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Ear plugs / ear protection

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skidward

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May 2, 2024
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2023 BMW R18 Classic "Dolly"
Those of you who are wearing earplugs, are you just using the disposable foam ones that are inserted into your ear? Is anyone using noise-canceling earbuds? I'm looking to reduce the wind noise I get while at highway speed but I am concerned that the foam ones reduce all noise including the stuff you need to hear, especially around town getting to the highway.
 
I had mine custom-fitted by Big Ear. They show up at rallies, so you can have them fitted there or look up one of their representatives on their website.
 
I’m using a pair of Alpine Motosafe. They’re pretty cheap and doesn’t get in the way or hurt while riding. They dampen the wind noise but I can still hear honking cars, the engine etc, and I don’t have that ”ear fatigue” when I’m done riding.
 
I use basic foam earplugs, I found ones that were the most comfortable for me and bought 250 pair a decade ago. I still have a lot.

I don't wear them all the time, but if I'm doing a longer ride or wearing a half helmet. I find I can use them a few times each and they still fit and work just fine. I don't have any issue not hearing things around me- if anything the lost peripheral vision of a full face helmet blocks my awareness more than wearing earplugs.
 
Do the motorcycle-specific ones have any advantage over the regular foam ones?
I use BigEar, here is an “AI” generated compairison.

BigEar custom earplugs and traditional foam earplugs differ in several ways, particularly in terms of fit, durability, and protection. Here’s a comparison:

BigEar Custom Earplugs

• Fit: These are custom-molded to your ears, offering a snug and comfortable fit. Because of their custom design, they’re less likely to fall out and provide a consistent seal.
• Durability: Made from durable materials like silicone, they tend to last longer than disposable foam plugs.
• Comfort: Since they’re designed specifically for your ears, they generally offer better long-term comfort, especially for extended wear.
• Sound Quality: Custom earplugs often come with different filters that can reduce noise while preserving sound clarity, making them ideal for musicians or people in noisy environments who still need to communicate or hear some sound.
• Cost: They are significantly more expensive upfront due to the custom fitting and materials used.
• Use Cases: Ideal for motorcyclists, musicians, or people who need hearing protection in loud environments while still needing sound clarity.

Foam Earplugs

• Fit: These are one-size-fits-all and expand to fill your ear canal. They may not provide as consistent of a seal as custom earplugs, and they can become uncomfortable with prolonged use, especially if the fit isn’t ideal.
• Durability: Foam earplugs are disposable and need to be replaced after each use or after a few uses.
• Comfort: The comfort level varies based on the brand and fit. Some people may find them uncomfortable after extended use.
• Sound Quality: Foam plugs offer strong noise reduction but can muffle sound significantly, making it harder to hear conversations or certain frequencies clearly.
• Cost: They are very inexpensive and available in bulk, but since they are disposable, the long-term cost can add up with frequent use.
• Use Cases: Best for occasional use or situations where maximum noise reduction is needed, such as sleeping in noisy environments or during short, loud activities like concerts or construction work.

Summary

• BigEar: Custom, long-lasting, comfortable for extended wear, designed for preserving sound clarity but at a higher cost.
• Foam Earplugs: Affordable, disposable, and effective for short-term use but less comfortable for prolonged periods and more likely to muffle sound.

If you need long-term comfort and better sound clarity, BigEar custom earplugs would be the superior choice, especially in professional or frequent noisy environments. For occasional or short-term use, foam earplugs are a cost-effective solution.
 
Those of you who are wearing earplugs, are you just using the disposable foam ones that are inserted into your ear? Is anyone using noise-canceling earbuds? I'm looking to reduce the wind noise I get while at highway speed but I am concerned that the foam ones reduce all noise including the stuff you need to hear, especially around town getting to the highway.
Save for not hearing the radio as clearly, I haven't had any problems and I have been using ear plugs for 20 years
 
I've been riding with an open face helmet for 40 years and never needed earplugs - until I bought my Bagger. The wind noise is so extreme it was affecting my hearing! Reluctantly I started using earplugs - which I hate. I have a pair of Alpine MotoSafe; they're okay, reduce wind noise but you can still hear. To work correctly they go deep into your ear channel - which I don't like - and often I have a hard time getting them out. If I use foam, I prefer the harder ones because I can insert just enough to reduce wind noise yet I can still hear around me. If I put them in really deep then I hear nothing which is not good.
 
Now that cooler temps have arrived in the midwest, I switched helmets to the modular full face helmet. No need for ear plugs with that helmet.
Side note: I had massive updraft behind my windshield until I installed those small rectangular lowers. Zero updraft now, quiet ride, no earplugs needed.
 
I use basic foam earplugs, I found ones that were the most comfortable for me and bought 250 pair a decade ago. I still have a lot.

I don't wear them all the time, but if I'm doing a longer ride or wearing a half helmet. I find I can use them a few times each and they still fit and work just fine. I don't have any issue not hearing things around me- if anything the lost peripheral vision of a full face helmet blocks my awareness more than wearing earplugs.
Wow, that’s quite a lot! Do earplugs have a shelf life? Just checked my 3M Disposable Foam Earplugs—they’re good for 5 years from the manufacturing date.
 
Now that cooler temps have arrived in the midwest, I switched helmets to the modular full face helmet. No need for ear plugs with that helmet.
Side note: I had massive updraft behind my windshield until I installed those small rectangular lowers. Zero updraft now, quiet ride, no earplugs needed.
I'm assuming you mean those winglets (small rectangular lowers)? I found a couple of different designs on internet, do you have a link for the ones you purchased?
 
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