Earplugs: Difference between revisions

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====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.

~~One 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.)

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.)

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~~.

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.

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).

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 ~~2005-2006~~ by [http://www.ninja250.org/IanJ Ian Johnston]

Copyright by [http://www.ninja250.org/IanJ Ian Johnston]

Several years ago I bought a box of 200 pairs of 3M 1100 earplugs

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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

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.

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</table>

~~'''~~Recommendations~~'''~~

====Recommendations====

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

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.

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.

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

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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,

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.

~~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, although one of~~ the ~~samplers may be right for you~~.

Ride with each plug in, ideally back to back and in similar

conditions. Figure out which one works well for you, then buy a

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~~, or any other small

plastic container, to keep them from getting dirty. Even a ziploc bag works great.

====SilentEar silicone earplugs====

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As part of my quest for good earplugs, I gave the silicone [http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/silnatrubear.html SilentEar]

plugs a try. These are reuseable, so they're more of a one-time investment. For less than $20 for the size

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.

assortment, I figured it'd be worth a try.

As I'd expected, I needed the medium size in my left ear and the

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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

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.

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.

'''Opinion two'''

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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.

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====

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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.

@@ Line 2: / Line 2: @@
 ====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.
-One 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.)
+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.)
-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.
+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.
 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).
+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 2005-2006 by [http://www.ninja250.org/IanJ Ian Johnston]
+Copyright by [http://www.ninja250.org/IanJ Ian Johnston]
 Several years ago I bought a box of 200 pairs of 3M 1100 earplugs
@@ Line 66: / Line 81: @@
 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
-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>
@@ Line 313: / Line 328: @@
 </table>
-'''Recommendations'''
+====Recommendations====
 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
-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.
+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.
-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
@@ Line 336: / Line 339: @@
 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,
-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.
-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, although one of the samplers may be right for you.
 Ride with each plug in, ideally back to back and in similar
 conditions.  Figure out which one works well for you, then buy a
 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, or any other small
-plastic container, to keep them from getting dirty. Even a ziploc bag works great.
 ====SilentEar silicone earplugs====
@@ Line 359: / Line 357: @@
 As part of my quest for good earplugs, I gave the silicone [http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/silnatrubear.html SilentEar]
-plugs a try. These are reuseable, so they're more of a one-time investment.  For less than $20 for the size
+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.
-assortment, I figured it'd be worth a try.
 As I'd expected, I needed the medium size in my left ear and the
@@ Line 378: / Line 375: @@
 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
+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.
-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.
 '''Opinion two'''
@@ Line 394: / Line 387: @@
 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.
 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====
@@ Line 401: / Line 393: @@
 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.