Yes I am still searching for the best earplugs and have reached the end of that exhaustive process with these silicon swimmers type plugs.
I have tested every brand of foam earplug on the market now and they all have some comfort or fit issue (you can read all my previous foam plug tests in the archives of this blog)
These silicon plugs are for me the best as they fit perfect every time and they don't loosen up or come out so while I only get 20db cut in noise from these I get that constant and in comfort.
The biggest problem with the foam plugs is you never know when they are going to seal properly or not, half the time they didn't which is why I ended up with hearing damage as they seemed to be right but then came unsealed from movement of the helmet or simply dislodged themselves.
So give these a try - you can source them from almost any chemist shop. Goes to show sometimes the answer is right under your nose, I sought out items from all over the world only to end up with the best result from shop 1 block from my home.
My other earplug testing is here here and here
Some more scattered in the older blog postings.
Update: Ok I have been using these for some time now - and I still like them. I have another pack with pink coloured silicon squares that you simply split into two and roll up into balls. These silicon plugs are more expensive than the foam ones however since I ride just once a fortnight its not a major expense if these work out a couple of dollars each set.
Update 2. Well I sold the Buell as you know it didn't run well with the quietened down muffler but these plugs at that medium level of noise worked well, Higher noise levels like the Micron muffler at its full noise level and these would not be enough to prevent earing damage. If you have a race muffler then you do need to try the higher 30-33 db rating foam plugs and come back to these if the others all fail to fit your ears well.
However I also now am of the opinion that bikes with mufflers that loud shouldnt be on the road as they are a major disturbance. Just no need to have a engine that loud, can have a nice tone for the rider to enjoy from a sports muffler and not be disturbing everyone else around you.
I haven't read through all your hearing plug tests, but I have another suggestion that has worked for me - product released by Surefire/EarPro called "Sonic Defenders". Available in Australia from Sord Australia. Not the cheapest product, but they have a really clever noise cancelling mechanism that lets you hear normal levels while only blocking the loud stuff.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dan, those only reduce noise by 9db so are not suitable. The swimmers ones I like are 20db but really need the 30 db foam ones to work for me if I am to keep riding with the Micron exhaust as its claimed to be about 122db or get the noise of exhaust down to 110db. Aim is to get noise exposure down to around 90db as thats about the highest level before damage and what a rider is exposed to with the wind noise on a bike and no ear plugs anyway.
ReplyDeleteNot quite true 'chef! :) I too read that when I investigated them, but digging a little deeper I found this PDF.
ReplyDeleteAccording to that documentation, these ear plugs do not let through any noise that exceeds 80db.
Here is a snippet from that file:
"Significant attenuation starts at 80 dB at a value of 26 dB, rising to 34 dB at 90 dB inputs but
remaining roughly constant at an average of 35 dB through sound levels of 120 dB. For
example, if the level of the noise is110 dB, the noise braker will attenuate the sound to 74 dB,
well below the mandated action level of 85 dB."
Well I leave it to you readers to decide about the products Dan above is trying to push. Meaningless mumbo written by a nobody does not prove wild claims.
ReplyDeleteHow about this, I have a box of magic yellow foam plugs here I obtained from elves that cut 666db - comes with free support documentation that I wrote. I am willing to let you have them for the low low price of $50US + shipping. I accept Paypal.
Hello.
ReplyDeleteI think those blue silicon plugs are the best I have tried, I bought them during a ride in France. But they don't sell them here in Sweden and I don't remember what they are called.
Do you remember their name/brand, so I can search for them more efficially, to buy them on Internet? Thanks in advance if you can give me a hint!
/Eva-Lena
They are made by Macks, I am going to order some myself.
ReplyDeleteThe world's best ear plugs come from www.earplugsonline.com. They're awesome for riding and sleeping, have a 34 noise reduction rating, they're really comfortable, and they don't loosen. I recently saw them promoted at advrider and I never plan to go back to anything else. Check out the info here: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=661639
ReplyDeleteIf you are in Brisbane, these custom made inserts work a treat. Really comfortable, however not that cheap at around $75..saying that I have bought so many disposable ear plugs over the years...worth a look.
ReplyDelete