Ducati Sporting Club UK > General > Idle Chat > Ear protection

[lizzie]

Your thoughts please folks.

Custom made ear protection/earplugs (whatever you want to call them). Worthwhile (in comparison with standard issue disposable ones designed for industrial uses)?

If so, from where and how much?

Ta.

[uncle porry]

try these

[dickieducati]

yes got some done at the NEC last year. used them ever since, very good. cant remember the exact name of them though

[electricsheep]

i have used the custom made plugs in the past, definately better noise reduction, but i did not find them very comfortable

[Totto]

Custom made .far better IMO ,your ears are not made for stuffing things into so if your going to anyway then put something in that designed for your own ear not just a bit of sound proof foam (more to it than that i know) made to fit anyone

Well worth it , would not ride without them , besides my work pays for them

[Murray Mint]

Lizzie, has mike started snoring?

Murray

[Dementor]

Lizzie,

Both types will give you protection (providing they are fitted correctly). Some of the custom made ones can be a bit hard when the helmet is pressing on your ears which can get uncomfortable for long periods of time.

Also not all harmful noise passes down the ear canal, noise can also be generated from the helmet shell to the bones behind the ear.

For anyone who has custom made plugs, remember they do not last for ever, as the shape of the ear changes over time, so the plugs should really be replaced every 5 years.

One things for sure if you do not wear hearing protection when riding you will get noise induced hearing loss and perhaps Tinnitus (not a very nice thing to have).

As for price, usually upwards of £50 for custom made ones and about £1 a pair for disposable ones.

Google search for suppliers as there are loads out there.

Why don't helmet manufacturers invest in designing quieter helmets, it ain't rocket science

[Edited on 27-10-2005 by Dementor]

[lizzie]

So, any recommendations for particular companies? I know Ultimate Ear Protection, Custom Made Ear Protection and Eryri Hearing Healthcare will be at the NEC (just checked the website!), any comments about any of them?

Murray - it's not Michael that's the problem, it's the stereo snoring from all around in the DD paddock that's the problem :P

[Rally]

This was recently discussed here.

As a result I ended up buying a box of 200 Max-Lite plugs from Safetysupplies. It worked out at about £23.21 after tax and delivery. That's (furrowed brow) 12p a pair! I've tried them out on a couple of ride-outs and find they work better than the ones I used to use. (Plus I'm not tempted to risk infection by re-using plugs just because I've run out)

[Rushjob]

I have used the Max Lite for years - I personally think they are great.
Rally - thanks for the link to that site as I'm down to my last few pairs ond will be on the lookout for another big bag!