Earplugs: putting on / keeping in

[Dragon on Wheels]

How do you put on the earplugs so that they stay plugged? Also, how do you take off the helmet without them popping off and falling all over the place?

I've tried both the orange foam type where you pinch it and push it into the ear and a wax type where you spread it over the ear hole to cover it without going into the ear. However, both have a tendency to pop off when I put the helmet(full face) on. I don't seem to be able to put the orange foam type back in with the helmet on my head. I can sort of get the wax type back on with the helmet on.

The next part: Once I have them on, I can't seem to take off the helmet without either type of the earplugs popping out and dropping to the ground(which I would prefer to avoid).

Any help with either issue will be appreciated! Thanks!

[dr_bar]

When I need them, I wear these...




I use them with my flip up full face helmet with no "pop-out" issues at all. They're custom fit to my ear and they don't expand to cause pain, the most comfortable plugs around. And yes, you can still hear traffic while you're riding...

For a list of dealers...

[Tennif Shoe]

with the orange foam plugs i tend to use just a dab of water to get them in, when the orange foam plugs are in just the bigger outer ring of the plug should be out of the ear canal. when you put them in make sure they go all the way in and say there, you may have to hold your finger there for a minute to get them to expand all the way

[Lion_Lady]

I use a helmet liner. http://www.buffwear.com That keeps my helmet from rubbing the earplugs out. The bonus is that it keeps my helmet a bit cleaner inside.

P

[paul1149]

I use compressible foam plugs. You have to roll them to compress them evenly. Then pull the ear upward with the opposing hand coming from over your head. It might help to hold that position a few seconds while the plug expands. You should hear the sound deaden as they retake their full shape. If in properly, helmet rub won't be an issue.

At -32db the plugs claim to be the best available. There is some very minor pressure when they're in, but the only time there's actual discomfort is when they haven't gone straight into the ear canal and instead are bunched up and crooked.

It took me some time to be able to put them in with regularity, but now it's pretty easy.

GB,
p.

[DustyJacket]

Try good old triple flange rubber plugs.

I am using the ones left over from my Army days. Had one break after 3 years of nearly every day usage. They come in 3 sizes so get the size that fits.

Wondefull stuff.

[paul1149]

TS, that dab of water trick works really well. Going to become SOP around here. Thanks.

p.

[Tennif Shoe]

water works very well but i will not tell you where i get the water from

[acritzer]

I hate to sound like a idiot, but why do you guys where plugs? Highway noise? I don't do much highway riding, but I've never felt like I needed ear protection. On another note, I also have custom fit ear plugs, made for musicians. They fit great and can be equipped with different filters depending on how much you want to block.

[TorontoBoy]

NIOSH Ear Plug Instructions

I find when I put my ear plugs in (helmet is off) I can put my helmet on once and they'll stay with great ear protection. If I remove my helmet for any reason without removing my ear plugs and then put my helmet on again, the ear plugs will shift and won't deaden wind noise as much. I simply reinsert the ear plugs.

I wear ear plugs because the wind noise will destroy your hearing pretty easily. Riding bikes is hard on your ears. There will be no pain, so you don't know you're doing damage, and hearing loss is permanent. Also loud wind noise gives me a headache, so ear plugs makes my rides more enjoyable.