How many of you guys use ear plugs while riding? I have been reading up on their use and the dangers of hearing loss from the wind noise and such from riding. I have used them before and they don't bother me. My wife says that when she wears them, they build up so much pressure that they cause pain when taken out. Anyone here have such an experience?
I wear them religiously. If I'm going more than 10 miles or so, they're in there. Since most of my activities over the years were noisy (guns, boats, un-airconditioned autos, power tools, etc...) I have some niose induced hearing loss. The only way I can keep what I have left is to wear hearing protection on and off the job. That holds true even if you don't have any loss. If you enjoy noisy activities, the only way you can keep what you have is to protect it.
I use the disposable foam ones that you roll up. I have found that different brands are firmer and can cause me discomfort if I have to wear them all day. Have your sweetie try different brands and also different styles until she finds some she likes. She can even go to an audiologist and get custom plugs made for a little over $100. If that is what she has to do ultimately it is WORTH IT! Even slight to moderate hearing loss in the speech frequency is a pain in the neck and sometimes downright embarassing.
Remember that the risk is determined not only by how loud the noise is, but how long you are exposed to it. All day riding at what you consider a safe noise level may be hurting your hearing worse than the shorter duration noises of much louder intensity. Once you realize you've lost some, it is too late. All you can do at that point is protect what you have left.
Curtis
i don't drive a harley, but that's no excuse. i have some hearing loss due to so many ppl hollering at me at once! Just kidding!
I don't wear ear plugs, but the wind is very noisy in my 3/4 helmet plus face sheild. It's possible I will have to start wearing protection on my ears also! Pretty soon you won't be able to go out anywhere without a moon suit: to protect against smog, polution (air), ear plugs (noise) (sun glasses, ) full coverage helmet, leather boots, leather jacket, leather chaps. Do I dare include sun block & chap stick?
It used to be so easy: in shorts & t-shirt, take the bike out for a spin (helmet included of course!). Ahhh, the good 'ol days!
Greg
I use earplugs whenever I ride with my half helmet. The windnoise it just too loud with out them when you get over 40...mph that is. When I wear my full face helmet I usually don't. It gives me a chance to listen to my bike a little more for unusual noises, but if I'm on a ride more than 15 to 20 miles (somewhere other than work) I wear my half face and ear plugs. I have thought about wearing ear plugs with my full face... maybe I will if I wear it on longer rides. I use the reusable kind and like them quite well.
I always use ear plugs when I ride. The rubber type can cause a little suction discomfort, when removed, for this reason I prefer the foam kind. The foam plugs are effective and comfortable to use for long periods.