Ear Plugs

[PhilDinAZ]

I have never worn ear plugs but am now contemplating. Now I know everyone's ear canals are different in size or shape so any opinions will be purely subjective but would still appreciate any and all thoughtful input. I have tried the roll-up foam type with absolutely no luck getting them into my ears. I know for a fact I have a very small ear canal so anyone else with the same would really like to hear from you. Also if you can include a source for purchase of your recommendations that would be great too.

[NoRRmad]

I had a little trouble with the roll-up foam earplugs, probably due to the same "short ear canal" problem you mention. I'd get them in, but the helmet would knock them out when I put it on. Solution? Snip the ends off with a scissors before use.

[Biff's R]

Don't use the same pair for very long if you use the foam ones. If you get fitted ones, wash them frequently. A member a long time ago, got an ear infection from not changing them.

[Croc]

I find that Spark Plugs are pretty good. They are soft enough to roll very tightly but remember that the ear canal runs upwards (nature's way of keeping water out) so aim the rolled up plug towards the top of your head to keep it from folding over. Noise attenuation is also excellent if you get it in right.
Here's a link but you will probably find something closer to home/
http://www.whitedogbikes.com/cgi-bin/cc ... _Ear_Plugs

Croc

[jfslater98]

I have tried the roll-up foam type with absolutely no luck getting them into my ears.

Like you, I struggled with the roll up types. One ear (Right I think) went in with no problem. Sometimes the left would take 15 minutes (or more) of hopping around and cursing in my garage. Maybe half the time, one of them would unravel half way through my trip and pop out. Feh, I had enough. I got custom ear plugs and they're great! Guaranteed fit.

https://www.bullfrogcycle.com/contact.htm

Here's the bad news. You have to visit them (and other custom ear mold-ers) at motorcycle shows. So you may be suffering with the foam earwigs for a while longer. Can't recommend custom ear plugs enough, worth every penny.

[rdsmith3]

Depending on your preference (disposable or non-disposable) Aerostich has a sampler pack so you can try different ones and find what fits you best. I got the non-disposable pack from them and there were some very good earplugs in it. I have enough so that I always have plugs for cutting the grass, using the leaf blower, etc.

Disposable
http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Aer ... 16502.html

Reusable
http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Aer ... 16501.html

[dcameron]

I have the Etymotic E-6 ear plugs when I use my iPod, otherwise I like the flanged Hearos - got them at a local drug store chain - about $6. With the flanged plug you choose how far to place in the ear, for best fit.

[priapismic]

Ear plugs are pretty subjective, but luckily they're cheap enough to experiment with. I've worm them for years and years, and have lots of experience with just about every type - foam, sililcone, custom ... - but the absolute BEST I've tried (most comfortable, best value, re-usability, noise reduction) are these:

http://www.earplugsonline.com/

They proudly call them the "World's Best Ear Plugs". I have to agree.

Disclaimer for legal purposes: I have no interest in the company yada yada yada, just a satisfied customer ...

[R4R&R]

What? Did you say something?

[duke]

I find that 3M work well.
200 pairs bought from eBay can go very long way!
And as somebody said - change them often as they work out cheap.
$20 (well .... £20 for me ) for 200 pairs is good value and if you have couple of them under your seat you need not worry if you lose one.

As for the fact that they may get knocked off by your helmet - I use balaclava (different grades for different weather) as I find it more comfortable to put helmet on and is easier to wash balaclavas than clean helmet (still clean the helmet). So then the helmet slips over your ears and does not disturb the earplugs.

[duke]

What? Did you say something?

The other thing is - I have been commuting in London for the last 3 years with earplugs.
Traffic levels are abysmal and is fairly deadly for two wheelers (human powered or engine).
If you rely on hearing - you are as good as dead.
The good old "lifesaver" always works better than hearing as we (Homo Sapiens) have 97% of our perception coming from the eyes, not ears.

Uh, what did you say? CAN'T HEAR YA!!!

[challey]

I used to use the disposable foam type but switched to the HearTech Silent Ear
http://www.heartech.co.il/ a couple of years ago. These are also foam, but a different type than the disposables that doesn't pick up dirt as readily and can be easily washed.

The company is in Israel but it took less than a week for my order to get to me. I went for the intro 3 pack (about $20) which has small, med & large sizes so you can see what size is best. As others have noted, fit and comfort are pretty subjective but the medium size of these works well for me.

There is a review of a number of earplugs, including the HearTechs on WebBikeWorld: http://www.webbikeworld.com/Earp...rplugs.htm

Charlie

[Canyon Runner]

There is a custom plug manufacturer with a presence in Tempe... I do not own any, yet, but I have heard very good things about them. If you are looking to invest beyond foam, it may be worth a closer look....

http://177.bigearinc.com/home/Default.aspx

Cheers!

[mcollect]

I wear always wear earplugs when riding as well as when I am in my woodshop. By far the most comfortable are the moldex 6800, great NRR value of 33. Cheap at $20 for 200 pairs. I tried custom and they were not as comfortable.

[MattPie]

I have a couple pairs of EAR Tracers that I've had for probably ten years. Just keep washing them and they seem to last forever.
http://www.e-a-r.com/e-a-r.com/premold_ ... 40-4007001

I don't use the cord, and I cut the stem off even with the last flange.

I've also tried riding with a pair for JVC HA-FX66R ear buds. They have a bunch of different ear pieces made of foam or rubber. They block out at least as much noise as the tracers. I haven't ridden with any sound through them, but I have no doubt they'll be more effective than helmet speakers.
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/JVC-HA-F ... tDetail.do

[kantuckid]

Go to Wally World & near the cosmetics on the side of the pharmacy you will find lots of brands of ear plugs plus a few others perhaps in hunting or tools.They are cheap and vary in fit/effectiveness. Buy the one you "think" will work then try another if not. This is a cheaper route than ebay as you get another variety for less than the shipping there. Don't ride without them , if you value your hearing-plus wear them for ALL activities that cause noise induced hearing loss!!!Guns,lawnmowers(all of them!),string trimmers,chainsaws,many power tools and the list goes on...