Learn to ride with Visordown: Earplugs
Visordown's guide to why earplugs should be part of our everyday riding kit
 Modern earplugs are available in a variety of sizesTODAY'S MOTORCYCLE helmets are better constructed than ever before. But even though they do a fantastic job of keeping your head safe, many helmets are noisy enough to cause damage to your hearing over time. You probably won't notice 'wind roar' when you're learning to ride, as the majority of schools use intercoms, but once you've passed your test you may want to consider earplugs as part of your everyday riding kit. So where does the noise come from?If you drive your car along the motorway and lower the windows an inch or two you'll notice and immediate increase in wind noise, and it usually gets louder the faster you go. Aerodynamics play a big part in the amount of noise a helmet produces, so models with scoops or loads of air vents tend to make more noise than ones without. Are expensive helmets less noisy?Not necessarily. We've tested a few £400+ helmets and found them to be far noisier than helmets half the price. BMW and Schuberth are deemed by many to be the quietest produced today (they cost around £280). So what sort of earplugs should you buy?You can pick up a decent set from your local accessory shop for a couple of quid, but buying in bigger quantities is cheaper, as the plugs can get filthy in no time. Your ear shape usually dictates which sort of plug will fit you best, so try a few before buying. Lucy Dell Earplugs (01584 781762) sell a test pack of twenty different types, so you can decide for yourself which ones are most comfortable.  Expect to pay around £80 for custom-made plugsElcea make made-to-measure earplugs by taking a wax cast of your ear canal for the ultimate fit., which should last for years. Unfortunately, they cost £88 a set. How often should I change them? Earplugs can be a breeding ground for bacteria, which can give you a nasty infection, so change them as soon as they start looking grubby. Most can be washed in warm soapy water but must be allowed to dry before re-use. It's advisable to wash your hands before inserting the plugs and keep them in a clean container when not in use, rather than in your pocket or jammed in the vents on your helmet.  Good earplugs should feel comfortable when fittedEar plugs are designed to surpress high frequency noise, like wind roar, so you should still be able to hear car horns etc. Top tips Try a few different pairs to find out which make suits your ears best Make sure your hands are clean before inserting the plugs. Keep them in a clean container Wash/discard them regularly Useful ContactsElcea (custom made plugs) 01582 767007 Sound Distribution 01942 604616 Lucy Dell Earplugs 01584 781762
Discuss this story
I've been riding for three decades, on loud bikes, with no helmet, open face helmets, MX helmets and full face helmets...and my hearing's fine and I've never had ear problems. It's the same story for the guys I ride with. Instead of implying that one will get tinnitus becuase of wind noise and not wearing earplugs perhaps a simple search of the Internet might provide people with much more factual information. Like this below. www.ehealthmd.com/library/tinnitus/TIN_whatis.htmlCarry on.
Posted: 20/09/2007 at 13:07
I know I only studied acoustics for FOUR years and am a bachelor of acoustic engineering as a result, but I'm sure your "factual" internet source is the way to go. Hearing loss is cumlative. You dont think you have a problem until one day you wake up and all you hear is a deafening ringing noise ! Its not really a topic of discussion or debate. Exposure to excessive noise WILL damage your hearing....and just in case we're NOT clear. Travellling at speed on a bike DOES generate excessive NOISE ! Best of luck Jaqharma !
Posted: 20/09/2007 at 17:55
I know I only studied acoustics for FOUR years and am a bachelor of acoustic engineering as a result, but I'm sure your "factual" internet source is the way to go.
Hearing loss is cumlative. You dont think you have a problem until one day you wake up and all you hear is a deafening ringing noise !
Its not really a topic of discussion or debate. Exposure to excessive noise WILL damage your hearing....and just in case we're NOT clear. Travellling at speed on a bike DOES generate excessive NOISE !
Best of luck Jaqharma ! Perhaps someone who has only made two posts should not be starting off at VD by calling another VD member a moron? Just a suggestion dropkick. The normal rules of forum posting is to attack the subject, not the poster. And I guess you're calling all the medical experts who have writtem exhaustive documentation about tinnitus morons as well? That medical site I linked to is obviously completly factual, why try and suggest I linked to an unfactual site? Why don't you give your expert acoustic engineering ideas to the medical staff at the link I posted up, I'm sure they are always willing to take other opinions on board. There is a huge amount of factual info posted at various internets sites, it's why I always tell people to do more research. I disagreed with your opinion on wind noise and so I'm a moron (even after I checked a few medical sites?). Oh do grow up and realise that you're not the font of all human knowledge. I honestly don't know anyone who rides here who uses earplugs. I do know a lot of guys who still ride who have been riding longer than myself, who do not, and have never had, tinnitus, so obviously (as that medical site suggests) it's not everyone who's going to get it, for whatever reasons it might frequently occur.
Posted: 21/09/2007 at 11:30
I'd love to respond to all your pointless garble, but the FACT is I know more than you and arguing the toss with someone who's managed to read a website and make a flawed argument is a waste of time. I make no apologies if my attitude towards those who dismiss the FACTS appears rude.....I've met lots of individuals who suffer horribly as the result of SELF INDUCED hearing loss and/or tinnitus I never suggested I was the font of all knowledge....just an expert in acoustics....and the effects of excessive noise on the human ear. One more time knuckle dragger....... Exposure to excessive noise for extended durations CAUSES irreversible hearing loss...This kind of hearing loss is OFTEN accompanied by tinnitus NOT OPINION - FACT - DO U UNDERSTAND ?? If people such as your self choose to disregard the advice of people who know the FACTS and continue damaging your hearing......can't says I'll lose much sleep !!!! Seems as you like to read websites......here's a few more. Oddly, they concur with me ; www.tmhs.org/tmhs/basic.do?channelId=-1073831149&contentId=1073791494&contentType=HEALTHTOPIC_CONTENT_TYPEwww.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/helmet-noise.htm
Posted: 21/09/2007 at 19:42
I NEVER WEAR EARPLUGS AND MY HEARING IS FINE!  Seriously, I made my own custom plugs from something called Polymorph, right handy bit of kit, available at Maplins.
Posted: 21/09/2007 at 20:48
.....for a thread of sense in an otherwise sea of idiocy....  Never tried custom fits....but seriously considering it as I do sometimes struggle to find a comfortable fit. I met a couple of guys on the Steve Hislop rally the other week...had some fancy numbers with speakers built it...very flash...had a1098s with all the toys...clearly too much spare cash ! How did you mould your own...or is this stuff like a memory foam ?
Posted: 21/09/2007 at 21:34
I'd love to respond to all your pointless garble, but the FACT is I know more than you
You're so modest as well aren't you?
[QUOTE]I make no apologies if my attitude towards those who dismiss the FACTS appears rude
The fact is there was no need to insult me at all. You could have pointed out your thoughts without calling me a moron. It just shows your lack of respect for fellow posters. Many are going to disagree with things you post at VD in the future, I assume you're just going to insult anyone who does so? See below. One more time knuckle dragger....... And the favorite, oft referred to technique of all keyboard heroes: When you can't use logic and facts to back up an argument just use insults to respond to anyone who disagrees with you. You'll fit right in with a certain segment at Visordown. It's not a segmnent that many of us take any notice of. You'll notice I managed not to call you names or insult you in this response? That's because I'm an adult and can carry on a conversation without resorting to childish insults.
Posted: 21/09/2007 at 23:05
Your not going to cry are ya....come on.....be a big boy. I know you were banging your chest at first and your now a little deflated and beaten....but its OK....no one thinks your a loser (much) ! I used both reason and logic...shame its still NOT COMPUTING (because I'm educated....and an adult), then insulted you because despite a barrage of factual information you still wanted to argue about a topic on which there is nothing to argue about. Heres a few more statements you'll probably want to disagree with ; - The sky is blue - Smoking in bad for your health (except if its you...you'll be fine) - The earth is round As for "being part of your VD gang" or whatever your wittering on about.....I dont really care. I'll say what I want, when I want and if you and your boyfriends dont like it....tough ! Now go and bother someone else monkey boy !
Posted: 22/09/2007 at 17:34
Your not going to cry are ya....come on.....be a big boy. I know you were banging your chest at first and your now a little deflated and beaten....but its OK....no one thinks your a loser (much) ! I used both reason and logic...shame its still NOT COMPUTING (because I'm educated....and an adult), then insulted you because despite a barrage of factual information you still wanted to argue about a topic on which there is nothing to argue about. Heres a few more statements you'll probably want to disagree with ; - The sky is blue - Smoking in bad for your health (except if its you...you'll be fine) - The earth is round As for "being part of your VD gang" or whatever your wittering on about.....I dont really care. I'll say what I want, when I want and if you and your boyfriends dont like it....tough ! Now go and bother someone else monkey boy !
Posted: 22/09/2007 at 18:06
As I said...another keyboard hero. You notice it's always the ones who are insecure about their manhood who make the boyfriend comments? The poor kid's obviously got a few issues, and needs an outlet for them. I know I shouldn't encourage the child but it's hard not to have fun at his expense. 
Posted: 23/09/2007 at 00:43
You are both bitchin like a couple of school girls.  Hows about STFU and agree to disagree huh? 
Posted: 23/09/2007 at 10:07
Telling me to STFU is not the way to get me to stop Abel. I'm not bitching per se, had the other chap not insulted me simply because I offered an alternative opinion I would not have baited him so. If people are going to insult me then I'm going to respond, and my responses are normally a lot more cutting than those of the original poster. Especially as I don't have to resort to insulting names or bad language. The insults and bad language don't bother me you understand, I simply sit back, have a chuckle and compose my next volley. I'm quite happy to continue to do so until the cows come home or until I feel my opponent has suffered enough. I'll decide when that is.
Posted: 23/09/2007 at 16:04
Telling me to STFU is not the way to get me to stop Abel. Ace. Get me to ban you. I love a good banning. * Now, please, STFU. You are boring us both.  *= Joke btw, before the usual hard of thinking crowd jump on it.
Posted: 23/09/2007 at 16:06
Perhaps someone who has only made two posts should not be starting off at VD by calling another VD member a moron?
Just a suggestion dropkick.
The normal rules of forum posting is to attack the subject, not the poster. FWIW, I agree. Good point, not so well made. Had you left it at that I would have happily intervened when the post was reported. Unfortunately you chose to bait him, hence lost all my sympathy. Hence my suggestion you both give it a rest.
Posted: 23/09/2007 at 16:23
So you've reported me now Jaqo.......are you gonna tell your mummy too ? You seriously need to get out more...maybe go back to school and learn some FACTS bazabout....OUT !
Posted: 23/09/2007 at 17:36
So you've reported me now Jaqo.......are you gonna tell your mummy too ?
You seriously need to get out more...maybe go back to school and learn some FACTS
bazabout....OUT ! Listen to yourself fella. I dunno about going back to school. You sound like you never left it. Give it rest.
Posted: 23/09/2007 at 17:39
Now that bitching has gone lets get back to the subject matter. Its not really a topic of discussion or debate. Exposure to excessive noise WILL damage your hearing....and just in case we're NOT clear. Travellling at speed on a bike DOES generate excessive NOISE ! I have to agree absolutely. I've ridden for 33 years and I'm now having both some hearing loss and tinnitus. OK I can't definately say it was the biking BUT I have ridden at high speed (including some racing) and we never used any hearing protection when we were younger. No one did. I would say my ears have been subjected to 100db + on many an occassion for sustained periods and it is now a known FACT that this will damage your hearing. However, I know we are now advised to wear earplugs but I believe the majority of helmet manufacturers are to blame. They know they should make quieter helmets and whilst the majority of bikers do not complain (or sue them) then they are happy to make inadequate helmets (IMHO). As the original article points out some top of the range helmets are Bl**dy noisy  I think it's about time we (bikers in general) started some sort of campaign to put pressure on helmet manufacturers and for standards to include suitable noise protection when helmets are tested (don't think this currently happens ??). I'd also like to see ALL manufacturers display noise figures (maybe in db at 50mph and 70mph) for their helmets so we know what we are buying. Companies like Arai would then think again when marketing their £450 helmets as they would not pass (and no one would buy em). Unfortunately, this subject is a bit like smoking. You ignore it until the doc says you have some disease , unfortunately this sort of hearing loss is permanent so it's a bit late when you go deaf
Posted: 02/10/2007 at 19:40
Have you put your handbags away yet ladies? I didn't wear ear plugs, I do have tinatus. My friend didn't wear a crash helmet, he's fine, my cousin did, he's dead. My mum smoked, she died of cancer. What does that all prove? Well probably that you're unlucky if you're related to me, but aside from that, wearing ear plugs is sound advice (excuse the pun) but their you're ears, do with them as you please. Personally I wish I'd started wearing ear plugs 15 years ago when I started riding, it'd save me asking everyone to repeat themselves these days.. Pardon? Anyhow, whether you wear earplugs or not, stay safe.
Posted: 04/10/2007 at 21:04
all you clever bods, thick sh1ts & other chaps, if you care about your hearing ; wear ear plugs. at least when you are doing more than say a fifteen minute ride. i have the "t" and it's f*ckin' horible. same as seeing labourers on the roads not wearing ear defenders. they look hard and macho but in ten or so years time they will have "t" once you have it you have it for life, it doesn't go away and there is no compete cure. any one who thinks it's no big deal, get an alarm clock that buzzes when going off and leave it buzzing when you go to bed and try to go to sleep!!!! all you young studs out there. remember ,you may be ok and maybe ok allways, BUT one day you may suddenly find you do have it and then it's to late! so it's like smoking in a way. you may never get cancer but when you do it's no good wishing you'd never smoked 'cos it's to f*ckin' late & be carefull out there, my wife might be in the car!!!!
Posted: 13/01/2008 at 00:38
Just my two pennies worth, While I totally agree with wearing ear plugs (you wouldn't ride your bike in normal clothes because you might not have an accident, so why risk your hearing because you might not get tinitus!?). I think perhaps the reason behind this could be the wind vibrating the shell of the helmet causing it to act like a 100Db loud-speaker in your ear (not comfortable) this would totally depend on the construction of the helmet and the materials it is made of. which could also be why some people can argue that they have ridden for years without ear plugs and be fine while others aren't as lucky, I kind of liken it to a long drawn out game of russian roulette... Might go deaf, might not. My view, take your bullets out and put ear plugs in. It's the only way to be sure.
Posted: 25/03/2008 at 15:31
I'm no expert by any means, but some years ago I used to equip a large fleet of motorcyclists with helmet comms. Many had hearing problems caused by riding bikes for years and being exposed to noise. Personally I wouldn't risk it, there is no real problem with wearing earplugs, although I accept that it can take a little while to get used to them. I have tried various different disposable earplugs, some I like, many I hated. If you try disposables, make sure you try a decent selection. If you don't get on with some, you may find others absolutely fine. I may even have a few different types about if anyone wants to try a selection, PM me. ( I think Lucy Dell will sell you a selection to try also). For suppliers I have found http://www.safetysupplies.co.uk/ to be excellent - a box of 200 earplugs will cost you around £18 delivered. I have also tried these diy plugs: http://www.diyearplugsonline.com/ They work, but I found they caused me problems when I take my helmet off, also to be perfectly honest I find the disposable solution far easier.
Posted: 25/03/2008 at 16:13
I use custom plugs when going on any kind of extended run...no idea if they will help my hearing over the long term but at the end of each day I feel a lot fresher and without a banging wind noise induced headache! As per previous posts you can still hear the good stuff with these plugs..... seems a sensible precaution to take.....
Posted: 25/03/2008 at 17:13
I think its pretty much agreed that riding without ear defense whilst subject to prolonged loud noise will damage your ears; Music at gigs, Wind noise from riding, Using a jackammer etc etc One point that hasn't been mentioned so far is some lids have better in built protection than others. Shoeis have little 'flaps' that your ears fit in ....where as my Arais don't I always use earplus...coz I'm a good boy
Posted: 07/07/2008 at 13:40
Seriously bazabout, do you seriously think that from studying acoustics for 4 years you know everything about hearing, sound and absolutely anything to do wih acoustics? Get real. Experience is coupled with learning, and jaqhama, was just trying to put forward his point of view from his experience, and from working with aircraft,(not always with ear protection) I have had no real problems. In my opinion, using ear defense is a good idea, where possible, but it's your own opinion that counts. You can show people the way but they won't always follow...constructive criticism HEARD of that.
Posted: 26/02/2009 at 02:05
I know I only studied acoustics for FOUR years and am a bachelor of acoustic engineering as a result, but I'm sure your "factual" internet source is the way to go.
Hearing loss is cumlative. You dont think you have a problem until one day you wake up and all you hear is a deafening ringing noise !
Its not really a topic of discussion or debate. Exposure to excessive noise WILL damage your hearing....and just in case we're NOT clear. Travellling at speed on a bike DOES generate excessive NOISE !
Best of luck Jaqharma !
Perhaps someone who has only made two posts should not be starting off at VD by calling another VD member a moron?
Just a suggestion dropkick.
The normal rules of forum posting is to attack the subject, not the poster.
And I guess you're calling all the medical experts who have writtem exhaustive documentation about tinnitus morons as well?
That medical site I linked to is obviously completly factual, why try and suggest I linked to an unfactual site?
Why don't you give your expert acoustic engineering ideas to the medical staff at the link I posted up, I'm sure they are always willing to take other opinions on board.
There is a huge amount of factual info posted at various internets sites, it's why I always tell people to do more research.
I disagreed with your opinion on wind noise and so I'm a moron (even after I checked a few medical sites?).
Oh do grow up and realise that you're not the font of all human knowledge.
I honestly don't know anyone who rides here who uses earplugs.
I do know a lot of guys who still ride who have been riding longer than myself, who do not, and have never had, tinnitus, so obviously (as that medical site suggests) it's not everyone who's going to get it, for whatever reasons it might frequently occur.
Totally agree. Never used earplugs and never intend to do so. I've been riding over 20 years and my ears are fine.
Posted: 01/05/2009 at 10:17
I have tinnitus now wished I'd had ear plugs when I was young and daft...... The guy was right who said one day you just wake up with it, no going back! 20 years may be fine but 30 and mines ringing like mad.
Posted: 04/05/2009 at 22:41
I wear ear plugs, but when I started I did not, so after over thirty years riding, in two weeks time I am having my hearing checked. Also I did here one time that if a factory area had the same noise level as some helmets (80-90's) they would be closed down.
Posted: 06/05/2009 at 21:00
Well.... after getting through all the bickering on here, I'm only glad it's on a computer screen and not a verbal conversation or I'd have had my ear plugs in long ago...! I find with all PPE (personal protective equipment) you can tell people why they should be using it, you can argue a reason not to use it, but generally wish it had been there when you needed it! At work for example (not acoustics or aircraft, just a humble sparx) I always put my goggles on without fail... as soon as I get something in my eye, always have a hard hat but only ever bang my head when I'm wearing it, wear a face mask once I've started coughing up crap, dig out the overals after I'm covered in fibreglass and itching like a scabied nun, and always forget to take some earplugs out my van to leave in the garage for next time I take the bike out... Still... might get swine flu next week!
Posted: 12/05/2009 at 20:29
For those of you who want to use earplugs: I used to make my own using the DIY kits from custom earplugs, but sussed what they used and bought some very similar stuff off the net that i make all mine out of, it's called Siligum. I bought enough to make ten pairs, so have two pairs in each jacket pockets, just in case i lose one, also made custom fit earplugs for my MP3 after a little experimentation. I've tried all the disposable ones i could find but as iI have small ears/ear canals these have always caused some discomfort which led me to trying the custom variety, only cos i don't want to end up like my grandad/dad/uncle who all have had hearing aides, i wanna have ears like a shithouse rat until I'm old and grey so will try anything to keep it that way.
Posted: 20/05/2009 at 19:43
I used to make my own using the DIY kits from custom earplugs, but sussed what they used and bought some very similar stuff off the net that i make all mine out of, it's called Siligum.
My Girlfriend uses that stuff for making Jewellery... perhaps I'll pinch some and do something usefull with it instead!
Also worth a mention, a lot of surfers use Blu Tack... Anyone ever tried it?
Posted: 21/05/2009 at 10:50
Using someone elses is even cheaper lol, like the shower gel and shampoo. Whats hers is yours etc. Mix it quick and bung it in as it goes off quicker than the specialist stuff and also slightly more dense, If your wanting to custom some headphones enlist the help of a willing assistant, though not your lass as she'll know where all her stuff is going lol.
Posted: 21/05/2009 at 14:40
To be honest I DONT CARE ONE BIT what ANYONE else thinks regarding ear protection. I ALWAYS ALWAYS wear my ear plugs, even for short rides, and because I always have it just seems perfectly normal and routine to put them in every time i get on my bike. I wear the re-usable washable ones on a daily basis, Alpine Hearing Protection, and i tend to use the disposable MOLDEX ones for longer journeys as they tend to block out a bit more wind noise at high speed. Like i said though, i don't give a monkeys what people think, i wear them, and no-one is going to change my mind, end of. GP
Posted: 22/05/2009 at 19:51
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