I've always had a problem getting my plugs in properly so they're comfortable and actually block the wind noise. I've even had them pop out and mostly they are very uncomfortable. Here's a solution for perfectly fitting ear plugs.

The plug goes in with an incredibly good fit which will block out most of the noise and be very comfortable as well.

Take a 3 ml syringe (50c from your local pharmacy) and cut the end off neatly. Rub it down with a bit of wet 'n dry to smooth the edge because that's the end that goes into your ear.



Make a collar with a piece of PVC tubing and fit over the shaft to prevent the plunger from popping out the end you just cut off. Cut it long enough so that the plunger stops about 3 - 4mm from the end. This is so the plug does not go all the way in and you have something to grab it by to pull it out.



Roll an ear plug neatly between your fingers and insert the blunt end into the syringe. Push all the way in. You may need to twist it in if it doesn't stay compressed.


To insert your ear plug, Give yourself a wet willy, then carefully place the syringe into the opening of your ear canal. Do not push the syringe barrel inside. Hold the syringe in place as you GENTLY & SLOWLY ease the plunger in till you feel the plug go into your ear canal and the plunger comes to a stop. You will feel a little pressure build up inside but that will ease. You'll need to get it at the right angle. Try inserting a cotton bud first to see the angle but the canal usually goes up and to the back. Try pulling you ear back to open the ear canal a little more.

CAUTION:
WHEN REMOVING, EASE THE PLUG SIDEWAYS AND TWIST TO ALLOW AIR IN AS YOU EASE THE PLUG OUT. BEST TO DO THIS SLOWLY AND WRIGGLE THE PLUG FROM SIDE TO SIDE TO RELEASE IT FROM THE EAR CANAL. PULLING IT STRAIGHT OUT QUICKLY WILL CREATE A VACUUM AND COULD DAMAGE YOUR EAR DRUM.

Kaptain Holister wrote:I've always had a problem getting my plugs in properly so they're comfortable and actually block the wind noise.

Sorry Kaptain, is this supposed to be some kind of joke?.

I thought the whole point of motorcycling was to be "in the wind"

If you desire transport with no wind sound perhaps a car might be a better choice for you

Just a thought

And remember it's all in the application...

If you're going fast enough for long enough, 
YOU WILL PERMANENTLY DAMAGE YOUR HEARING!
The editor of Motorcycle Sport here in the U.K. recently wrote about the damage he has inflicted on his hearing over the years when talking about starting to use moulded ear plugs. 
And he is only about 40 years old.
The damage is permanent and a hearing aid has no effect.
Unless you think being deaf is cool.

Not the only thing that makes you deaf, Rick. 

I was told it makes me go blind

You could use this

You don't need to load as often

Kyle10 wrote:And remember it's all in the application...

Oh yes!! She can fit my ear plugs any day.

Comberjohn wrote:If you're going fast enough for long enough, 
YOU WILL PERMANENTLY DAMAGE YOUR HEARING!
The editor of Motorcycle Sport here in the U.K. recently wrote about the damage he has inflicted on his hearing over the years when talking about starting to use moulded ear plugs. 
And he is only about 40 years old.
The damage is permanent and a hearing aid has no effect.
Unless you think being deaf is cool.

I have 20% hearing in my left ear and 50% in my right. None of the loss was caused by motorcycling.

The editor of the Mag may well have been a pamplet delivery boy before he took that job for all we know. His position cuts no ice with me as any sort of authority on the subject. If it does with the readers of the Mag cited then they would do well to aquire a LOT of HARD evidence before taking his word as Gospel truth. My hearing loss was the result of working in industrial areas unprotected when I was a youth.

Fact of the matter is it is all about DECIBELS, and, if you know your sh*t then you know that yes, SUSTAINED high speed winds will damage your ears but which one of us can afford to lose their licences by exceeding the posted 100kph, and who among us has big enough balls to sit above at least 140kph and above everywhere we go, all the time

Hell man, with Rock concerts, lawn mowers, my stereo, home theatre movie nights, the Harley Davidsons down the road blatting past every 5 minutes, does anyone in their right mind think that I am going to worry about ear plugs when riding MY bike! I don't think so. The trouble is some super editor says jump and people say "how Hi?"

I assume I have to wear ear plugs now for all the other activities I just mentioned as well. I DO wear ear MUFFS when operating power tools, Lawn mowers, weed eaters etc, in fact you'd be a little daft not to, but on the bike ??? . .

Come on now . . . . I just cannot buy in to that. In fact, I think the suggestion is just to wind people up

Ear plugs on a bike . . . . . . .

Now. I have had my rant.

It is time for some FACT.

Look at the images below and then tell me what Mr Editor is saying is correct




Thanks

Having looked at that we are ALL going to be deaf before we die unless we STOP LIVING

Be made wrote:Having looked at that we are ALL going to be deaf before we die unless we STOP LIVING

With respect Be made, many of us have already assessed the available facts as well as our own personal experiences and wear hearing protection accordingly. That's our decision, thank you. My post was purely to offer those who choose to wear ear plugs, a method of getting them to fit properly so they offer the maximum protection with optimum comfort. Something which is difficult to achieve with these disposable foam silicon plugs.

However, I'm confused...The data you've posted does not support your arguement but does clearly show that noise from common everyday situations create sound at levels which are harmful to our hearing over extended periods. The second table shows that the time taken to damage hearing becomes shorter at higher dB levels. Subway noise at 90dB will permanently damage your hearing after 2 hours is one thing I can conclude from your data. But I have no way of knowing where this data has come from or whether it's correct. The information I have indicates that at 90dB, damage resulting in permanent hearing loss will happen after only 15 minutes.

It all subjective really, BUT one thing you cannot dispute is that exposure to noise at high dB levels will damage your hearing whether its from industrial noise, too many rock concerts or mowing your lawn. As for motorcycles, measured from inside the helmet, levels around 90dB to 110dB have been recorded which is comparable to harmful industrial noise levels. Travelling above 60kph can produce these levels. What's different about helmet noise that makes you laugh at wearing protection?

Personally, I have experienced discomfort from helmet noise after only short rides without plugs. After an 8 hour ride travelling at around 80 to 130 kph with poorly fitting plugs I can honestly say my ears are ringing for at least 12 hours after. I'm in my late 50s with good hearing and I want my hearing intact for at least another 30 years. The fact that you've already previously damaged a large part of your hearing capacity is probably masking the levels of noise you are hearing in your helmet and so it doesn't seem to be all that bad. All you are doing is succeeding in damaging your hearing further. That's a pity, along with the fact that your pillion passengers are at risk as well.

Really mate, I mean this in the nicest way... but I've got to laugh... who's winding who up here. Hearing loss from motorcycling is a serious issue which is very well documented if you care to search for it but I don't have the time to do that for you.

Cheers

Kaptain Holister wrote:

Be made wrote:Having looked at that we are ALL going to be deaf before we die unless we STOP LIVING

With respect  . . .
Really mate, I mean this in the nicest way... but I've got to laugh... who's winding who up here.  . .

Cheers

Yeah . . I have to laugh too

Cheers and thanks for bring this subject to our attention

No offence intended

None taken old mate...  

Cheers

I'm very aware that hearing loss can be caused by exposure to very loud noise or lesser noise for a sustained period.  It's cumulative.  As a result of working in factories and smash repair shops for the first 10 years of my working life as well as loud music my ears now ring like cicadas 24/7.  I have no desire to damage my hearing further if I can avoid it.

So I do wear earplugs when I feel the need(long distances mostly), I buy a box of 200 pairs at a time cause it's the cheapest way to do it.  When I can find them I do have a set of moulded earplugs too.  I've no trouble getting mine to fit or stay in though (large ear canals I've been told).  I only have trouble with the disposables if they've been used too much or have been exposed to water(the consistency of the foam changes.  I roll them thin as I can using both index fingers and thumbs, stretching them thin as I roll them, insert as quickly as possible(before it can expand) and hold it in with my finger tip while it expands. They very rarely come out by themselves.

I use these mostly (easy to fit and dont irritate)
http://www.honeywellsafety.com/Products/Hearing/Hearing_Protection/Laser_Lite_Single-Use_Earplug.aspx?site=/au

RicK G wrote:I was told it makes me go blind

You don't want this on your conscience, do you?

Thanks Be Made I have studied the graphs closely and have decided not to eat at subway anymore, too noisy just for chewing food. Taa