DIY custom earplugs

i had a custom pair made for me thinking they would cut out more noise than the foam ones..they don't!

 

Questions,Questions!what are they made of and are they a universal fit? on the website i could only see the picture when it is in the ear is their any other pictures somewhere? how do they compare with ordinary foam ones?

 

cheers it's just I'm a bit wary spending more money on made to measure ones now, as the ones i got were in the same price bracket as the guymark ones,maybe just stick with the foam ones just now

 

yes it does look very similar to the ones i got,mind you i have been told that you really need to get new ones made every 3 years as the shape in your ear changes i do find if i roll the foam ones up and moisten the inside of my ear before inserting them it does cut out a lot of noise,it does seem strange that all the motorcycle racers use foam plugs and not made to measure ones

 

I make no wonder your ears change shape with them buggers clamped in them with your helmet.
I personally like to hear my engine and have an awareness of my surroundings.

 

I have been using http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/26247474762...vr_id=1111075250676&_mwBanner=1&ul_noapp=true all this summer and really like them.

 

at that price i might just give them a try

 

I had used the R&G mould you own plugs off Amazon for £20, they last a few months then get too dirty to clean and start to disintegrate. - used for 2 hours every day

I have now gone back to Howard Leight - Lasder Lite. Used properly they are perfect for me.
Block out almost all exhaust noise (mine is loud) and I can hear the engine, sirens and horns. Absolutly no wind noise..

I have a box of 200 (£25 Amazon) by the front door and grab a pair for the day.
The technique is important
- Roll them up between your fingers so they are a tight cylinder,
- Wet them with your lips - to help it slide in better
- Pull top of ear to open the canal
- Slide in carful not to go to far.
- Keep finger over the end to stop them expanding out of the canal.

The moulded plugs sound good, but the ones I looked at were over £125.
Plus I know I would lose them inside a month

 

I cant remember anyone wearing ear plugs when I was riding 30 + years ago, or indeed the lads I know who ride and race.

I suppose with people having more of an awareness generally of H&S it has promoted the sale and use of ear defenders.

Not for me personally but I think the forum discussion and the sharing of information on the topic is great.

 

i've got a perforated ear drum so i really have to try and protect my hearing but what i have noticed on the odd occasion when i have ridden without ear plugs i don't ride near as smoothly,it might be something to do with the wind noise affecting my balance, although some of my mates who wear them say they seem to ride a lot better with ear plugs

 

I definetly ride smoother, my concentration is sharper and more focused.
My mind isn't processing the info from wind noice and loud exhausts so it sharpens up my eyes I guess.
Jeez, I sound like a right wotsit!, but what I am saying is that if you close your eyes, your hearing sharpens up. Close your ears and your eyes are more focused.

Plus, I am a young 40 so don't want to risk my ears.

 

Might have to give them a try then, it is something that I had never contemplated using on a road bike.
I work in the audio industry so understand that once your hearing is damaged thats it.
Prevention every time, plus if it improves your riding stick with it.
Thanks for the feedback guys.

 

How to insert foam ear plugs:
YouTube

Skip to 50secs

 

I have just purchased these
Made by a company called Flare Audio. They are called Isolate. They are made of aluminium nad have foam buds. They were a little pricey at £24 + P&P but they are very comfy and work really well

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/584645150/isolate-switch-off-your-ears?token=d18a824b

 

Blu tak

 

Hi having worked in a large noisy workshop as a junior mechanic in the army, we had to wear ear and eye protection at all times in the workshop. I noticed that if I forgot my ear protection I would feel a lot more fatigued on that day ! The brain is never idle ! So even if you consciously aren't paying attention to the noises your subconscious is !! So using ear protection is reducing the Load for the brain to work on vision which is much more important when riding.

Plus, I am a young 40 so don't want to risk my ears.[/QUOTE]