I’ve been extremely protective of my hearing for years. I go to concerts and clubs with ear plugs, and I’ve operated machinery with Peltor earmuffs. I even find my vacuum cleaner so loud that I operate it wearing my Peltors.
Before I started riding, I knew that I would need the best ear protection possible, but I quickly found out that ear protection starts with the helmet and not with my ears, but for this posting I will only talk about my experience with ear plugs
Like many riders, I started with the bright orange pylon shaped foam ear plugs. These are usually rated at 33 or 34 db, which is the highest I’ve been able to find. I’ve been told that I have very small ear canals, which may explain why I’ve never found a good fitting ear plug.
Last riding season I discovered a brilliant way to get a better fit. I pour water over the ear plugs just prior to inserting them in my ear. I had two reasons for trying this. First, the water lubricates the ear canal to make insertion easier. Secondly, some water is absorbed into the foam, which makes it denser, and (imho) doesn’t allow as much sound to get through. I know that sound travels extreme distances underwater, so perhaps this is counterintuitive. I have found that the ear plugs now go all the way and don’t work their way loose.
I’ve noticed that water soaked ear plugs create a bit of suction when removing them from the ear canal. To avoid the “pop,” and possible damage to the ear drum, I twist them as I pull them out. This allows some air to slowly enter the ear and it equalizes the pressure.
If you decided to try watering your ear plugs, I suggest that you let them air dry overnight before using them again, as they seem to last longer. Also, I carry a small bottle of water with me, and I’ve found that I have to pour water over the plugs even if I’ve taken them out for only a couple of minutes, otherwise, they won’t slide in as intended.
Last winter, at one of the motorcycle shows, I purchase custom silicone ear plugs. I rode with them through April and May this year, and have since returned to the orange pylon ear plugs. I had two problems with the custom set. First, they seemed to pick up a lot of bass sounds, such as rumbling from the bike’s engine. I’m not sure if this is because of the solid construction of the ear plugs or because they may be contacting the bones around my ear and carrying the rumble to my ear drum. A few years ago I read about a new type of earphones that contacted one of the bones around the ear to carry the sound directly to the ear, so the logic is sound with my thinking, but I’m not sure if the ear plug is connecting to that specific bone.
Finally, when I was fitted for the custom ear plugs, I wasn’t wearing my helmet. With the helmet pressing tightly against the side of my face, I find it more comfortable to ride with my a bit of a slack jaw (my upper and lower teeth do not touch). This changes the shape of my ear canal and the custom plugs don’t fit me very well as sound easily get in.
I still carry my custom ear plug with me, but will use them only if I lose the pylons. If you are wondering, the custom earplug sales person told me that they would cut out about 34 db, which is the same as the pylons.
