Quote from: Obsessed? on October 18, 2009, 10:03:04 AM
Exhaust noise is not the reason I wear ear plugs. Wind noise is.

+1

The wind noise will damage your hearing without protection.  It also adds to your fatigue while you're riding.

Found a nice online source for a variety of plugs:

    http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/

Which has a couple different sample packs:

    http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/unfoamtrialp.html

And these interesting reusable jobbies, "SilentEar", which are apparently made out of fake boobies:

    http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/silnatrubear.html

I ordered the disposable foam "Just the Highest NRR" trial pack and of course the SilentEar trial pack in B, C, and D cup sizes!

Also found a video about proper fitting and use of ear plugs:

    Fitting Foam Earplugs

I have tried to wear earplugs, but the seem to affect my feeling of balance while riding.  Does anyone else have this sensation?

I purchased a "gross" of the Moldex earplugs thinking I would like them.  May post a link up for 3 pair for $1.00. 

Quote from: yoreese on November 10, 2009, 03:38:00 AM
I have tried to wear earplugs, but the seem to affect my feeling of balance while riding.  Does anyone else have this sensation?

Do they effect your balance when not riding?

Have you tried foam plug that you compress, insert, and they expand?

The plugs are foam that you squeeze and insert.  Don't know that they actually affect my balance but I get the sensation while riding. 

Quote from: yoreese on November 11, 2009, 04:30:29 AM
The plugs are foam that you squeeze and insert.  Don't know that they actually affect my balance but I get the sensation while riding. 

I think that's somewhat common when first starting to wear plugs. I doubt your balance is affected...just the muffled sound makes something feel "off".

I noticed it when I started wearing plugs on my moto...and also noticed it when I started wearing plugs while playing drums in my old band.

It goes away very quickly as you get used to the plugs. Now I get the same feeling when I don't wear ear plugs. 

Quote from: Triple J on November 13, 2009, 09:50:07 AM
I think that's somewhat common when first starting to wear plugs. I doubt your balance is affected...just the muffled sound makes something feel "off".

I noticed it when I started wearing plugs on my moto...and also noticed it when I started wearing plugs while playing drums in my old band.

It goes away very quickly as you get used to the plugs. Now I get the same feeling when I don't wear ear plugs. 

+1 you do just feel "off" with any activity where one starts wearing earplugs. My balance has felt a little wonky ever since I started wearing them while talking to the wife.

do you guys ever feel like one ear plug is not working? Sometimes my left one, no matter how i reposition it, has excessive noise compare to the right.

Quote from: He Man on November 13, 2009, 09:37:38 PM
do you guys ever feel like one ear plug is not working? Sometimes my left one, no matter how i reposition it, has excessive noise compare to the right.

With the foam ones I had that problem. For whatever reason I always had a hard time getting the one in my left ear to fit correctly...that, or the helmet would jar it loose at some point. After I got the custom ones at the moto show I don't have that problem anymore.

Quote from: MrIncredible on November 13, 2009, 10:21:38 AM
+1 you do just feel "off" with any activity where one starts wearing earplugs. My balance has felt a little wonky ever since I started wearing them while talking to the wife.

Wait till you've been together for 20 yrs, you won't even need them!  It's like one big Peanuts show where all you hear is a droning noise....

I love ear plugs for anything more than a quick run around the city - more for the wind... I am always on the look out for a better custom set. I have heard of a product that incorporates your ipod headphones, has anyone seen these around?

Just posting to update on the custom ear plugs - I got some (from Big Ear) in November at the IMS.

They are fantastic, way more comfortable and effective than the disposable foam ones.  

They felt a little weird at first, took a couple of rides to get used to, but I'd never go back.  I guess if your ears are shaped like the disposables, then you'd be fine with them, but for me the disposables would never stay properly in place.

They also have an option for custom stereo ear plugs.

I'm getting a pair of these: http://www.amazon.com/Shure-E2c-Sound-Isolating-Earphones/dp/B0000CE1UO/ref=pd_bxgy_e_text_b

I always planned on wearing earplugs, but after thinking about it, I'd definitely like to be able to listen to some music while I ride.  The fact that I lost my other pair of earbuds and I need new "portable" headphones is just a plus. (can't exactly walk around with my studio headphones on)

Looking forward to seeing how well they do.

I've already got some mild hearing loss and tinnitus in my right ear due to not wearing hearing protection in the military when I should have been.

I've always been against wearing hearing protection while riding because I felt that it would be unsafe and wanted to be able to hear everything around me.  I have a full Termi system with Marving midpipe and TPO Beast Air Intake Kit but enjoy the sound and actually don't think it's too loud (maybe due to the hearing loss?).  I have a Shoei X-11 and on long rides the wind noise has always annoyed me and I do believe it may have added to my being overly tired afterward.

This thread has made me reevaluate my stand on hearing protection while riding and I have gone ahead and ordered some Surefire EP-3 Sonic Defenders.  I also got a set for my wife.  She currently uses the cheapo spongy disposable ones to drown out my snoring at night .