Hearing loss/protection - What you use?

[Area 51]

Well, I seem to be developing tinnitus. At this point a very low level ring that never goes away. Not a problem at all yet but apparently it can get real bad. So I've been going over what could cause this. I'm 50, had a whole life full of noise. Guns, concerts, electric guitar, motorcycles, tractors, chainsaws, woodshop, metal shop, on and on.

Right now, wind noise from my helmet is the biggest threat. Anything above 40 and I notice a danger level. I use foam plugs, have a good helmet (Arai), but it's not good enough. I definitely want to get some custom plugs. Need a recommendation from anyone. Am located in the SF Bay Area, if that matters.

Also thinking of selling my RC and getting something with a BIG windscreen. Maybe a BMW K1300GT or who knows what. Don't want to stop riding but it's a possibility. Help.

[Rothmans]

Hmm, should be easy to find a good audiologist in your area who can make you custom plugs.

I am a bit younger but have been exposed to a lot of loud noise from live music and working around a lot of jet engines on the ramp...I always wear foam plugs as much as I can anytime I am around prolonged noise!!

[DesperateSP2]

Hi mate.
Foam plugs are nice if there isn't anything else available but are not the best for your ears.
A couple of years ago I asked my nose-ear-throat specialist for advice and he suggested I try something more professional (and expensive). The best choice is to contact some outfit specializing in professional protections (sorry but I have no idea how they are called in the US) and ask for proper ear plugs. They usual come in two types: there are the custom-made molded types and silicon-based off the shelf types. The former are more expensive but offer the best noise protection and last quite long before needing replacement, the latter need replacement more often but are much cheaper. I picked the latter and I must say I am very satisfied with them. Wind noise was really starting to become an issue before I started using them but now I can wear both my Arai and Shoei no problem all day long.
Later I will post you the brand I've been using these two years...

[RAZR51]

I started to wear earplugs about a year ago. I've been using the rubber ribbed kind...(haha) with the attached lanyard so I don't loose them....or the expandable foam kind. I only wear them for one day then throw them away. A local racer makes custom fit plugs but he is in the Chicago area....Ron Hix...Hixracing.com...
I know a few people use this site also....Ear Plugs, ear phones and white noise machines for everyone, Earplugs for Musicians and Swimming!

[drthompson65]

I had custom plugs made by Big Ear. Best money I ever spent.

Big Ear Inc., Home

[TrickLidz]

I've used foam plugs for over 30yrs while riding. I can't ride down the street without them. They work fine as long as they are properly inserted---that's the problem--most people I see wearing them don't have them in right, this includes "professional" racers!! If you follow the instructions on the package, you'll have no trouble, IMHO. Disposal plugs have come a long way, the older hard foam E.A.R. brand were tough on the ear canal after awhile and the NRR (noise reduction rating) was low. I've tried (and have) just about every brand available--my favorite now is Howard Leight brand Laser Lite #LL-1G, they have a NRR (the highest out there) and are very comfortable for hours of use. BTW- most brands come in different sizes for smaller ears.
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should be able to supply more info.
I keep saying I'll try custom plugs someday, but the cost, and trouble along with the fear of losing them, makes me stay with the disposables
Unfortuneatly, the problem with hearing loss is, once it's done there's no going back!!
Good luck,
And let me know if you'd like a starter sample kit of plugs.

[Busy Little Shop]

I went with custom molded ear plugs with tiny Sony digital
speakers... they cut 30db of wind noise and allow every note of the
music through even at low volumes... perfect...






I added a light weight Xact Sirius satellite receiver... music non stop...

[nomo]

Even though my hearing is great (knock on my wooden head) , I hear a ringing once in a while which is no doubt due to wind noise from many years of stupidly not using plugs while riding . For the past 2 years I've inserted the plastic ribbed type to good effect . The foam ones just don't work for my ear canal even though they work great for my wife . Unfortunately I don't wear a full face helmet most of the summer b/c it's just too hot and humid here , so I will always be susceptible to wind noise but the plugs lessen it significantly . Of course custom ones would be the best for you ; your choice .

[socal]

I am at the track every month riding that 600 of mine with no baffling. Nothing beats the foam. Custom dislodge while putting on the helmet or the slightest jaw movement. The trick to the foam, as stated, is to insert them properly. They are more effective wet (expand).

[RockyMt]

Huh? Could you repeat the question, I couldn't hear you........(I've had tinitus for years...I don't know a single flat tracker over the age of 40 who doesn't) Unfortunately, the only thing the doctor can do is perscribe is Zanex, (for the nerves frayed by the constant ringing....) which I passed on, as "inhalation therapy" seems to do the trick at night. Sorry to hear (no pun intended!) of your malady, seems like the best cure is time, as you just eventually get used to tuninig it out. (like we do with wives and kids!)

Semper Fi!

-Rocky-

[Busy Little Shop]

Originally Posted by drthompson65

I had custom plugs made by Big Ear. Best money I ever spent.

Big Ear Inc., Home

How was the fit??? I had to send my plugs back to Big Ear because they
allowed to much wind noise to reach my ear drum... after a 2 hour ride I
experienced a ringing in my ear...

[TrickLidz]

Sorry to hear about all the riders with ringing in the ear!! Damage done, no going back. I always stress ear plugs to all new riders, it's always difficult to convince long time riders to use them...(maybe they just can't hear me )
I ride sooo much smoother and faster with the plugs...I hate to hear the engine, etc...I lose concentration.

[TrickLidz]

BTW, if someone can see the plugs in your ears from the front of your head, then they are in wrong!!

[TrickLidz]

WRONG!!

[johnyisthedevil]

properly inserted foam here. I prefer the hearos brand. I don't know how to describe them other than they are shaped like a little ghost.

I tried the silicone ribbed style, but the little stem would always get tweaked by my helmet. it would dislodge the plug and make my ear realy sore.

being a musician I've always tried to protect my hearing, but alas I too have tinnitus and have for many years. don't sweat it man you can maintain the level it is now by properly protecting yourself from here forward. eventualy you'll get used to it and won't even give it a second thought. on the bad nights just turn on a fan or something. it doesn't take much sound to drown it out.

[johnyisthedevil]

HEAROS.com


hear check this out. proper use is paramount. they should go pretty far down the canal. the plugs should re-expand very slowly, if they don't it's time to replace them. if you're in a pinch pop em in your mouth and get them nice and wet. for some reason giving yourself a wet willy works better than dunking them in water.

[Dezmo]

+1 on the hearos...I drive out of my way to get them.

Avoid the cheapo purple ones that walmart sells in bulk, I bought large can of them, and not a single one would stay compressed long enough to get it inserted

[hawkti]

Working on and around helo's. Ears take a beating. Will not get near my bikes with out plugs! You gotta wear 'em.

[TrickLidz]

Howard Leight LaserLite UF Foam Ear Plugs (NRR 32) - Howard Leight LaserLite Ear Plugs Corded in Biodegradable, Non-Static Paper Bags (NRR 32) (Box of 100 Pairs)
Laser Lite.

[roadblock2]

I use properly inserted foam. When I started riding, I researched ear plugs and Elvex sent me a sample pack. I sorted through 6-8 different pair. In the end EP-201s, fit and worked well enough for me to buy bulk. I purchased 200 pair. I'll purchase them again in the spring as I use them and lose them while riding and doing yard work. Even today, Elvex EP-201s are only $30 for 200, individually packaged, pair. Great thread!