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Do you use earplugs?

  • Yes, all the time

    Votes: 119 39.8%
  • Sometimes, depending on how long I'm riding and what speed I'll be going

    Votes: 76 25.4%
  • No, I'm against them (please explain why)

    Votes: 13 4.3%
  • No, I probably should though

    Votes: 69 23.1%
  • Other (please explain)

    Votes: 22 7.4%

Do you use earplugs?

24K views 149 replies 108 participants last post by  kitt0y 
#1 ·
Just curious. I always keep them in for long rides especially if I'm hopping on the highway at higher speeds. I've found my ears hurt and feel a bit muted if I don't have them in for a long time, but it could just be a placebo. My step-dad and friend both ride cruisers with loud pipes and a half helmet (even worse) and they seem to be just fine. Only time will tell though... bless their souls.

Some people swear by them to prevent damage and some people just don't care.... what is your take? Have they been useful in your riding experience?
 
#2 ·
I always wear them now. I wish I had when I was younger. You don't notice hearing lose until later in life since it's a cumulative effect. But after riding with them for a few years, I find that it's easier for me to concentrate on my riding technique and what's around me if I wear them. The wind noise and loud exhaust I find distracting to me now.

Plus I don't want to give up any more of the hearing I have left.
 
#6 ·
I rode nearly 30 years without them and no problems. I played some pretty loud guitar when I was in my 'gigging' days which damaged my hearing way back when.

Now, with that M4 pipe, I wear earplugs on the racebike. I still do not wear them on the street because none of my street bikes are obnoxiously loud.
 
#8 ·
Motorcyclists Challenge State Laws Banning Use Of Earplugs : NPR
Interesting story on NPR that is kind of related to this topic

From the story: To determine the level of wind noise motorcyclists face, Healy took a recording device for a drive with PhD students. Imagine a mannequin head with anatomically-correct ears stuck out a window. His findings matched previous research showing that at speeds as low as 35 miles per hour, wind noise exceeded 85 decibels.

HEALY: Sounds over that are known to cause hearing damage. The levels that we measured were in the range of 110 to 130 dB.
 
#15 ·
Exactly right.:yes
 
#16 ·
I've been using ear plugs for the last 80,000 miles or so on motorcycles.

As much eyesight as I have lost to aging, I know I have lost more hearing. Eyes don't take as much of a beating when you live on board ships..... living inside an industrial plant and rock and roll aren't easy on hearing long term.

I suppose it's a lot like smoking -- it has to get better when you stop abusing your body.
 
#19 · (Edited)
Word. Glad I made this thread and got you thinking.

It's definitely a myth that it blocks out noise (it really just mutes it and makes it sound different). I find it actually makes for a more concentrating ride and makes you focus more on your surroundings. You have no problem hearing things like sirens or a horn.

Check these out, I have the older model and they're great: http://www.amazon.com/Nonoise-Motor...0628546&sr=8-11&keywords=motorcycle+ear+plugs
 
#18 ·
I always wear my radians ear plugs. Because of some issues as a really little kid, I'm already partially deaf and don't want to make it any worse than it is. And maybe not all helmets are this way, but the helmets I've owned create a lot of wind noise (especially at 70+mph). I have a SENA SMH-10 that will still turn up loud enough to hear over my ear plugs if I need to, but I really only use it for phone calls if necessary.
 
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#21 ·
I've tried several different sets of ear buds too and the ones I've found work the best is this cheap set that can actually be found at Walmart:

http://www.amazon.com/Skullcandy-S2DUDZ-003-Jib-Earbuds-Black/dp/B004MWL1TQ

I shove them deep into my ears and wrap the cord over the top of my ears before putting my helmet on. They don't come out when putting the helmet on and they stay put. Blocks a lot of noise and you don't have to have the volume blasting on the chatterbox to hear them, at any speed. Music sounds great too.
 
#24 ·
I wear them all the time, and the biggest benefit I think is actually on the track. Without 'em I hear every little rattle and squeak out of the bike which is super distracting.
 
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#26 ·
If I'm not going to have my helmet on then yes I wear ear plugs, but since I wear my helmet if I think I might get to speeds higher than in town driving I don't ride without it often. The 1/2 mile jaunt to the grocery store I will pop plugs in just because anything over 25 and the wind noise hurts my ears.
 
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