit====

Earplugs should fit snugly in the ear canal. There should be nothing sticking out of your ear for the helmet to be able to knock out....

[[image:ear plugs 002-2.jpg|120px]]

[[image:ear plugs 003-2.jpg|120px]]

If you find a pair of plugs that seal well in your ear canals but stick out too far, you can always cut them off. Just don't cut them so short that you have to go to the doctor every time you want to remove them. You could also get a [http://www.newenough.com/helmets_eyewear/head_wraps_helmet_liners_other_accessories/do_wrap/coolmax_skull_cap.html "skull cap"] and pull it down over your ears. It should hold the plugs in place while putting on a helmet (and have the additional benefit of making your head drip in sweat).

====Earplug survey====

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plugs range from 29 to 33 NRR, which are all great for motorcycling, so

I don't consider NRR to be a rating-worthy factor until you've found

the one or two you like. Then, higher NRR makes a difference.

the one or two you like. Then, higher NRR makes a difference. This also does not show all the earplugs currently available at The Earplug Store.

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 Lots of experienced riders say that earplugs make riding less tiring and stressful. They let you focus better on riding. They minimize the wind and exhaust noise that can really soak up your attention. (And that constant wind noise really tires you out. Try it and see.)
-People who have never worn earplugs are concerned that they won't be able to hear things they need to hear while wearing them. What plugs do is remove a lot of noise (wind, exhaust blat) that you don't need to hear, but still let in sirens, horns, and so forth.
+People who have never worn earplugs are concerned that they won't be able to hear things they need to hear while wearing them. What plugs do is remove a lot of noise (wind, exhaust blat) that you don't need to hear, but still let in sirens, horns, engine noise, and so forth.
 Most riders use disposable store-bought plugs and are quite content with them.  They can be found in the pharmacy section of many stores, or in larger quantities inexpensively online (see below).
 You can also get a pair of custom fitted earplugs made by an {{wikipedia|audiologist}}. These are cast from molds made in your own ears and contain a tiny valve that allows low level sounds to be heard, while at the same time cutting out everything that's above a given sound pressure. People have had differing luck with the custom-made ones. If you decide to go this route, make sure you wear your helmet when getting the mold made. Another thing some people do is coat them in something (Duke uses Neosporin, others use Vaseline) which helps with sealing. All this makes a lot of people just stick with regular foam plugs.
+====Earplug fit====
+Earplugs should fit snugly in the ear canal. There should be nothing sticking out of your ear for the helmet to be able to knock out....
+[[image:ear plugs 002-2.jpg|120px]]
+[[image:ear plugs 003-2.jpg|120px]]
+If you find a pair of plugs that seal well in your ear canals but stick out too far, you can always cut them off. Just don't cut them so short that you have to go to the doctor every time you want to remove them. You could also get a [http://www.newenough.com/helmets_eyewear/head_wraps_helmet_liners_other_accessories/do_wrap/coolmax_skull_cap.html "skull cap"] and pull it down over your ears. It should hold the plugs in place while putting on a helmet (and have the additional benefit of making your head drip in sweat).
 ====Earplug survey====
@@ Line 68: / Line 77: @@
 plugs range from 29 to 33 NRR, which are all great for motorcycling, so
 I don't consider NRR to be a rating-worthy factor until you've found
-the one or two you like.  Then, higher NRR makes a difference.
+the one or two you like.  Then, higher NRR makes a difference. This also does not show all the earplugs currently available at The Earplug Store.
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