Earplugs

I have been reading that lots of people use earplugs when they ride. I tried it today and wow what a difference it made in my ride. way more enjoyable and this during my commute on the 10 parking lot.

 

They say that noise is the biggest cause for fatigue while riding. I wear them when I have them handy, almost need to keep a pocket full of disposables...

 

I wear them often, they definetly reduce faigue.

 

I wear mine every time, its much nicer.

Would recommend getting some made to fit your ear as well, so much better than foam ones.

 

May sound silly but the wind roar is a HUGE part of the reason I stopped riding back in the day.

Ear plugs and/or the quietest helmet I can buy this time.

http://www.bikebandit.com/riding-gear-a ... rm=1174803

Not cheap, but neither are hearing implants

The article on quiet helmets: http://rideapart.com/2014/01/5-quietest ... helmets/2/

 

yeah, but only if I plan to go on the highway.
at lower speeds I like hearing things. At the highway I certainly don't

 

I live in ruraburbia, I hit 55+ on my own road.

 

I used Etymotics ER-20s. Started using that brand a long time ago for live sound work because I was doing lights and sound for 5+ hour shows and the foamy ones just weren't cutting the mustard.

http://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Research ... =etymotics

You want the 'large fit' ones, the regular fit are for kids or those with small holes in their head!

I started riding with a pair of earplugs on the highway a few weeks ago and was very surprised how pleasant it is.

 

I like the way my bike sounds.

 

I was just thinking about this the other day, as I wear them whenever I'm not wearing my ff helmet. Just wondered if I was the only one who wore them... now I know I'm not. But considering that, at 65mph, wind noise can generate up to 103dB (a subway train @200' is 95dB, a train whistle @ 500' is 90dB) it makes sense if you want to protect your hearing, especially as you get older like the way my bike sounds too, but anything above 60mph and all I hear is the rush of the wind. Much more comfortable with the soft ear plugs in...

 

I actually hear more of the subtleties of the motor with the plugs in.

 

Etymotics, as mentioned, are great...but you don't need to spend a lot on quality earplugs. I use Howard Leight Fusion (they come in a handy green plastic case). They're cheap (free from work along with 'clears') and, best of all, they are insanely comfortable.

Etymotics I use for playing live/running sound as well, but on the bike I don't want to worry about $30 earplugs.

engraverwilliam is also correct, you'll cut out a lot of the 'noise' frequencies by wearing plugs, which will allow you to hear your bike more clearly. It seems counter intuitive, but it's true! Try it out.

 

+1 on the filtering effect!
I don't wear plugs when riding (yet) - have a full faced helmet.

However when I go to concerts these days I always wear earplug. My friends call me old (50 isn't old - is it?). But I would rather be old and be able to hear the concert clearly with out a bunch of cross harmonic noise blistering my ear drums.
"Just because you can turn it up to 11 doesn't mean you should."

 

I wear them most of the time--- that wind-whistle really gets bad quick

 

I do if I know it's going to be especially poor sound (The Rave Bar, for instance)...but if it's a large enough venue I keep it wide open.

If you're not doing something to protect your hearing while you ride you can expect to see your hearing diminish. Even semi-frequent exposure to high db levels while riding is enough to tarnish your hearing.

Play it safe and wear the plugs (if you're not FF, of course...and make sure your FF is blocking adequate noise, too! My first one was louder than without due to whistling and poor seals).

 

i'm using these two this year
http://www.earplugstore.com/e-a-r-push- ... plugs.html
http://www.earplugstore.com/peneskscean3.html
the roll-up ones sometimes don't swell up right for me.

 

I have bluetooth set up with my phone so I can take calls or listen to music. So I don't wear ear plugs.