Ear Plugs... Good Idea?

OK - I've finally got around to buying ear plugs for on the bike. However, I'd like to know other opinions on them when riding...

1) They seem to keep an awful lot of noise out - will I still be able to hear traffic? I'd rather live with the tinitus than risk riding without being able to hear what's going on...

2) Does anyone have problems with balance / comfort when wearing them whilst riding. I've been wearing them aound the house and they seem OK - again just looking for experiences.

3) The shop where I got them from rocommended getting real ones if I am going to be wearing them long term whilst on the bike. However, at 80 euros for a made to measure set (discount if you take along a leeaflet from the bike shop to the ear plug shop) are they really going to be better than 2.50 euros for a set of two disposable (You can wash them a couple of times, but basically just foam ones).

Stu

1, Yes you will hear traffic fine - apparently you can actually hear things like that BETTER with the plugs in. You don't want tinitus

2, No

3, I use the foam ones that can be washed so are dead cheap. They come in different ratings and I got a set with a high rating. Main thing is to make sure you put them in properly.

Only trouble I have with earplugs is wax build up but I use this audiclean stuff so that I don't need syringing.

[DarrenSV650S]

Originally Posted by MavUK

However, at 80 euros for a made to measure set (discount if you take along a leeaflet from the bike shop to the ear plug shop) are they really going to be better than 2.50 euros for a set of two disposable (You can wash them a couple of times, but basically just foam ones).

80 euros for eagplugs? You my friend have been conned


I always wear dispossable ones (which I get free from work :P ) and never miss anything going on. They are great for blocking out wind noise, while still letting you hear everything around you.

If you don't wear earplugs when riding at high speeds you'll go deaf and won't hear the traffic anyway. :P

[Red ones]

I never ride without.

I can't here road noise, but can hear sirens, horns etc. Never suffer pain or loss of balance - I find the quiet helps me concentrate.

Originally Posted by Toypop

1, Yes you will hear traffic fine - apparently you can actually hear things like that BETTER with the plugs in. You don't want tinitus

2, No

3, I use the foam ones that can be washed so are dead cheap. They come in different ratings and I got a set with a high rating. Main thing is to make sure you put them in properly.

Only trouble I have with earplugs is wax build up but I use this audiclean stuff so that I don't need syringing.

OK - may sound like a daft question, but how do you know when you have aproblem with wax build up?



Thanks,

Stu

Originally Posted by DarrenSV650S

80 euros for eagplugs? You my friend have been conned


I always wear dispossable ones (which I get free from work :P ) and never miss anything going on. They are great for blocking out wind noise, while still letting you hear everything around you.

Not brought yet - I've never got on with sound insulating plugs before (always uncomfotable - I have small ears, well ear holes at least ). I just wondered if anyone had any of the made to measure ones, and if they were worth the extra money...

Er cos it feels like you have an ear plug in even when you haven't!

Had that once before when I used to wear them on the bike and for using machinary at work. One of my ears got blocked and even these drops you put in wouldn't shift it.

Had it syringed which fixed it and they said the other one was almost blocked too which I put down to using ear plugs a lot. Some people have troubles and some have no problems at all.

Used that audiclean stuff leaving it to soak for 10 mins and after using that a lot of times I got loads out. Now use it for prevention.

I buy them in bulk at the NEC- something like 20 pairs for £10 or something. Fit perfectly and work fine for me.

i cant wear them balance problems and i keep loosing them so now i dont bother.