Custom Made Ear Plugs
by Rhiannon on Aug.20, 2009, under Kit Reviews, Rhiannon Davies
I have long been aware that wind noise contributes massively to the fatiguing effects of riding a motorcycle; pretty understandable given that at motorway speeds the volume inside a helmet is apparently the equivalent to having a pneumatic drill pounding away at you.
So I had been toying with the idea of getting some personal ear plugs rather than continually nicking from the office stash of disposable freebies we give out at shows 
. At the Aberdare Road Races I decided to utilise the time spent waiting for it to stop raining by finally acting on this idea, and I had casts taken of my ears to have plugs made which fit me and me only.
The sensation was simply the strangest thing I have experienced in a long time; it is neither natural nor pleasant to have goo injected that far down your lug-holes.
The jury is still out on whether it was worth it. I did get a pretty good deal cash-wise, and I did get to choose bright blue to match my bike and satisfy the girliness in me. However, I’m just not sure 
.
They are quite solid, which surprised me – I think I expected softer, more malleable rubber. This means my ears now get bashed by my helmet each time I pull it on or off. It also means after a long journey my ears can feel quite tired – really not something I would call ‘normal’.
I have also found them quite a hassle to insert, although I am hoping this is just a matter of technique improving over time. It is definately a two-handed affair, and it is all too easy to get the angle off just slightly, and you will be fumbling for ages, cursing (a lot) and getting less and less likely to fit them with each mini-tantrum. On the other hand, sometimes I manage it within seconds, and wonder what the fuss on the previous ride had been about. Which just confuses me further.
I think the conclusion I am almost at is that when i’m out for a decent spin on my bike then yep, genius, cuts out almost every last bit of wind noise (I chose the filter level for race & motorway use rather than normal road use), and I can hear my bike’s engine crisper than ever, which is great. Definately worth the hassle.
However, when out as a pillion? Or on just a short run-around? No thanks, I think i’d rather just have a little noise and get to where I am going without the extra palarva.
August 21st, 2009 on 5:01 pm
I was interested to hear your comments on these ear-plugs as I’ve been almost deafened by wind noise since changing my helmet (strange as it is the same make as previously). I hate things in my ears and didn’t fancy paying lots of money for things I might not use. I think I may have feelings very similar to yours. Meanwhile I am trying to get used to something alien in my ears with the freebies you gave me at GEMS (thank you!).
August 21st, 2009 on 6:18 pm
Interesting as I was considering having some of these made but hadn’t thought they may be so hard/uncomfortable.
August 29th, 2009 on 9:45 am
Hi `ear plug girl’ I am very satisfied with E.A.R. Classics I buy 250 pairs @ £25.00 odd once a year I use a new pair every day. They are the NUTS I hear only my exhaust burble and am able to communicate on my mobile visa sat nav clearly up to 70 mph after that its a bit too noisy anyway.
I would say my concentration levels are increased by at least 90% when wearing these Girls in short skirts take up the other 10% lol
Brian
August 30th, 2009 on 9:04 am
The ones I have are made of medical grade silicon; having a quick search on the web that does appear to be the industry norm for motorcycle ear plugs, but there may be companies out there using a softer material? Having paid out for one pair already though, I am unlikely to do the same again. I have persevered with these, and am finding them easier to put in as time goes on, but it is still a pain trying to put my helmet on without rubbing my ears or moving the plug.
September 2nd, 2009 on 8:32 pm
I got a pair too. I slept in them for a few nights (at a motorcycle show) and my ears toughened up nicely. EAR plugs are pretty damn good too, and cheap.
October 23rd, 2009 on 4:56 pm
I had my plugs made, at the Lincoln BIG Bike Fest, by a company called PLUGZZ, having heard comments previously about the plugs being ‘rather hard’ I asked if they could manufacture my set in a soft rubber. There was no problem with this and I was supplied with a nice soft pair of, very effective, ear plugs. They do, in my opinion, take a bit of getting used to, initially I found the link cord was quite painful under my Arai – removing it made all the difference. I now carry a small plastic container to hold the plugs when not in use. I can fit them quite quickly now, probably in about the same time as it takes to insert the soft foam type. It is important to remember to wash the plugs after each usage and dry them carefully.
Ken Lines.