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/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Ear Plugs? /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1251482133 Message started by prechermike on 08/28/09 at 10:55:33 |
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Title: Ear Plugs? Post by prechermike on 08/28/09 at 10:55:33 In the lovely picture of Lancer we see his earplugs dangeling nicely around his neck. I got to thinking, does anyone wear earplugs when they ride? I don't because I always figured I wanted to hear everything that was going on around me. But, I do have some hearing loss and am careful to wear earplugs whenever I am around loud noises. The dr asked me if I had ever been around loud noises. I asked him is lawn mowers, weedeaters, chainsaws, shotgus, rifles, pistols, outboard motors, etc counted. He said, they all counted, so I told him I had. My question, do I need to wear earplugs when riding the motorcycle? What about hearing traffic and other dangers? What about hearing the bike itself? Thanks for any input. |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by vtail on 08/28/09 at 10:58:07 I allways wear earplugs around all that equipment. even when riding with a fullface helmet and still hear plenty |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by boofer on 08/28/09 at 11:41:36 YOU GUYS DON'T NEED NO STINKIN' EAR PROTECTION! I NEVER USED ANY AND I'VE SHOT GUNS AND LISTENED TO LOUD MUSIC ALL MY LIFE. HOLD ON A MINUTE, THE DOORBELL'S RINGING AGAIN. JUST LIKE BEFORE, NOBODY WAS THERE. |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/28/09 at 11:44:26 Boofer, that was hilarious. I wear em when I hit the big road, but if Im just running around town, I dont. I know I should. My ears ring 24/7 from the damage Ive done, working on drilling rigs, shooting, playing with fireworks, & on & on.. |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by Duane on 08/28/09 at 11:57:04 WHAT DID YOU SAY? ;D |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by bill67 on 08/28/09 at 12:51:34 Guys put on loud mufflers then use ear plugs ::) |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by Skid Mark on 08/28/09 at 13:06:24 I use them when on the Hiway.I can still hear what's around me but the DB level is reduced. I like Lancers idea of the plugs in a string. I keep loosing mine. Good thing the company keeps a stash in the shop. |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by voldigicam on 08/28/09 at 13:11:34 The primary noise maker is wind. At least the really loud and harmful. On the local 45 mph tops roads, no. Unless I'm going to be out for a long time with some fast bits. Then it's more comfortable. For even short trips on the highway, I use either good quality foam plugs or custom fit plugs, depending on which box I can find! I can hear much better overall with the plugs, including the engine and cars. |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/28/09 at 13:26:55 Sporting goods stores have plugs with little soft rings & on a string. Really better than the Crush & stuff em in type. |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by False Illusion on 08/28/09 at 13:55:11 Due to playing in R&R bands cranked to 11 ...(and some times louder! :o :o) back in the day, I have suffered from mild hearing loss. I do wear them on trips that require speeds over 35mph for moderate to long distances. Wind noise is the main reason. It is not super loud..BUT...it is a constant decibel that over several miles will wear on the drums. As for hearing sirens and horns, not a problem. The style I use are the spongy roll and insert deals...like Hearos. http://hearos.com/images/products/hearos-02414-big.jpg |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by Serowbot on 08/28/09 at 14:00:44 I tried them once,... but I couldn't hear with them... :-? |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by drharveys on 08/28/09 at 15:28:43 Almost always use 'em -- local run to the grocery store, maybe not. Always if expressway is anticipated. Yup, it's the wind noise -- and the full face and flip up helmets are actually the worst because of the sharp edge at the bottom. And, yeah, when it's quiet I can hear "crickets", even in the winter. Curiously enough, since the earplugs cut out so much outside noise, the crickets increase in apparent volume when I pop 'em in! :D |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by Oldfeller on 08/28/09 at 15:37:01 Wind noise on a very high speed run wearing a beanie helmet requires the use of plugs. It is apparently very hot and tiring on an old guy's body, too. Both Lancer and Toymaker were all tuckered out and panting for water when we caught up to them. |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by Trippah on 08/28/09 at 16:49:19 If you win the lottery, check out Westone Lab's musician's ear plugs; they are custom fitted and you can orderdefferent dB levels of noise reduction..they really work well and allow you to hear fairly normally, both while you ride and (after)>call your local audiologist, they cant set you up. Cost is high- a little ovr $100.00 ifI remember correctly, but it is a superior product.. |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by bill67 on 08/28/09 at 17:00:13 This is new to me I never heard of wearing ear plugs on a motorcycle. |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by prechermike on 08/28/09 at 17:05:42 Thanks alot guys! :) I seem to have heard something about hearing protection on a motorcycle, but it went in one ear and out the other. (I did not intend to make all those puns, but it did work our nicely :D) Anyway, I hear the crickets all the time as well and know I have hearing loss. I really try to use ear plugs if I know I am going to be around loud noise. I guess I will add them to my riding gear as well. I really need to save all I have left. Appreciate it! |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by SmilinLDR on 08/28/09 at 19:27:40 Always use earplugs or earphones when going long distance but not for commuting. |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by Dj12midnit on 08/28/09 at 20:38:37 I can't wear earplugs when I ride they would get in the way of my ear buds. |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by Educatedredneck on 08/28/09 at 23:25:27 I wear ear plugs with my full face. Cuts the wind noise down to almost zero. |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by NDBiker on 08/29/09 at 07:39:02 I wear in Sony In-Ear Noise Cancelling earbuds. Keeps the steady sounds out but sound that change, like sirens or cars coming up behind me, come right through. I foudn out my ipod nano can hit the pavement at 65 mph and still work just fine with only a few dings last time. |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by kel30734 on 08/29/09 at 09:59:57 Being In an Industrial plant for the last 20 years and a former Artillery guy I do have the 24/7 ringing and I do wear Ear plugs now. Plus the Pink Floyd, AC/DC and Led Zepplin cranked all the way up on the 8track, did some damage. I use the Rubber kind on a string. :o |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by Starlifter on 08/29/09 at 11:46:00 ATGATT includes earplugs...protection is protection. |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by prechermike on 08/29/09 at 13:08:55 I rode about 40 miles today, round trip and tried the ear plugs. It was a little different, certainly not as loud, I seemed to have a tendency to run faster than normal. Once I realized that, I got back down to the right speed. It was different. Once I got off and took the plugs out, I could really tell a difference. I guess I found a new something to keep up with. |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by jonnyb021104 on 08/30/09 at 15:44:21 they also make ear plug headphones that you can pick up at lowes for less than 20 bucks |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by alcoa on 08/30/09 at 16:52:12 I wear them because of the noise the air makes. When I get off they go into my watch pocket, for next time. |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by Serowbot on 08/30/09 at 17:09:12 426570637D7877657463110 wrote:
and a condom,... don't forget the condom.... :-? |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by Ed L. on 08/30/09 at 17:34:13 Spark Plugs? Saw the Rolling Stones back in '72 and couldn't hear for about three days, since then it's been all down hill for my hearing and I have a ringing 24/7. Sounds like a tea kettle starting to come to a boil in the next room. I use the cheap "buy by the box" foam ear plugs and toss some in my riding jacket, riding pants and anywhere else I can stash a set. It's real quite wearing a set of spark plugs but my helmet doesn't fit. You all need to speak up, can't hear you quite right ;) ;) |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by Starlifter on 08/30/09 at 18:48:18 "and a condom,... don't forget the condom...." Heh, as I said protection is protection. ;) |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by voldigicam on 08/31/09 at 18:34:50 200 plus miles this weekend. And I've come to the conclusion that my custom earplugs are STILL too loud. That the foam ones are better. I'll have to get a megapack of them. I just have that slight ringing today. |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by Rogue_Cheddar on 08/31/09 at 18:47:14 4F594E534B5E53483C0 wrote:
and a condom,... don't forget the condom.... :-?[/quote] I tried those in my ears but they flap in the wind something awful! :D Seriously, I wear plugs all the time, especially when not running a windshield. The wind noise is horrible with a cruiser helmet. |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by Pabst 2006 on 08/31/09 at 18:48:47 I use the rubberized reusable earplugs, the kind with the string connecting both together. I had some trouble with having the full face helmet, that when I put it on it loosened the earplugs as it slid over my head. I cut about 1/8" off the "stem" of each earplug (there goes the string connector in the process), now they still insert and remove easily, and the stem doesnt stick out too far. Cost a few bucks at Home Depot to get them, been using them for about a year. Takes less than 10 seconds to put them in. |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by prechermike on 08/31/09 at 18:51:40 4242414255161514270 wrote:
I like that kind better too. SOmetimes the string pulls out, but it goes back in. Maybe you could try that, I'm not sure how far in the string goes. |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by boofer on 08/31/09 at 22:04:09 Precher, You got something started talking about hearing protection. The fact is a lot of people on here are in their 50s and have spent years around loud machinery, firearms, and music. I have a "blank spot" in both ears at a certain frequency. I will (thanks to you) remember to wear earplugs when I ride. I like the E A R brand that look like a cylinder and are not tapered. They actually help me hear people better than without when there is background noise. I think they have a Noise Reduction Ratio of around 29. That's better than my Remington shooter's headset earmuffs. We are a little deaf, a little stiff, and may not look like much, but we ride. Young guys, take care of yourself. Boofer |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by prechermike on 09/01/09 at 03:29:45 415E0741534707300 wrote:
That is certainly the truth. Honestly, ear plugs were just not something I had ever thought about. I guess I thought the helmet would provide all the protection I needed for my head and my ears. But since I tried the plugs once, I can tell a diference. It is amazing when I mow and take the plugs out how much better I can hear right then, not having listened to the mower and weedwhacker for that hour or two. I may be slow, but eventually I learn the lesson. I try to tell my kids and wife they need to use ear protection for the mower, etc but they do not want to listen. |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by Sir mick on 09/01/09 at 04:57:42 I have never worn them,I like engine noise,that's why I never have the radio on in my car. Although with my last wife I could have used them. Did the US army offer ear plugs to soldiers? I know we never had them when I was in,and I was inside a tank firing that bloody great gun. And yes I am a little hard of hearing now,that's why I have loud pipes. |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by bill67 on 09/01/09 at 05:02:28 When I was in,in 1962 our ear plugs were cigarette filters,My left ear has been ringing ever since the rifle range. |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by drharveys on 09/01/09 at 06:03:25 40444E4659454841444048542D0 wrote:
They did for the firing range when I was in -- and the Air Force is very generous with 'em for anyone near the flight line! |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by vhfkid on 09/01/09 at 09:21:04 I use the radians jelli plugs. They solved all my problems when riding with a 1/2 or 3/4 helmet. http://pfstore.org/images/large/220100000.png They block wind noise, they reduce ambient noise, they do not reduce all sounds too much (what I found with the standard yellow EAR plugs). FWIW, they are useless for protecting my ears from my Browning 12GA. I bought three more pairs on ebay for the wife and backup pairs for both of us. You can leave the shoestring attached or pull it out. http://cgi.ebay.com/SOFT-CORDED-JELLI-EAR-PLUGS-NOISE-MUFFS-IN-BOX-2-PAIR_W0QQitemZ230310724750QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item359f96c48e&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14 This is not an endorsement of any ebay seller, just an example of item and price. Do your own shopping! VHFKID |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by John_D on 09/02/09 at 03:16:58 I always snag a handfull from work every couple weeks, the foam roll-up kind. As stated, a must with a half helmet on the highway, and definitely helpful in a full helmet for longer rides. |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by Hard Corps on 09/10/09 at 13:37:00 I worked with ammo/explosives in Iraq and worked right near the flight line, surrounded by diesel generators and riding in vehicles where you have to shout to talk to the guy next to you. Now I have to use closed captioning when I watch movies. And there's that constant pinging... Yeah, they issue us some pretty nifty earplugs now, but they get lost and you don't want to wear them all day everyday for a whole tour. Course, now I think maybe I should have. I use the little orange foam ones for highway riding- discovered this on my 1,200 mile ride this summer: cutting down on wind noise lets you relax more, focus on the road, and reduces fatigue significantly! http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/safetyglassesusa_2069_59328024 |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by boofer on 09/10/09 at 17:42:50 Thanks for your service. Boofer |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by voldigicam on 09/10/09 at 18:23:40 I've got scads of different plugs. And I find I'm mostly using the yellow squishies! I can really hear the bike better and I stay rested, as Hard Corps noted. |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by King Kashue on 09/11/09 at 18:18:15 Webbikeworld has a number of reviews on ear plugs, different ear size and shapes, etc. The folks there evidently prefer the disposible cheapies (http://www.webbikeworld.com/Earplugs/disposable-ear-plugs.htm) the best. I need to get some for myself. Though I honestly hate putting stuff in my ears, I'm also pretty sure I would hate losing my hearing even more... |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by Charon on 09/11/09 at 18:40:53 I have been using earplugs while riding motorcycles for probably fifteen years, and wish I had started sooner. When I first enlisted in the Air Force they didn't issue earplugs in Basic where we used the M1 Carbine outdoors. Some years later when I was required to qualify on the M16 - on a covered firing range - they offered earplugs. Being young and dumb I didn't think I needed them. Until I fired the first shots, and then I went for the earplugs. In Vietnam they didn't issue earplugs to passengers, but did for aircrews. Later, they were issuing earplugs to passengers too. I use earplugs for mowing and chainsawing, too. Unfortunately, the ringing in my ears will never go away. You young guys, especially, start protecting your hearing NOW. Once it goes, it never returns. |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by prechermike on 09/11/09 at 19:25:02 567D74677A7B150 wrote:
Charon is exactly right. I was never in the service, so I cannot say those things, but I had been around enough other loud things; guns, mowers, saws, weedeaters, engines and so forth that the ringing never goes away. I try to tell my folks to use protection, but they think they do not need it. Wednesday night after church my son asked me if i heard the cricket that started chirping when I started my lesson. I looked at him and said, "The crickets never stop chirping." Another guy, about my age agreed. Wear those earplugs guys, you will miss the whispering in your ear later. :( |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by Trippah on 09/11/09 at 21:06:00 The EPA regs give hrs of noise exposure to decibel dbA noise safety levels that shouldn't be exceeded. Wind noise at speed is above 80dBA. Everytime you assualt your ears with loud noise, you'll get a temporary threshold shift, usually but not always at about 4-6thousand Hz. This, anatomically, is the first turn in the basil (bottom end) the organ of hearing. This first turn get most of the energy hit, the system stifffens up and the hair cells die off (over time). Thus like the cycles of tidal water, the temporary threshold shift recovers after a while, but not to quite as good as it was. Slowly, so that you don't notice it, the higher frequencies drop off..meaning you can't hear /s/, /th/ the differrence between /t/ and /d/, /s/ or /v/. Thus the funny situation..did he say cat or cap? Was that dog or dogs (losing the plural marker /s/). Ear plugs slow down this assault, please use them cause hearing aids cost thousands you could spend on motorcycles. :D The ringing is tinnitus, made worse by any blod flow restrictors such as nicotine, caffeine and stress. At least now I don't have to spend thousands for a top end stereo system. ;) |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/12/09 at 09:36:04 made worse by any blood flow restrictors such as nicotine, caffeine and stress. This explains why my ears scream when someone is choking me,, I have tinnitus 24/7, sometimes so loud it interferes with sleep. |
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Title: Re: Ear Plugs? Post by Charon on 09/12/09 at 11:34:45 Not just blood flow restrictors. Aspirin is another culprit, frequently prescribed long-term in large doses for arthritis and small doses for its blood thinning (anti-coagulant) property. Aspirin can cause or aggravate tinnitus. I probably had incipient tinnitus, and a long-term aspirin treatment brought it to the fore. It lessened when I stopped the aspirin, but it has never gone completely away. |
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