Hearing protection

[yorkie_chris]

Just noticed today that how I'm going, I'll be on a hearing aid before im 20, as was in the pub last night listening to the symptom rattle the place to the foundations, clay shooting this morning (3" mags, ouch!) and out on the bike today: What hearing protection do you lot use when out on the bike, and how much difference do you notice?

Chris

[kwak zzr]

i can only wear ear plugs on motorways, i cant wear them any other time they anoy me.

[yorkie_chris]

Which ones do you use?

I've tried the rubber ones with the little stick in them but they really didn't seem to do anything.

[Defender]

I bought 2 pairs of foam earplugs that came in a box with a little keyring for £2 at Woosters in Leeds. I just squash and insert them into my ears. Strange crackling noise at first but you get used to it.

I now try and use the plugs as often as possible as they make a real difference. I can still hear the bike but they remove loads of the wind noise.

[Lissa]

I work in an extremely noisy factory all week, and sit above a stubby can that sounds like the voice of doom. I don't wear any ear protection for either, because I can't. I had terrible ear infections as a child which damaged my inner ear. Wearing ear plugs causes me to get horrific ear infections, and the pain just isn't worth it.

[jim@55]

all the time for me ,,max-lite i think (yellow and pinky)very good and soft ,,the rest seem to hurt after a while (1hr up);)

[kwak zzr]

i think there motrax ones, lill orange ones that you squeeze, shuv in ear they expand back to plug ear.

[Defender]

I work in an extremely noisy factory all week, and sit above a stubby can that sounds like the voice of doom. I don't wear any ear protection for either, because I can't. I had terrible ear infections as a child which damaged my inner ear. Wearing ear plugs causes me to get horrific ear infections, and the pain just isn't worth it.

Lissa, perhaps you should try ear defenders at work - they look like the old type of headphones - the noise can't be doing you any good!

[orose]

Alpine moto-safes here (apparantly - my Dutch is worse than their English). I used to ride without, but now I can't do without them especially on the motorways.

Now, I get off the bike and as soon as I take them out, I can hear perfectly - without them, I'd have to wait 10 minutes for my hearing to recover to normal levels.

[fizzwheel]

all the time for me ,,max-lite i think (yellow and pinky)very good and soft ,,the rest seem to hurt after a while (1hr up);)

Thats the ones I use, I tried loads and they were the most comfortable and damped out the most noise to.

I wear them pretty much all the time.

[northwind]

I've used assorted plugs, the orange Max plugs are my favourites but Max Lite are OK too. Don't like Max Quiet or Laser Lites. I've just got some custom ones made up at a bike show, waiting for them to arrive, so I'll have half a box of assorted plugs going spare after... So I can maybe do some sample packs?

[carty]

I always wear ear plugs unless I'm literally nipping up the road to get petrol. I've had tinnitus for years (gained from my yoof dancing next to speakers :rolleyes: , I wish I'd known better back then). It's not that noticable any more cos I've been careful for years but it doesn't take much for it to flare up again for a week or so.

Anyway, I've always used Boots wax earplugs. Break one in half, roll it til it's warm then shove it in. These are brilliant cos they totally seal the ear, block out all the noise I don't want but let me hear what I need to. Wouldn't wear anything else. I've tried the foam ones but they just don't seal anywhere near as well.

Cheers,
Matt

[Fizzy Fish]

I always wear ear plugs unless I'm literally nipping up the road to get petrol. I've had tinnitus for years (gained from my yoof dancing next to speakers :rolleyes: , I wish I'd known better back then). It's not that noticable any more cos I've been careful for years but it doesn't take much for it to flare up again for a week or so.



ditto - i stuffed up my hearing for the same reason & have been uber-careful since. There's no way I'd ride without earplugs at speed, just not worth the damage, and TBH the noise is annoying anyway

personally i also wear them at low speeds too, since feel that they help me to ride better - you focus more on the feel of the engine rather than the noise

it can be tricky finding the right plugs for you, but http://www.earplugs.gb.com/ do a trial pack so you can pick which ones suit you best before ordering a stack of them

[Colby]

I play bass in a band and ride the bike so I have to look after my ears. I wear special musician ear plugs when in the band but for the bike I got a pair of custom moulded ear plugs at one of the bike shows. 45 quid very well spent. Really lowers the volume but you can still hear important things like other cars, sirens and if there are any dodgy noises from your own engine.

I used to use the orange squeezy ones and they were fine for the odd hour long ride but any longer and my ears would ache. The moulded ones I can wear all day long.

[Baph]

I wear earplugs from time to time, but only every the cheapy ones you can buy in tesco.

So long as you put them in right, they offer enough protection, and are soft enough to not cause discomfort.

[Ceri JC]

Earplugs when riding (aside from short <5 mile trips), clay shooting or at concerts, religiously. Only time I don't wear them when perhaps I should is when DJing and that's because I don't play on big enough systems to warrant it. I am a bit gutted at the moment. I have run out of earplugs (on my last pair), but am loathe to buy any more as I know I have a bag of at least 50 pairs kicking around my house somewhere. :)

Listen to some old bikers (shouting when they talk) if you need convincing that it's neccessary. WHAT? ;)

[Stu]

I've used assorted plugs, the orange Max plugs are my favourites but Max Lite are OK too. Don't like Max Quiet or Laser Lites. I've just got some custom ones made up at a bike show, waiting for them to arrive, so I'll have half a box of assorted plugs going spare after... So I can maybe do some sample packs?
Don't be too hasty giving them away.
I got them made up & don't like them, so still use the pink & yellows.

[gettin2dizzy]

I don't go above 60 on my way to work (5 miles) and I'm getting tinitus at the age of....21! Earplugs NEED to be worn!

[Mousetrapper]

Hi Chris,

If the plugs you've got are the ones I donated at the AE07 the best way to get them in is give a quick lick on them then push the foam bit in the middle right into your ear. They are my current favorites, but then everyones ear is different. Try a few and stick to the ones that work for you.

On the other hand I've just tried these around my autocom headphone drivers and they work a treat, cheaper than the pro moulded version as well.
http://www.custommouldedearplugs.co.uk/

[Gnome]

I have a set like these (but with a simple plastic cord - not braided).
Got mine free from my bro-in-law (building trade).

http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediawebserver?66666UuZjcFSLXTtlx&clxMcEV76EbHSHVs6EVs6E666666--

[G]

My missus dad told me to wait until the bike show to get some of the moulded ones, they take a mould of your inner ear then at the end of the day you pick up your ear plugs.

£45 for the basic ones I believe, but you can also get ones with noise filter built in that let certain sounds in so you can hear people talking to you.

[yorkie_chris]

The guys at the clay shoot say those are excellent, considering getting some.

[northwind]

Mine arrived this morning, either I can't work them or they don't fit :rolleyes: But, sensible money is on it being me, so I'll keep trying.

[CB1ROCKET]

or try the NHS audiologist department at the hospital, exactly the same as paying 45 quid for. Should get them free. I'm deaf myself but you can get special ones made without the hole for hearing aid attachement that is. I actually got a pair when I was younger for swimming to block the water entering.

[Essex of Essex]

I wear plugs all the time on the bike, my job depends on maintaining a medical which periodicly includes an audiogram; according to the Dr my hearing is excellent and I aim to keep it that way.

Northwind make sure you are puting the correct plug in your ear I tried to put them in the wrong side when I first got the custom plugs:smt053

[cuffy]

http://www.lindensafety.com/_storeimages/LL30.jpg

These are comfy and offer a good level of noise protection.
Laser-lite thingummy wotsits, they remind me of the old rhubarb n custard sweet you used to get as a kid.... :rolleyes:

Anyway! Back on track, if anybody wants any of these send me a pm with your name n address and i'll go raid the stock cupboards at work ;)
All FoC, i'll even get our lovely receptionist to use the franking machine so you dont need to pay postage :smt045

[stuartyboy]

Those little green ones. wear them all the time when riding

[djt_spurs]

I've just bought a pack of assorted ones so you try the different types before buying. Hope it helps.
http://www.earplugged.co.uk/acatalog/Trial.html

[jim@55]

http://www.lindensafety.com/_storeimages/LL30.jpg

These are comfy and offer a good level of noise protection.
Laser-lite thingummy wotsits, they remind me of the old rhubarb n custard sweet you used to get as a kid.... :rolleyes:

Anyway! Back on track, if anybody wants any of these send me a pm with your name n address and i'll go raid the stock cupboards at work ;)
All FoC, i'll even get our lovely receptionist to use the franking machine so you dont need to pay postage :smt045
ive still got a couple of pair of these that u sent me a while ago ,but some more wouldnt go amiss;)youv been awful quiet on the joke front ,whats happened ??get them jokes up boy ,,visordowns forums own jokes thread are pretty good too:cool:

[RhythmJunkie]

Pardon?

[RhythmJunkie]

Should wear them more often than I do. Long range fast trips I always do ie motorway jaunts. Just use slightly pointy soft foam factory types about £15 for a box of millions! :smt103
You need to hear engine and emergency vehics. Oh the embarrassment factor of the missed gear! Or the gesticulating ambulance driver!:rolleyes:

The girl at the Sainsbury's petrol counter looked at me like I was deaf the other day when I said pardon? I then told her I had ear plugs in which I don't think helped! I'll bet she still thinks I'm either deaf or deaf AND stupid! #-o

[RhythmJunkie]

http://www.aces.uk.com/13/Ear-plugs/Earsoft-FX/

These are the type I use and you can barely hear the engine with them in. No wind roar but a bumpy road causes a weird thumpy sound which is a bit annoying till you get used to it! Not tried them with the SV yet....wonder if the V vibes will be intrusive? Hmmm!#-o

[gettin2dizzy]

My missus dad told me to wait until the bike show to get some of the moulded ones, they take a mould of your inner ear then at the end of the day you pick up your ear plugs.

£45 for the basic ones I believe, but you can also get ones with noise filter built in that let certain sounds in so you can hear people talking to you.

I'm going to get some of these with the speakers in I think. Having headphones blaring in to your ears on the motorway at full volume can't be good!

[RhythmJunkie]

£45 for earplugs???? For that much money I would expect a 10 year supply mate!
When for about 19p per pair you can shut out a pneumatic drill at 2 paces!
What a gigantic rip-off!

[northwind]

You're having a laugh... £45 for a pair that'll last 5 years, that is. 20p for a pair of disposables is £50 a year, if you actually do dispose of 'em daily as you're supposed to. The fitted ones are usually more comfortable, too, and easier to fit (well, mine aren't, one of the molds seems to have gone a bit wrong, but I've got a money back guarantee and I'll get another set made)

Also, total blocking's pretty simple. Reducing high frequencies, wind noise etc while still letting you hear fire engines, other cars, your own bike if it starts to rattle etc, that's not so easy.

[glade]

Work in a factory and get a free supply and a chace to try a few different ones.

My favorite one-use ones are laser lites (rhubarb and custard) - these came out top in a Bike mag test. You have to really squish them and get them right in the ear, but when you figure out how to get them in they are very comfortable and make it almost silent.

I also occasionally get Howard Leight "quiet" plugs which are an orange moulding with a blue stick. these are easy to insert and re-use a few times. They also come in individual packs which is quite handy.

I only use them on motorway runs though, can't be bothered the rest of the time.

[RhythmJunkie]

You're having a laugh... £45 for a pair that'll last 5 years, that is. 20p for a pair of disposables is £50 a year

So just remind me again dude...what do you do with these £45 earplugs when they require cleaning to remain hygenic and avoid ear infections? Clean them?

You don't throw things away if there's no need to. Whats the point? The manufacturer tells you to throw them away with stories of your head exploding in a big ball of puss so they sell you more earplugs. Why not clean them, you are going to be washing those £45 ones anyway!!!

I've been washing and reusing earplugs for 20 years and never had an ear infection.
I throw them away after a few washes cos they lose their ability to puff up.
A little biological on a 40 degree and they come out looking like new.
If its good enough for a babies bibs and nappies its good enough for my earplugs! ;)

Its new EU directives innit? All the factories have gone health & safety bonkers! You do a quick search to look up general prices of ear plugs and you are met with an astonishing array of hyper-expensive blobs of wax & plastic foam. All you need to do is 'REDUCE' the noise so its not damaging and you can still hear stuff going on around you.
The industry scares you with statistics about how 1 in 4 of us will be stone deaf by the time we retire. Yes thats true...its called getting old!!
Then they fleece the living daylights out of people to the tune of £45 for two blobs of gunk which probably cost them 4p.

Look at it this way Northwind, if the cheapo ones that I use are a 'legal' requirement in noisy factories where people are subjected to horrendous noise levels for 8 or more hours 5 days a week, then surely they are good enough for a quick blast down the M6, and if you use them to get to and from work they only need cleaning once a week. Unless you have exceedingly waxy tabs!! :) ;)

[gettin2dizzy]

So just remind me again dude...what do you do with these £45 earplugs when they require cleaning to remain hygenic and avoid ear infections? Clean them?

You don't throw things away if there's no need to. Whats the point? The manufacturer tells you to throw them away with stories of your head exploding in a big ball of puss so they sell you more earplugs. Why not clean them, you are going to be washing those £45 ones anyway!!!

I've been washing and reusing earplugs for 20 years and never had an ear infection.
I throw them away after a few washes cos they lose their ability to puff up.
A little biological on a 40 degree and they come out looking like new.
If its good enough for a babies bibs and nappies its good enough for my earplugs! ;)

Its new EU directives innit? All the factories have gone health & safety bonkers! You do a quick search to look up general prices of ear plugs and you are met with an astonishing array of hyper-expensive blobs of wax & plastic foam. All you need to do is 'REDUCE' the noise so its not damaging and you can still hear stuff going on around you.
The industry scares you with statistics about how 1 in 4 of us will be stone deaf by the time we retire. Yes thats true...its called getting old!!
Then they fleece the living daylights out of people to the tune of £45 for two blobs of gunk which probably cost them 4p.

Look at it this way Northwind, if the cheapo ones that I use are a 'legal' requirement in noisy factories where people are subjected to horrendous noise levels for 8 or more hours 5 days a week, then surely they are good enough for a quick blast down the M6, and if you use them to get to and from work they only need cleaning once a week. Unless you have exceedingly waxy tabs!! :) ;)


:roll: you're a very argumentative man...

I think northwind was suggesting that all noise can be blocked out easily - a la earplugs designed for workplaces. But custom earplugs can be designed with filters in to control what you do and don't hear, which is important when driving.

Custom earplugs are also made out of a different material than disposable ones which lend themselves well to being cleaned. Foam ones will stay damp and harbour bacteria. £45 is a little price to pay for one of your senses, and comfort everyday.

[northwind]

You don't throw things away if there's no need to. Whats the point? The manufacturer tells you to throw them away with stories of your head exploding in a big ball of puss so they sell you more earplugs. Why not clean them, you are going to be washing those £45 ones anyway!!!

Look at it this way Northwind, if the cheapo ones that I use are a 'legal' requirement in noisy factories where people are subjected to horrendous noise levels for 8 or more hours 5 days a week, then surely they are good enough for a quick blast down the M6, and if you use them to get to and from work they only need cleaning once a week. Unless you have exceedingly waxy tabs!! :) ;)

I reused a foam one for a week and got an ear infection... Obviously that gets worse if you ever mix them up, which lets be honest, you will. Dismiss it as an industry myth if you want, that seems to be one of your hobbies :D but loads of people have found the same. It's not about wax, incidentally, it's an infection vector but not an infection cause. An earplug can be waxy and perfectly safe, or visibly clean and carrying all sorts of nasties. Disposables don't wash well as they're so porous, of course. Reusables are designed to be cleaned.

Also, hearing loss is a proven risk of long-term biking. If you do 100 miles every second weekend then it's probably not relevant, but if you ride any number of miles at speed then it's not if, it's when, especially with a heavily vented helmet- today's race rep lids are louder than at any time before, as insane as it sounds.

As for the volume, I already answered that, should i do it again? I wouldn't ride with a patch on one eye, and I won't ride with heavy industry earplugs.

I also didn't mention ease of use, it takes about a second to properly fit a custom fitted plug, it takes longer'n that to open the bag on disposables.

[RhythmJunkie]

you're a very argumentative man...

Who me? ;)

The industry hobby! Yes, I guess it has become a bit of a hobby but my kids are not going to go without because some fat-cat industry geezer is just plain greedy! :(
Junior can have his bike 'and' daddy can have his bike as well but not if Mr Industry rips off daddy too many times! ;)

Northwind: Yes your ears need protecting against wind roar which can be very damaging.
I wear them to protect.

An ear infection though is probably due to bacteria from your fingers not the earplug!
Always wash your hands thoroughly before inserting anything in your ears.....ooer! :D
Some people are more susceptible to infections than others though, my youngest son is but then he never washes his hands, see my point?:smile:

...and before anyone has a go, I'm not saying N'wind never washes his hands...picky...picky...you could even pick up an infection from a washroom, tap, door or handle, motorway services are just yucky!


(breathes sigh of relief...almost had them thinking you were argumentative their Rhythm!):smt076 :D

[northwind]

Yep, always wash first, especially with disposables which need rolled or squashed first... But if you reuse 'em, you also need to wash your hands every time you remove them, and keep them in a clean container too... Cleaning them's just not very effective, unless you plan to boil 'em :D

[Alpinestarhero]

I dont wear anything - i dont go fast enough for the wind noise to do too much damage, and if it gets a bit noisy then i just dip down a bit and let the screen do its job of putting air over my head

Matt

[RhythmJunkie]

I dont wear anything

Another naked SV rider? ;)

[Alpinestarhero]

Another naked SV rider? ;)

Well, i lie - i wear a hi vis vest now :D

Matt

[svdemon]

I wear my ear buds that come with my phone, they seal the ear hole though so i guess they're not ideal?

[RhythmJunkie]

....and what about lorries? You can't hold a shouting match with trucks going past 'specially uphill, and buses, jeeez buses can be loud and what about yer dog barkin'? Thats really loud! Wind roar is just one of many things to wear out yer cochlea!

An interesting point to ponder.....high frequencies damage hearing....low frequencies don't....why....because its much easier to create a damaging sound pressure level with a higher frequency than a lower one. 1 watt at 1k is ear splitting but 1 watt at 100hz is a whimper.

100db's of bass is nowhere near as damaging to your ears as 100db's of treble!
When your ears ring coming out of a nightclub its often because the treble has been turned up too loud by a deaf soundman or the PA system is rubbish and the high frequency distortion has buggered your hearing....not the bass!