Ear Plugs: to use or not to use on the street?

Trauma · Jan 7, 2013

jjsC6 said:
Thanks, even though you probably don't need another "dad" on the forum

BTW, love your garage. I came from a Ninja background. A new one every 2 years. I sold my '90 ZX11 when I got the K1300S, then got the Ducati bug. I plan on trading the K for the touring K one you have when kids are gone, and get the wife to ride with me more. (to self: good luck with that!)

capnjack52 · Jan 7, 2013

southeastduc said:
Good information guys. I was on a carrier for 4 years (USS Saratoga CV-60) and wore double hearing protection then, but still have some loss. Think I'll put a box of foamies in the garage & start wearing them again...

+1 on Navy training!

Hearing loss is cumulative and insidious. It may be many years before you perceive the loss, but it is permanent and irrecoverable. As mentioned in another post, decent hearing aids these days are $5k, are not covered by insurance (I know - had to get them for my dad). Even with them, he would often say, "They're only aids, son, they don't fix anything." Ear plugs/muffs all the time for any high dB activities. Disposable foamies (several brands have been mentioned) with ~ 30 dB attenuation work great for this purpose. Here's a link to a webBikeWorld sampling Earplugs From Lucy Dell - webBikeWorld - I use the Howard Leight MAX plugs. Here endeth the lesson ...

Phl · Jan 7, 2013

Artillery (M109A3) and my old Monster with open K&N and Figarolis lead to a slight Tinnitus...

No earplugs makes it worse. So they're in...

JONAH · Jan 7, 2013

suffer from slight tinitus....so i always where my plugs no matter what.

rm4two · Jan 7, 2013

MUNDMAN said:
Never used them on any bike. One mans noise is another mans music. Been riding 37 years

+1

jjsC6 · Jan 7, 2013

Trauma said:
BTW, love your garage. I came from a Ninja background. A new one every 2 years. I sold my '90 ZX11 when I got the K1300S, then got the Ducati bug. I plan on trading the K for the touring K one you have when kids are gone, and get the wife to ride with me more. (to self: good luck with that!)

Thanks! I figured it out early and never had kids, hence all the toys I've had.

1198freak · Jan 10, 2013

I wear plugs when I ride.. I plan on riding a long time and I dont need Tinnitus down the line. I have talked to a couple guys, long term riders (over 25 years experience) that didn't wear plugs, both of them have Tinnitus and cant sleep at night because of a constant ringing in their ears. Apparently its not the engine noise but the wind noise that damages the hearing. Recently on a couple of short rides I didn't use the plugs and it actually feels uncomfortable to not wear them now. I have plugs custom moulded to my ears that mute most of the sound, but I can still hear everything (especially with the Pani engine)

zaster · Jan 10, 2013

1198freak said:
I wear plugs when I ride.. I plan on riding a long time and I dont need Tinnitus down the line. I have talked to a couple guys, long term riders (over 25 years experience) that didn't wear plugs, both of them have Tinnitus and cant sleep at night because of a constant ringing in their ears. Apparently its not the engine noise but the wind noise that damages the hearing. Recently on a couple of short rides I didn't use the plugs and it actually feels uncomfortable to not wear them now. I have plugs custom moulded to my ears that mute most of the sound, but I can still hear everything (especially with the Pani engine)

+1 on the wind noise

Laurentinium · Jan 10, 2013

ALWAYS
CUSTOM PCL EAR PLUGS. Hearing loss is progressive, pretty soon the TV is blaring and you're asking people to repeat themselves

SoutheastJay · Jan 10, 2013

Sorry but Id rather enjoy the sounds of my new Pani. Ive never worn earplugs and not so sure thats the safe thing for me to do. Now i don't have loud slip ons like some of you may, but my harley with the V&H full system was much louder and never bothered me. I would agree if your not wearing a helmet this would make more sense to me but not if you are wearing a helmet, just my 3 cents.

zvez · Jan 11, 2013

not the engine noise that's harmful to your hearing, it's the wind noise around your head/helmet.

SoutheasyJay said:
Sorry but Id rather enjoy the sounds of my new Pani. Ive never worn earplugs and not so sure thats the safe thing for me to do. Now i don't have loud slip ons like some of you may, but my harley with the V&H full system was much louder and never bothered me. I would agree if your not wearing a helmet this would make more sense to me but not if you are wearing a helmet, just my 3 cents.

99DUC · Jan 11, 2013

I always wear ear plugs, whether on the daily commute, riding my Panigale or listening to the wife!

Try these. they are sensational.
ebay: (Pack of 10) Howard Leight 32dB Laser Lite Ear Plugs Uncorded Disposable Foam

$2 per set is more than a bargain. (Don't waste your $200 on moulded ear plugs)

WAfatboy · Jan 11, 2013

Always wear plugs, can still hear the engine & exhaust but not the annoying wind noise and mechanical chatter! Hearing loss is something to be feared!

+1 to not bothering with expensive moulded plugs - tried two different types of the expensive types, and the disposable plugs work better, don't pop out. More hygienic, rated to -32db and if youmlose them its less than $1 a set

Ear Plugs: to use or not to use on the street?

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