Tips to reduce noise level in helmet

[Rebel73_imp]

I have known the correct way to insert earplugs for years... I just never do it. I know I should, but I just don't like what I hear when I put them in, which is my ears ringing lol

Yes, tinnitus sucks! I have some due to years of auditory abuse during my youth!

[the Ferret]

Yes it does Rob. Shooting guns as a kid, listening to rock n roll as a teen and sub adult, riding street bikes without earplugs for 50 years and racing 2 stroke motorcycles for 10 years has taken a terrible toll on my hearing. Pretty loud ringing 24 hours a day 7 days a week 365 days a year is the result. At this point the air noise at speed actually drowns out the ringing giving some relief from that. Imagine wanting loud air noise so you don't hear the ringing. Sad. You do learn to pretty much ignore it, otherwise you'd never sleep, but I'd really rather not have it in the first place, and wish I had protected my hearing my whole life.

I would recommend anyone who's ears are not ringing now, wear some ear protection in any loud environments, including riding a motorcycle.

[Rocky_imp]

Great advice ferret!
I have a little bit of it, but I only hear the high pitched hiss if I'm in a very quiet place.
I didn't have it before I came back to bikes in 1992. This is why I now wear ear plugs all the time. It can't be reversed and I don't want it to get any worse.

[specialist8]

MTC - Does volume come through fine from either intercom or music when wearing the earplugs? I'm pretty young so I'd like to protect my hearing as much as I can but I also listen to music/take calls on my SENA whenever I'm riding around.

[Nemo_imp]

I just got my bike last year so I don't have extensive riding experience like most of you. However, my hobby/business for the last 20+ years does expose me to pretty loud sounds (gun fire) and I have tried to protect my hearing the best I can. I mostly use my molded plugs but I also like the Surefire Ear Pro Sonic Defenders and I keep a pair in my range bag in case I lose or forget my main ones.

[url=http://www.brownells.com/shooting-accessories/ear-eye-protection/ear-plugs/earpro-sonic-defenders-prod23976.aspx]HERE is a good place to get them.

[kmoney_imp]

I usually use noise isolating in-ear headphones. Serves as an ear plug and music/phone/intercom source in one. Excellent noise reduction, but the only problem is that depending on volume, you can't hear emergency vehicles.

[Cormanus]

I usually use noise isolating in-ear headphones. Serves as an ear plug and music/phone/intercom source in one. Excellent noise reduction, but the only problem is that depending on volume, you can't hear emergency vehicles.

Me too. Pterodactyl put me on to them. They are at least as good or better than earplugs and mean I can hear a GPS on the occasions I need to use one.

It's worth heading Ferret' wise words too—

Yes it does Rob. Shooting guns as a kid, listening to rock n roll as a teen and sub adult, riding street bikes without earplugs for 50 years and racing 2 stroke motorcycles for 10 years has taken a terrible toll on my hearing. Pretty loud ringing 24 hours a day 7 days a week 365 days a year is the result. At this point the air noise at speed actually drowns out the ringing giving some relief from that. Imagine wanting loud air noise so you don't hear the ringing. Sad. You do learn to pretty much ignore it, otherwise you'd never sleep, but I'd really rather not have it in the first place, and wish I had protected my hearing my whole life.

I would recommend anyone who's ears are not ringing now, wear some ear protection in any loud environments, including riding a motorcycle.

[the Ferret]

I actually wore some of the kids gel plugs today on my rides. Comfortable and somewhat effective I think. Will give them some more testing.

[redbirds_imp]

I actually wore some of the kids gel plugs today on my rides. Comfortable and somewhat effective I think. Will give them some more testing.

I did the same and was pleasantly surprised. The silicone gels are far more comfortable than anything I've tried before. Money well spent.

[Cormanus]

Before I moved to the noise cancelling headphones, I had a pair of these silicone earplugs, http://gear.kathmandu.com.au/gear/Earplugs. Easier to insert than the foam things and more effective.