3M E-A-Rsoft Yellow Neon Ear Plugs

[Nortoon_imp]

I currently ride a Honda CB500XA, an "adventure styled" motorcycle. Like most adventure bikes the owners complain about wind noise. The wind screen thread on the CB500X Forum is 76 pages long with no perfect solution found.

My first helmet purchase was a Bell MAG-9 open face helmet. It was so noisy even with the visor down, I could not ride on the highway. So I bought a Shoei RF-1200 full face helmet. It reduced the wind noise some what, but I still was not comfortable.

So I bought a California Scientific wind screen. I am 6'2" tall, and it was the tallest screen I could find for the CB500X. The wind blast was moved from my chest to the top of my helmet. The wind noise was tolerable wearing the Shoei, but not wearing the Bell.

I began trying earplugs: drugstore foam, swimmers wax, shooters plugs, etc. After a year of failures, someone suggested 3M E-A-Rsoft yellow neon plugs. Finally earplugs that really cut the wind noise to a comfortable and healthy level. Now I can wear either my Shoei or Bell helmet at any speed. These plugs are soft and comfortable enough to wear all day, and they don't pop out.

I bought a box of 200 pair on Amazon for $40 Canadian, approximately $30 American, shipping included. That 20 cents Canadian a pair, 15 cents American. Inexpensive enough to toss after every ride.

[Rocky_imp]

That's what I use.
I bought a large box of them like you did and carry a few pairs in all my jackets.

[flynrider]

I've been using Hearos Extreme earplugs for a few years and I really like them. Only the Extreme ones with the 33 db ratings work well on the bike. I've tried some other brands of foam plugs and they didn't quite cut it. The difference was really noticeable if I put one of the Extreme plugs in one ear and another brand or style in the other ear.

I buy 'em in bulk at Amazon. About $12 for 56 pair.

[DAC]

I got a box of 200 pr of Howard Leight years ago and that is finally running out. Will try some samples of the above and see how it goes!

[Nortoon_imp]

I've been using Hearos Extreme earplugs for a few years and I really like them. Only the Extreme ones with the 33 db ratings work well on the bike. I've tried some other brands of foam plugs and they didn't quite cut it. The difference was really noticeable if I put one of the Extreme plugs in one ear and another brand or style in the other ear.

I buy 'em in bulk at Amazon. About $12 for 56 pair.

The Yellow Neons have a different feel than the foam earplugs I tried. They may be made with a fine silicon foam, because they are much softer than the drug store foam ones.

They roll down well, but I still give them a lick to make insertion easier. Good fingernails are needed to remove them because they don't pop out.

The other foam ones annoyed me because they would pop free while riding. That meant finding a safe place to pull over, stop the bike, drop the side stand, remove my helmet, reset them, put my helmet back on ...yadda, yadda, yadda. This was particularly bad if I was wearing my Shoei, as I tends to tear my ears off putting it on and dislodges the drug store foam ear plugs.

I always carry spare packs. When other bikers see me removing them, they are not shy about telling me they don't wear them because they are uncomfortable. I tell them times have changed and give them a pack after showing how to insert them. Spread the word!

[Rocky_imp]

True story.

A few years ago I was riding alone around the Cabot Trail and was wearing orange foam earplugs.
As I passed through a scenic village I stopped to admire the view and to rest my butt.
Along came an elderly local lady out for a walk I guess. She stopped and struck up a conversation with me about where I was from, where I was going, etc., etc.
She seemed quite interested , but suddenly asked me, "What's that orange stuff coming out of your ears?"
It was all I could do to not burst out laughing, but I explained what it was and why I was wearing them.
She gave an understanding nod of her head and went on her way.

[the Ferret]

The problem for me at this point is the damage is already done. My tinnitus is pretty annoying without ear plugs. BLock out the other sounds and it's all I hear and quite loudly I might add.

If someone can start using plugs BEFORE their hearing is damaged, they will be so much better off for it. Believe me..

[Rocky_imp]

The problem for me at this point is the damage is already done. My tinnitus is pretty annoying without ear plugs. BLock out the other sounds and it's all I hear and quite loudly I might add.

If someone can start using plugs BEFORE their hearing is damaged, they will be so much better off for it. Believe me..

I agree.
I didn't always wear them and have a slight bit of ringing too, but it's not at all annoying.
Some days I can hear it if I listen for it, but other times it's barely there.

[the Ferret]

no problem hearing mine 24/7/365. Sometimes it makes it hard to go to sleep. If I plug them I hear that and my heart beats.

[Nortoon_imp]

Have you guys had your blood pressure tested lately. Ringing in your ears is usually a sign of high blood pressure.