Hearing protection

[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?

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 , 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

Originally Posted by cartwrim

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 , 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

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.

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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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?

Don't be too hasty giving them away.
I got them made up & don't like them, so still use the pink & yellows.

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!

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/

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