 2Likes
 |
|
15 Mar 2002
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,134
|
|
I ride a touring bike (ST1100) with a windshield, but absolutely need earplugs, whether I am wearing my full face helmet or an open face helmet. Perhaps this is because the helmets are the newer ventilated Arai models, which are very noisy. I won't even ride to the local milk store without earplugs, because I find the wind noise annoying.
I use the disposable models made by AEARO Corporation under the brand name EAR. I buy them in boxes of 200 sets for about USD 12 a box. You can also buy them at Home Depot and other such locations for about USD 0.25 per set.
I prefer the disposables because the fit well and attenuate sound well, and I don't have to worry about them getting dirty. I find I can re-use a set twice before they no longer conform well to the shape of my inner ear.
I have no problems at all hearing sirens, horns, or even conversation. They attenuate sound, they don't block it entirely. My guess is the decrease in transmission of the sound of a siren or a horn (emergency vehicle) would be no greater than what an automobile driver encounters in a car that has the radio and ventilation fan on.
[This message has been edited by PanEuropean (edited 15 March 2002).]
|
20 Dec 2013
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Sahuarita
Posts: 6
|
|
|
What did you say?
I always wear earplugs on any ride over 15 minutes. Initially, you cant hear anything, but then your ears get used to them and you can cars, sirens and horns. I've got bad tinnitus from riding and running chainsaws - noise is cumulative. There is no reversing or correcting, other than hearing aids. When it's quiet - to me it sounds like insects carrying on during a midwestern evening.
I've found the ear plug link below to fit my left ear and a different model to fit my right ear.
Howard Leight | MAX Earplugs
|
20 Dec 2013
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: RTW
Posts: 517
|
|
|
I am using custom made earplugs with 25dB filter.
I got mine done by hearing specialists in Finland. They took a cast? from my ear canal and few weeks later I got mine in a mail.
Fits perfectly, can wear them 24h/day without any problem.
Fantastic protection against noise, but can still hear easily when people are talking.
Highly recommend. If you loose your hearing, you cannot get it back...
|
20 Dec 2013
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,680
|
|
I leave a trail of breadcrumbs around the world when I travel on a bike.. Those bread crumbs are green or yellow and are made of foam.
I've lost HUNDREDS...... I always pack about 50 pairs as they are sooo small and light and easily lost.
That why I don't have £50 ones....
I've seen people with earplugs which are tied together. Like on your sunlglasses or when your mum would sew elastic to your gloves and put them through your coat sleeves so you wouldn't lose them..
ahhhh those college years 
Corded ear plugs they're called.
Anyway.. A tall screen takes away nearly all of the wind blast which is the worst offender. Noisy exhausts don't help either.
So, if you're travelling on an enduro bike with no screen and a noisy exhaust...
BUY LOTS OF EARPLUGS OR YOU WILL GO DEAF...
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
|
15 Mar 2002
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Derbyshire, UK
Posts: 18
|
|
|
I had a scare last summer - rode all day in an Arai, got home & it was like I'd been to a rock concert - at night it was deafening. The following day though it wasn't any better! Took about a month to return back to what I now call normal... the scary thing is it could be just me getting used to it.
Always use foam earplugs now, & the Arai stays on the shelf for long journeys. Use my Shoei instead.
Good luck....
Tim
__________________
Wow.....Splat!
|
20 Mar 2002
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Cork,Ireland
Posts: 150
|
|
|
I find that with an Arai MX helmet and goggles that the wind/engine noise is fatiguing if i don't wear Earplugs.I sometimes forget them, so I put a small container o the Keyfob to remind me to fit them
|
21 Mar 2002
|
 |
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Reno,NV,USA
Posts: 560
|
|
I have had the westone # 4 RT for two years.They are small and work great. go to
www.earmold.com
click - earmold info
click - navigation (near top of page left)
click - hearing proction and recreation
click - no 4 RT
|
21 Mar 2002
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,134
|
|
|
Tim:
I know what you mean about the Arai's and wind noise. I have two Arai's - I like them because they are lightweight and well ventilated - but earplugs are an absolute must, even for a 5 km trip to the milk store down the road.
I think there is a very clear tradeoff between a helmet that is light and well ventilated, and a helmet that is quiet. Sort of like this: "lightweight, well ventilated, quiet - choose any two of the preceding three".
|
22 Mar 2002
|
 |
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Thailand at the moment
Posts: 593
|
|
Since I always listen to good advice.... I got myself some earplugs. Very handy when the son of my neighbors gave a party last week 
Maarten
|
1 Apr 2002
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Belgium
Posts: 469
|
|
|
Has somebody tried this already:
using the classic foam earplugs and having speaker build in to your helmet. Can you listen to music like this without having to put the volume way to high?
If Paneuropean is right that the foam earplugs only 'filter' the sound I guess it should be possible. Looks like the ideal solution to me. The earplugs with build in speakers are expensive and I don't find them handy.
Other question: if I build in speakers into my helmet what should I know about the speakers?
|
2 Apr 2002
|
 |
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,366
|
|
fireboomer, fwiw - Personally I don't recommend this - the sound has to be seriously loud to hear it, and the distortion and sound quality is then so bad, I don't want to listen to it. Unless you have an expensive stereo and high quality speakers... oh, right, the problem with the ear plugs was the price. hmmm.... 
Good ear plugs are worth it -I'll never go back to foamies. Just takes getting used to.
ymmv
------------------
Grant Johnson
One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
|
2 Apr 2002
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,134
|
|
The earplugs I prefer are these ones: E·A·R®Classic®. The best way to buy them for motorcycle touring is to get the uncorded plugs in individual poly bags, their product code # 312-1201. A box of 200 sets is CAD 25.-, and that will keep you going for at least a season (figure two uses - meaning two insertions - for each set before you toss it). The reasons I like the Classics in the poly bags are:
1) they fit me comfortably and don't irritate.
2) individual poly bags take up the least space - a box of 200 is smaller than 6 cans of  .
3) the individual poly bags keep the earplugs clean when packed in saddle bags, etc. - no worry about dirt and so forth.
You can buy these things anywhere on the planet. Go to Aearo's website to find an automated applet that will locate a vendor in your country.
[This message has been edited by PanEuropean (edited 02 April 2002).]
|
3 Apr 2002
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Zaandam, Holland
Posts: 15
|
|
|
Hi all,
My experience is that the foam-type earplugs that expand in your ear, start to irritate when you use them for longer periods. They also put pressure on your ballance-organs wich are also located in your ears! I stopped using them for that reason and you also have to bring a whole load of them on your trip since it's not very hiegienic to re-use them.
The type of plugs that are molded to the shape of YOUR ears (otoplastics) don't put pressure on your ears, you can clean them so you need only one pair, and they come with different 'filters'.
These filters let sounds through of certain frequencies (such as the freq. of human speech) yet they stop the freq. that damages your hearing (like the freq. of windnoise). This makes it possible to have a normal conversation with someone with your plugs in and hear that siren comming.
Remember that hearing damage is is a one-way thing, damaged eardrums and hairs don't grow back!! And you don't notice it until it's too late..
Otoplastics are expensive indeed but so is your helmet, boots, gloves, ect and they all protect things that are more likely to be 'fixed' in hospital or grow back..
Ride save,
Jeroen
(who allready has 30% hearingloss because of riding bikes for 14 years)
|
3 Apr 2002
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: the netherlands
Posts: 266
|
|
agree with Jeroen, also made the natural progress from foam to the ones made to fit (molded?) to my inner ear. Always got the foam plugs on me as a backup, coz once you got them its hard to ride without any hear protection. its soooo loud!
Must say they cost a bit but worthwhile in the end, they are a lot more durable... and can still hear things when im 80
see
http://www.earmo.com/
|
3 Apr 2002
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Belgium
Posts: 469
|
|
|
Hey Jeroen,
Where can I buy these earplugs that 'filter' the sound and not simply block all of it? They really interest me a lot!
I am from Belgium and wouldn't mind making the trip to Holland to get them. If you can understand somebody who is speaking while wearing them I gues you could also listen to music from build in speakers. Looks like the ideal solution too me.
Pieter.
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)
Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Hybrid Mode
