Why Every Rider Should Wear Motorcycle Earplugs
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You would NOT ride without a helmet!
You wouldn't be without your riding gloves.
But thousands of riders still ride on the road every day without protecting one of their most vulnerable organs – their ears.
The most obvious hazard for most people would be the loud exhaust. Surprisingly, it isn't.
The real culprit for many riders is the wind.
The wind whipping around your helmet creates a constant sound at highway speeds which can cause fatigue and, with prolonged exposure to high noise levels, contribute to hearing damage. Not all effects are immediately noticeable. You may not be aware of the problem until many years later when problems with hearing or ringing in the ears begin. Often, experienced riders from all motorcycling communities wish that they had started wearing earplugs a long time ago.
A nice set of motorcycle earplugs can make for a much quieter, more comfortable ride while reducing the amount of wind noise you have to deal with.
Wind Noise Is Louder Than You Think
As your speed increases, the wind noise quickly starts to build up around the helmet.
It simply cannot be eliminated, even with the use of a good helmet.
Some riders may experience:
- Ringing ears
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Headaches
- Reduced comfort
These can be warning signs of exposure to high levels of noise and should not be ignored.
Baycity Power Parts earplugs for bikers, helps reduce wind noise on long rides
Hearing Protection Doesn't Mean Blocking Everything Out
Some riders may not prefer to use earplugs as they feel they will not be able to hear what is happening around them.
It's a common misunderstanding.
A good motorcycle-specific earplug will not eliminate all sounds.
Instead, they can reduce the intensity of noise such as wind noise while still allowing you to hear your surroundings.
- Traffic movement
- Emergency sirens
- Vehicle horns
- Engine feedback
- Intercom systems (with compatible earplugs)
They don't make the world go silent. They reduce the overall noise level.
It is dangerous to ride in a noisy environment.
Your brain has to process a lot of background noise while you ride.
Continuous wind noise can contribute to mental fatigue.
This can affect:
- Concentration
- Reaction time
- Situational awareness
- Overall riding comfort
It's Much Easier to Ride Longer Distances!
Everyone who has done a full-day ride understands how tiring ongoing wind noise is.
Your neck may feel OK.
You may not have any pain in your hands.
Reducing wind noise can make long rides more comfortable and reduce the fatigue caused by constant noise.
When travelling on the road – or on mountain roads – quieter rides can mean:
- Better focus
- Less stress
- More enjoyment
- Less fatigue towards the end of the day
Reusable earplugs are a worthwhile investment because they can be used many times when properly cared for.
Disposable foam plugs are also an option when you need a simple temporary solution.
Most regular users prefer to use earplugs that they can use over a longer period of time.
These are typically designed for motorcycles and may offer the following:
- Easy to wear for long journeys
- Consistent noise reduction
- Easy cleaning
- Long service life
- Comfortable fit inside helmets
- Better helmet comfort
They can be more durable than disposable options and may offer better value for money in the long term.
Do Motorcycle Earplugs Affect Communication?
Not necessarily.
Many riders use:
- Bluetooth communicators
- Navigation prompts
- Group intercom systems
with motorcycle earplugs.
Because wind noise is reduced, voices can sometimes be easier to understand than they are without earplugs.
Usually, a good combination of protection and communication can be achieved with earplugs specially designed for riders.
For riders who use Bluetooth communication systems, the fit of the earplugs and compatibility with the helmet and communication equipment are also important.
When Should You Wear Motorcycle Earplugs?
Not everyone is aware that earplugs can be used for longer distances.
They can be quite helpful whenever you're travelling at moderate to high speeds.
Wear them during:
- Highway commuting
- Weekend rides
- Adventure touring
- Group rides
- Track days, where permitted by the track's safety requirements
- Long-distance motorcycle travel
Choosing the right motorcycle earplugs is just as important as choosing the right riding gear.
Not all earplugs are designed for riding a motorcycle.
When buying a pair, think about the following:
- Motorcycle-specific design
- Comfortable all-day fit
- Washable material, if you prefer reusable earplugs
- Reusable construction, if you want a longer-term option
- Reducing noise without completely blocking important sounds
- Compatibility with your helmet and communication equipment
A good-quality pair should provide a secure fit, lasting comfort, and reliable hearing protection throughout your ride.
Final Thoughts
Motorcycle safety is more than just accident prevention.
It's also about protecting yourself for years of riding ahead.
You already have a helmet on your head which is protecting your head.
Gloves are used to protect hands.
Jackets protect your skin.
Motorcycle earplugs can help protect your hearing from prolonged exposure to wind noise.
They're affordable, easy to carry, lightweight, and can help reduce wind noise, make long rides more comfortable and reduce your exposure to excessive noise.
In some ways, the simplest pieces of riding gear can make a world of difference.
