Why Every Rider Should Wear Motorcycle Earplugs
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 is the wind
The wind whipping around your helmet’s face makes it produce a constant sound at highway speeds which could cause fatigue and, over time, permanent hearing loss. Not all effects are immediately noticeable. It is rare to be aware of the problem many years later when problems with hearing or ear ringing begin. Often, experienced riders from all motorcycling communities wish that they would have started wearing earplugs a long time ago.
A quality pair of motorcycle ear plugs will make all rides quieter, safer and much more comfortable.
Wind Noise Is Louder Than You Think
If you're traveling above 60 km/h, the wind noise quickly starts to build up in the helmet.
It simply cannot be eliminated, even with the use of good helmets.
Numerous riders will have:
- Ringing ears
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Headaches
- Reduced comfort
These are NOT side-effects, but warning signs that your ears are working harder than they have to.
Hearing Protection Doesn't Mean Blocking Everything Out
Some riders may not prefer to use ear plugs as they feel they will not be able to hear what is happening around them.
It's a common misunderstanding.
A good motorcycle specific ear plug will not eliminate all sounds.
Instead, they will reduce the intensity of the high noise frequencies such as wind noise without affecting overall sound quality.
- Traffic movement
- Emergency sirens
- Vehicle horns
- Engine feedback
- Intercom systems (with compatible earplugs)
They don't make the world go silent, they make important sounds louder.
It is dangerous to swim in a loud environment. It is dangerous to ride in a noisy environment.
Your brain is constantly filtering out background noise while you ride.
Continuous wind noise leads to mental fatigue.
This can affect:
- Concentration
- Reaction time
- Situational awareness
- Overall riding comfort
Hearing protection is now considered one essential riding gear and not a luxury.
It's much easier to ride longer distances!
Everyone who has done a full day ride understand how tiring ongoing wind noise is.
Your neck may feel OK.
You may not have any pain in your hands.
However, you are still feeling fatigued mentally.
The hidden fatigue is significantly reduced with the drastic reduction of wind noise.
When travelling via the road – or on the mountain roads – quieter rides are usually:
- Better focus
- Less stress
- More enjoyment
- Less fatigue towards the end of the day
The smallest of changes that can have a huge impact.
Reusable ear plugs are a worthwhile investment because they last much longer than disposable ones.
In case of emergency: use disposable foam plugs.
Most regular users prefer to use ear plugs that they can use over the course of time.
These are typically designed for motorcycles and are likely to offer the following:
- Easy to wear for long journeys
- Consistent noise reduction
- Easy cleaning
- Long service life
- Advanced ventilation and comfort in helmets
- Better helmet ventilation and comfort
They will be much more durable than disposables, and are better value for money in the long-term.
Do Motorcycle Earplugs Affect Communication?
Not necessarily.
Here are some riders who have been successful using:
- Bluetooth communicators
- Navigation prompts
- Group intercom systems
with motorcycle earplugs.
Because wind noise is minimized, voices are easier to understand than they are when the wind is blowing.
Usually, the best combination of protection and communication is achieved by ear plugs specially made for the rider.
When Should You Wear Motorcycle Earplugs?
Not everyone is aware that ear plugs can be used for longer distances.
Indeed, they can be quite helpful whenever you're traveling at moderate to high speeds.
Wear them during:
- Highway commuting
- Weekend rides
- Adventure touring
- Group rides
- Track days
- Long-distance motorcycle travel
The longer the exposure to wind noise, the more beneficial it will be.
Choosing the right motorcycle earplugs is just as important as choosing the right riding gear.
Not all earplugs are created for riding a motorcycle.
When buying a pair, think the following:
- Motorcycle-specific design
- Comfortable all-day fit
- Washable material
- Reusable construction
- Minimizing or eliminating sounds, not a blanket ban on them
- Wearing the correct helmet and communications equipment
A good-quality pair provides 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.
The addition of motorcycle earplugs makes everything complete.
They're affordable, easy to transport, lightweight, and can help you to prevent future hearing loss, reduce wind noise and enhance your riding safety on the trail.
In some cases, the most compact riding equipment is the most long lasting.
FAQs
1.May I wear the earplugs with a Bluetooth helmet communicator?
Yes. Numerous motorcycle ear buds can connect with Bluetooth communication and navigation gadgets.
2.If I use a good helmet do I need ear plugs?
Yes. Even expensive helmets do not eliminate all wind noise particularly at highway speeds.
3.How to use motorcycle earplugs?
They will be most helpful when riding on the highway, touring, long distance riding, or on any ride where wind noise is heard as if it is a loud noise.
4.Is it safe to wear ear plugs while riding?
Yes, if done correctly. They decrease the fatigue from wind noise, but don't isolate the rider from the road entirely.
5.How often should I replace reusable earplugs?
It depends on how much you ride and how well you clean them. A good pair of reusable silicone earplugs can last six months to a year. The filters may need replacing sooner – every two to three months if you ride frequently. If the earplugs become hard, discolored, or stop sealing properly, it’s time for new ones.
