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Earplugs: Difference between revisions

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====Why earplugs?====
====Why earplugs?====


There is absolutely no doubt that exposure to noise levels in excess of 100 db causes cumulative {{wikipedia|hearing damage}}. Worse yet, this is hearing loss that you can never recover. Once it goes away, it's gone forever. Eventually you are likely to develop {{wikipedia|tinnitus}}, a constant 'singing' or 'whistling' in your ears that overlays everything you hear. No fun.  
There is absolutely no doubt that exposure to noise levels in excess of 100 db (common in motorcycling) causes cumulative hearing damage. Worse yet, this is hearing loss that you can never recover. Once it goes away, it's gone forever. Eventually you are likely to develop {{wikipedia|tinnitus}}, a constant 'singing' or 'whistling' in your ears that overlays everything you hear. No fun.  


The best solution is a pair of custom fitted earplugs made by an {{wikipedia|audiologist}}. These are cast out of space age polymers 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. You can still hear sirens, horns, and so forth, but the wind noise is pretty much gone. (And that constant wind noise really tires you out. Try it and see.) Most riders use disposable store-bought plugs and are quite content with them.  They can be found in the pharmacy section of many stores.
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.)  


=='''Earplug survey'''==
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.


''Written June 24, 2005''  <br>
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).
by IanJ


Several years ago, I bought a box of 200 pairs of 3M 1100 earplugs
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]]
 
The plugs must also seal well in your ears. You can easily tell when this happens. 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. Sometimes cutting some off the inside helps them seal as well. 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).
 
Just like people, ears come in all sizes and shapes. You can't really tell what size you need until you try some out, as large people can have small ears and vice-versa. That's one reason why getting a trial pack of many different kinds and finding the best one for you is a good idea. Shown below is the difference in size between the Mack's SafeSound Jr (left) and Howard Leight Max (right). 
 
[[image:DSCN3311-3.JPG|150px]]
 
====Earplug survey====
 
Copyright by [http://www.ninja250.org/IanJ Ian Johnston]
 
Several years ago I bought a box of 200 pairs of 3M 1100 earplugs
online.  When these ran out, I bought a box of 200 pairs of Moldex
online.  When these ran out, I bought a box of 200 pairs of Moldex
Pura-Fit plugs, but discovered that they didn't seal in my right ear
Pura-Fit plugs, but discovered that they didn't seal in my right ear
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They shipped me, for the princely sum of $11.95 plus shipping, two
They shipped me, for the princely sum of $11.95 plus shipping, two
pairs each of 13 different brands and models of disposable, uncorded foam
pairs each of 13 different brands and models of disposable, uncorded foam
earplugs. The models are as follows, in descending order of Noise
earplugs. There are a couple different [http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/unfoamtrialp.html samplers] available:
Reduction Rating (NRR) value:
 
*Try 'Em All: two pairs each of 28 different plugs (56 pairs in all)
 
*Just The Highest NRR: two pairs each of 15 different plugs (30 pairs in all)


*Aearo/E-A-R Soft Blast
*Just The Softest/Smallest: two pairs each of 15 different plugs (30 pairs in all)
*Howard Leight MAX
*Aearo/E-A-R Classic SuperFit
*Howard Leight LaserLite
*Moldex Spark Plugs
*Moldex Pura-Fit
*Hearos Super Soft
*Howard Leight MaxLite
*Hearing Technologies
*Howard Leight Matrix
*3M 1100
*Flents Quiet Please (Hexagonal)
*Aearo/E-A-R Classic


I sat down and tried each one in turn, and took notes on what I
I sat down and tried each one in turn, and took notes on what I
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plugs range from 29 to 33 NRR, which are all great for motorcycling, so
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
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.  


<table border=1 cellpadding=3>
<table border=1 cellpadding=3>
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<tr>
<tr>


<td colspan=7> Plugs came in "aftermarket" resealable bags, probably not how you'd buy them in a multipack, so packaging gets a 5 with a questionmark.  True to their name, very soft and comfortable, but on the small side, both in diameter and length.  I had trouble removing them, they were so short. </td>
<td colspan=7> Plugs came in "aftermarket" resealable bags, probably not how you'd buy them in a multipack, so packaging gets a 5 with a question mark.  True to their name, very soft and comfortable, but on the small side, both in diameter and length.  I had trouble removing them, they were so short. </td>
</tr>
</tr>


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</table>
</table>


<h3> My recommendations </h3>
====Recommendations====
 
<table border=1 align="right" cellpadding=1>
<tr><td width=180>
 
<center>'''Not recommended: SilentEar silicone earplugs'''</center>
 
<center>[[Image:IJ 14.jpg]]</center>
 
As part of my quest for good earplugs, I also gave the silicone [http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/silnatrubear.html SilentEar]
plugs a try.  The same site which sold me the assortment of foam plugs
recommends the silicone plugs highly.  Plus, they're reuseable, so
they're more of a one-time investment.  For less than $20 for the size
assortment, I figured it'd be worth a try.
 
As I'd expected, I needed the medium size in my left ear, and the
large in my right.  They were a little strange to insert, since they
have a slick surface compared to foam plugs, and they need to slide
into place.
 
A quick test fitting at home seemed to show promise, so I left them
in and got my helmet on to go for a test ride.  I had brought my old
trusty 3M 1100s with me, just in case.  Almost as soon as I got my
helmet on, the right plug developed a "leak" and I could hear at full
volume again from that ear.  I pulled off my helmet, and seated the
plug again.  I got the helmet on without incident, but before I'd even
started moving, the plug was "leaking" again.  I stopped 500 yards down
the road and swapped to the 1100s.
 
It seemed that even the slightest jaw movement would dislodge one
or both of the plugs.  When they were seated and sealed, they seemed
promising.  Unfortunately, they unseated again so quickly that there
was really no point in pursuing them.
 
Based on my own experience, I do not recommend these plugs.  They
might be worth a try, but it seems like the chance that they'll happen
to fit you exactly right probably isn't worth the price of admission:
for about the same price, you can get a box of 200 pairs of good foam
earplugs which are much more likely to fit and seal every time.


</td></tr>
</table>
Any of the high-scoring plugs in this comparison seem like a fine
Any of the high-scoring plugs in this comparison seem like a fine
choice.  I really like the Howard Leight packaging, which makes it easy
choice. Plug fit is incredibly important and will determine comfort, noise reduction, pressure, and how cranky you are at the end of that 500 mile day.  NRR is important, but merely having an earplug is such a huge improvement over not having an earplug that I recommend you choose comfort over NRR.  It's vital that you put in the earplugs, and if they're uncomfortable, you're less likely to do that.
to get to the plugs without much risk of accidentally tossing them
across the road.


Plug fit is incredibly important, and will determine comfort, noise
Avoid the plugs rated 20 and under in the list. They ranged from really uncomfortable to downright painful.  They're also among the least effective plugs in the range, so there's really nothing to recommend them.
reduction, pressure, and how cranky you are at the end of that 500
mile day.  NRR is important, but merely having an earplug is such a
huge improvement over not having an earplug that I recommend you
choose comfort over NRR.  It's vital that you put in the earplugs,
and if they're uncomfortable, you're less likely to do that.
 
Avoid! avoid! avoid! the plugs rated 20 and under in the list.
They ranged from really uncomfortable to downright painful.  They're
also among the least effective plugs in the range, so there's really
nothing to recommend them.


Price may inspire you to choose bad plugs, but I put it to you
Price may inspire you to choose bad plugs, but I put it to you
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gone, there is no science or magic which will bring it back.  It's
gone, there is no science or magic which will bring it back.  It's
gone forever.  Riding a motorcycle for more than 15 or 20 minutes,
gone forever.  Riding a motorcycle for more than 15 or 20 minutes,
or at speeds higher than 40-50 MPH will damage your hearing,
or at speeds higher than 40-50 MPH, will damage your hearing -
permanently.
permanently.


So, I guess my recommendation is order up a pair of each of the
My recommendation is to either order up a pair of each of the
likely looking plugs from the list ([http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/ The Ear Plug Store] will sell you an individual pair of each type, to test), and try them out. I can
likely looking plugs from the list ([http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/ The Ear Plug Store] will sell you an individual pair of each type to test) or get one of the sampler packs. Try them all out. You'll end up wasting some of them, but given the fact that you won't really know what fits until you try them on, this is the best way to figure out which ones will work.
guarantee you that the low-rated plugs aren't even worth trying,
so buying the sampler pack is something of a waste.


Ride with each plug in, ideally back to back and in similar
Ride with each plug in, ideally back to back and in similar
conditions.  Figure out which one works well for you, then buy a
conditions.  Figure out which one works well for you, then buy a
crapload of them so you never worry about "wasting" them.  These plugs
bunch of them so you never worry about "wasting" them.  These plugs
can all be worn multiple times, but by the time they're visibly dirty,
can all be worn multiple times, but by the time they're visibly dirty, toss them and use a new pair.  In between uses you can use a plastic film canister (do they still make those?), or any other small plastic container, to keep them from getting dirty. Even a ziploc bag works great. People worried about ear infections may not want to use plugs more than once.
toss them and use a new pair.  In between uses, you can use a plastic
 
film cannister to keep them from getting dirty, or any other small
====SilentEar silicone earplugs====
plastic container. Even a ziploc bag works great.


<h3> My choice </h3>
[[Image:IJ 14.jpg|110px]]


For me personally, it's a toss-up between the 3M 1100s, which I've
'''Opinion one'''
used happily for years, the Howard Leight MAXes, and the Moldex Spark
Plugs.  All are large (fitting my large right ear canal well), all are
tapered cone shapes, and all are comfortable for me.


Because of the stupid packaging and the hard edge on the base of
As part of my quest for good earplugs, I gave the silicone [http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/silnatrubear.html SilentEar]
the cone, the Spark Plugs are out.
plugs a try. These are reuseable, so they're more of a one-time investment.  For less than $20 for the size assortment, I figured it'd be worth a try.


Comparing between the 1100s and the MAXes, the higher NRR of the
As I'd expected, I needed the medium size in my left ear and the
MAXes takes on some importance.  As I put each plug in for a direct,
large in my right.  They were a little strange to insert, since they
back-to-back comparison, I find that the most important factor is
have a slick surface compared to foam plugs, and they need to slide
actually the fit in my right ear, and the MAXes are a little bit
into place.
better.  Pressure of each plug is about equal, and I believe long-term
 
comfort will be about equal, with the MAXes possibly edging out the
A quick test fitting at home seemed to show promise, so I left them
1100s.
in and got ready to go for a test ride. Almost as soon as I got my
helmet on the right plug developed a "leak", and I could hear at full
volume again from that ear.  I pulled off my helmet and seated the
plug again.  I got the helmet on without incident, but before I'd even
started moving, the plug was "leaking" again.  I stopped 500 yards down
the road and swapped to standard foam ones.


<h3> The winner </h3>
It seemed that even the slightest jaw movement would dislodge one
or both of the plugs.  When they were seated and sealed they seemed
promising.  Unfortunately, they unseated again so quickly that there
was really no point in pursuing them. Based on my own experience, I do not recommend these plugs.  They might be worth a try, but it seems like the chance that they'll happen to fit you exactly right probably isn't worth the price of admission; for about the same price you can get a box of 200 pairs of good foam earplugs, which are much more likely to fit and seal every time.


Ultimately, for myself, I am going to order a big box of the
'''Opinion two'''
Howard Leight MAX earplugs for my motorcycle use.


<h3> Update, May 2006 </h3>
I tried several dozen different plugs from the Earplug Store. 90% were immediately dismissed as of the first insertion. After trying everything I could find on that site and at Wal-Mart (including custom molded plugs) I found the [http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/silnatrubear.html SilentEar] plugs sealed the canal best and seemed to be the most effective.


I actually made this decision many months ago, but just now
I prefer plugs that go deep into the canal to get a good seal. In a side impact (like falling to the side and banging the side of my helmet on the pavement) I can envision the little grab handle extension on some plugs driving the earplug in too far and rupturing the eardrum. Not good. The SilentEar plugs have a different way for you to grab them. The system works pretty well; I find them easy to grab and extract, but nothing hard sticking out of your ear to cause problems.
realized I forgot to post the update here.


After several attempts to use the MAX plugs over the course of
These are fairly quiet, but like many plugs are dependent on a tight seal. A NRR33 plug without a tight seal would be pretty much useless. The SilentEars come in 3 sizes. The medium is too loose for me, but the largest is tight and stretches my canal a little (giving a good seal).
a couple weeks, I kept having difficulty getting the right-side
plug to seat properly and seal. Despite generally liking the MAX plugs
better, and finding them to be more effective, my ability to reliably
seat the 1100s had me ordering another box of the 3Ms.


I still recommend the MAXes over the 1100s, if they fit in your
I found them a little uncomfortable at first when inserting, though actually wearing them is not uncomfortable, like some other plugs I have tried. I am used to them now and don't even think about it. I also moisten them before inserting; this makes them go in easier and seals better.  
ears.
<hr>
Copyright 2005-2006 by Ian Johnston.


Since fit is such a personal thing, and most of the plugs are inexpensive, I have no regrets about the waste associated with buying several trial assortments. What did I spend, maybe $50 or so? I am cheap about a lot of things, but scrimping on hearing protection (a very real issue) seems penny wise and pound foolish.


==Other options==
====Other options====


The webBikeWorld [http://www.webbikeworld.com/Earplugs/earplugs.htm Hearing Protection] page has reviews and links to many pages of information on this topic.
The webBikeWorld [http://www.webbikeworld.com/Earplugs/earplugs.htm Hearing Protection] page has reviews and links to many pages of information on this topic.


Some club members have had good luck with the [http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0037460227874a&type=product&cmCat=search&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&QueryText=earplugs&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=earplugs&noImage=0 Custom-Molded Earplugs] from Cabela's. A type of these are also available from [http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/ The Earplug Store]. Wal-Mart has been known to carry them also, although whether or not they'll have them next week is anybody's guess. Look in the hunting section. Make sure you read the reviews on the Cabela's site. Some people like these; some don't.
Some club members have had good luck with the [http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0037460227874a&type=product&cmCat=search&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&QueryText=earplugs&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=earplugs&noImage=0 Custom-Molded Earplugs] from Cabela's. A type of these are also available from [http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/ The Earplug Store]. Wal-Mart has been known to carry them also. Look in the hunting section. Make sure you read the reviews on the Cabela's site. Some people like these; some don't.
 
The [http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Helmet_Hints_%26_Tips#Decreasing_noise_.26_cold_air_flow Windjammer II] inserts around the bottom of your helmet. It can keep unwanted noise and airflow out.
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