Is ear protection worth bothering with? 

Every ride. Every time. Day in, day out. Always use hearing protection.

Ear plugs are not just good for protecting your hearing in the long term, they also play a significant role in keeping the fatigue level down because wind noise can literally be exhausting after a while which is something you forgot to mention. And then you lose focus, your concentration level drops and you're much more likely to make a mistake or cause an accident. Not to mention your head aches like a mofo. So ear plugs perform two very important functions for every rider and they're an absolute must-have!

what did he say?

Great review. I have lost some hearing after 35+ years of riding. The first 10 or so years I went without ear plugs which is what caused most of my hearing loss.

Guys, use ear protection. After 30 years or so of riding, my hearing has definitely suffered and believe me, it's not funny. Any kind of crowded room or serious background noise and it becomes very difficult to hear a word. Tinnitus is no laughing matter either. For the sake of a couple of earplugs?!

I've never had a problem with wind noise around my helmet, the problem is around my ears.

Go to a hearing aid centre and get a mould taken and get dedicated sound plugs made for your own ears.The best money spent.

Well i use earbuds every time i go out on my bike, why earbuds you ask? Because so that i can pickup phone calls without pulling out my phone from my pants.

7:55 "It's quite eerie actually..." Oh, the punnery. Lovely.

I played in thrash metal bands for years and no real damage, but that black widow exhaust on my Gsxs makes my ears ring for hours, definitely wearing plugs now.

Wouldn’t want wind whistling around me helmet 😂

I can testify that wind noise does indeed ruin your hearing as it has done mine over years of motorcycling, as it did my father's too. I now wear plugs to save what's left of my hearing.

I use foam ear plugs. Buy a box and use the pair for the day. Toss them after the ride. Have my hearing tested every year and all is well.

i've got an old fazer 600 with a viper can, and there's no way i can ride without earplugs, it would be agony! nothing to do with playing drums in rock bands mind!

Lost mine at 14 at a Black Sabbath gig has its benefits can’t hear the wife and even better the mother in law 😂

I can't ride my bike without plugs in. I treat it like putting on a seatbelt. My ears have rung a bit as long as I can remember and I don't intend to make it worse

I find riding with ear plugs much more enjoyable

Good review. I have had custom ear plugs for a few years now and just to make you aware, as your ears are one of the pieces of anatomy that continue to grow, you'll need to change them around every 5 years. I also have the audible set for sat nav, music and comms. As I also skydive, even though the freefall is for only 70+ seconds, ear plugs are essential if you don't want to damage your hearing. I sometimes reach speeds of over 200mph and the helmets are much thinner than motorcycle helmets.

I find riding with ear plugs much more enjoyable

Really well-filmed video. Unfortunately, I could not hear a word of it as motorcycling sent me deaf years ago, but I am sure you had something interesting and informative to say.....

Always use earplugs......but......be aware that the noise not come in ONLY at the entrance. the area around the entrance and also the skull will. Do Harm too

Interesting thoughts about hearing damage. Would love to see you have a test ride on the new Africa Twin and hear your thoughts.

Foam earplugs become very painful after more than one day on a multi-day tour on my motorcycle. I am looking for molded earplugs that will hopefully solve that problem.

I've been wearing earplugs when riding for years. I've tried various types of earplugs but always seem to go back to the foam ones. I snip about 5mm off the narrow end to get the best fit. I buy in bulk (packs of 30) at my local hardware store and keep them in my tail bag.

A video about hearing loss, where the audio disappears at 2:43! That had me wondering for a while...

Suggest u try auritech custom fit ear plugs I never liked wearing ear plugs but these are great really effective

Hi, great topic. Would be interesting to know the decibel amount the different ear plugs reduce. According to the USA Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) any noise above 85 dB represents risk to permanent hearing loss. As you say, the louder the sound the greater risk with increased exposure... with dB/hrs recommended at, 90/8, 92/6, 95/4, 97/3, 100/2, 105/1, 110/30 minutes, 115/15 minutes. So, the level of sound on a bike can typically read at over 100 dBs perhaps as much as 115 or more especially with loud exhaust, where ear plugs have been measured to reduce dBs by 15-35 dBs depending on the type. Disposable foam ones can reduce on average up to 35 dBs, so are good, but filter out other frequencies/sounds, not harmful to the rider and can make conversations and other practical hearing needs difficult. Whereas, specific frequency targeting hearing protection/plugs may let more sound through, and be more practical for general hearing needs, their dB protection can be far less at 15-20 dBs. When the target is to keep sound below 85 dBs, some of these hearing devices may not keeping sound below that, as in the case of a 110 dB bike on the highway, using 20 dB hearing plugs, where the dB exposure is still at 90 dB for the rider. Accordingly, the 85 dB threshold must be achieved, and the only way to know for sure is to measure dB exposure, and dB protection offered by the particular device. Most hearing devices will offer a dB protection number 15-35, though one should confirm if the particular manufacturer has been shown to provide accurate dB reduction figures. Also, dB measuring devices are quite readily available and not very expensive. An important topic, and one every motorcyclist should be keenly aware of. Well done!

had mine made at the NEC three weeks later they arrived now don't leave the house without mine, money well spent.

I started biking in the mid 70's and rode for 15 years. At that time, hearing damage was not something we considered. The damage did not become apparent until I was 50 yrs old. Now I have bad tinnitus. Thanks for raising awareness of this issue - if only one viewer takes the advice and saves her hearing then it's worth it.

Hi, this is a serious comment and not a joke about hearing loss, but the sound seems to stop at 2:42 for a couple of minutes.

hi TMF how are you getting on with these I'm thinking of getting a set , and wondered what you long term impression was?

Can we all just take a minute if silence for noise cancelling ear buds please.

I tend to use a personal stereo to listen to which are noise cancelling.... Been riding for more than 25 years and my hearing is fine. I've had all sorts of bikes and currently have 3 bikes all with full systems.

Very nice ! I will have to check into these !

Just bought some Bose noise cancelling earbuds. Considerably more effective than the foam plugs, and more comfortable too. Expensive, though...

I needed earplugs when I still had my 2006 RT with my Schuberth C3 helmet. But ever since I have the new RT and the BMW Evo 6 helmet, I don't need them anymore. Of course, the new RT has very good wind protection, but that helmet is very comfortable and quiet.

"Quite "eery" how they cut out the wind noise" - nice one 👍

I bought a box of 12 silicone ear plugs from Home Bargains for £1.99 I started using them about a week ago, it makes for a much more enjoyable and less fatiguing ride.

Hi MF, Have checked out the link. What's the story behind this outfit? Are they properly trained audiologists, do they have any medical training? The site does not give a UK address i.e. is it a UK registered company or sole trader, no indication is given which starts alarm bells ringing in my books. The reason I ask is because I am deaf in one ear, have a hearing aid and have had exhaustive testing of my hearing to make sure I have the most suitable hearing aid for the deafness I experience which is considerable which hasn't been caused by riding motorbikes. My audiologist is a highly trained NHS audiologist and if anything wasn't working or wasn't quite right with my hearing I could go and see them and get it sorted out. With these guys in your link I am not so sure. I had the impression that the guy squirting the silicon into your ear could have easily been applying silicon to a leaky bath or shower tray and has now changed industries! I am sure your defenders are fine but then again you haven't paid almost £100 for them. They were free. Anyway nice video as always. Thanks.

Since watching this I got some inexpensive but proper bikers ear plugs. I find wearing ear protection makes riding less tiring. At first I used my industrial plugs from work but they blocked too much sound and I couldn't hear the bike.

If you ever get moulded again it's well worth holding your mouth/jaw wide open while they set... I put a block between my teeth at the front... Gives you a tighter mould as your ear canal is widest with your jaw open... Nothing better than a set of moulded earplugs/headphones though :)

Best hearing protection is the one you are wearing. I know I would misplace these but with the cheap foam (-33db) ones I have a package of 12 in the tank bag so I just put another one in. After learning how to properly insert them I can wear them all day and find I am more rested at the end of the day. My longest day on a motorcycle was 1400+ km and I couldn't imagine doing it without hearing protection.

This is pretty disgusting, but I produce quite a lot of ear wax, and the problem with wearing ear plugs is that they push ear wax deeper in to your ear, which can cause bad blockages. I have found the shoes Whisper kit good. and also the highest screen possible.

The noise of that Panigale's fuckin' stunning. I just checked the price for the earplugs, on the expensive side just for the standard block ones and those cheaper ones don't give road awareness.

Older video - have you any recommendations of new earplugs or still with the same pair? I’d love to find one that has Bluetooth as well if they made them...keep up the good work

Ah yes, seems to be key to leave the baffle in your ears.

Very informative. I always wear ear plugs but they are a constant annoyance. I have trouble with earphones too. Any movement and they start to fall out. So much so that if I ride more than 30 miles I can feel them just resting on the outside of my ear and I feel deaf when I get off. I'll have to check out some proper custom made ones. How much do these ones cost just out of interest?

I developed tinnitus in my late fifties after riding bikes most of my life. It's a high pitched whistle due to high frequency loss. I'm sure it was caused by too many motorway miles in my twenties and early thirties wearing cheap helmets and no ear defenders. I always arrived everywhere deaf, but I didn't worry about it because my hearing seemed to return to normal after twenty minutes or so.

I got myself a cheap ear plugs for riding and they have saved me a few times while riding lots on highway... but not liking the comfort of these in the helmet (www.amazon.ca/dp/B00G0PPTAK). the thing is protruded a bit out more than the ear and that rubbing and in contact with the helmet inner means at one point, my ears feel like something big is stabbing inside. also not sure if it's reducing it to sub 85-dB lol

I don't find earplugs comfortable so I've never used them in 40 years of riding and my hearing is just fine. It may not be quite as sharp as it was in my younger days but that is more than likely down to age than anything else.

if you want a noisy bike, try my royal enfield continental gt 535, with a megaphone fitted.great video.

I wear the max-lite ear plugs, best if you have a narrower ear canal. The important thing is to fit them properly: a youtube search.

Next time you're riding a bike with a screen, lift your head up as high as you can and notice that most of the wind noise disappears. I think this is because helmets work best in free flowing air rather than in the turbulence caused by the screen.

I'm very interested in protecting my ears, but I find that ear defenders greatly reduce awareness. Ears v safety?

I've had bikes for forty years now and the first couple of years I rode without hearing protection, until my first interstate ride, Sydney to Melbourne. I had ringing in my ears or two days afterwards, a sure sign of permanent hearing damage. I've tried most plugs on the market but I'm now on my third set of custom fitted silicon plugs. One suggestion to new comers, always make sure your jaw is relaxed and not clenched while the silicon putty is setting, otherwise there is a chance the plugs will be deformed slightly and not seal as effectively. I had to get one redone afterwards for this reason. When my son started riding this was one of the first accessories I arranged for him, and so too now for his wife!

I have used all types of ear plugs including the bespoke ones and but none come close to wearing Bose QuietComfort 30 Noise-Cancelling Bluetooth Earphones. Its keeps all of the important sounds like engine and traffic but significantly reduces the wind buffeting noise. Takes a bit of getting used to when wearing themand putting helmet on , but my shoei gtair is fine with the bose. They are cordless and battery life is around 10hrs. If anyone decides to buy these get them from JL and for an extra £35 they offer 3 years no quibble return. Only downside they cost £200

Which model are these ear plus? Are they the CF Auto or CF Motor Sport Block?

Guy at work pretty much told me what you put in your video so I picked up a pack of 4 foam plugs. Took them into work and I almost had one of the guys convinced that they were expensive chewing gum. He had one (clean not used) in his hand and would've put it in his mouth had I not started laughing. You're right though, the foamies do block out pretty much everything but it beats going deaf if you can't afford custom ones.

It is amazing how much the motorcycle/windshield/ helmet can make a difference in sound. My ST1300 with an aftermarket shield and a Shoei Neotec is deafening without earplugs. The same helmet on a Kawasaki Z1000 isn't so bad. Still loud, but not annoying. I wear molded earplugs either without filters or with speakers. The ones that Ii have have the speakers inline and tubing comes through the earplugs. They are much easier to clean out and the driver does not have to fit in the plug itself. They do require replacement, every five or so years, but we'll worth it and mine cost more than these in the US. It does make using communicators more difficult since ai have to use the headphone jack.

Great idea, much better than the crappy bits of foam. Personally I just remove the screen from the bike, much quieter.

Yes very poinient. I worked in engineering industry most of my life. Over 30 years. Inspire of using ear plugs and ear defenders I still contracted tinnitus due to working in a noisy environment. The company did get eventually a set like you suggested. But it was to late the damage had been done. I oils have thought a helmet would offer some hearing protection. It's not necessarily, the notice you produce, it's dynamic sound being produced by others and reflective sound being generated by things we do as individuals or die to our activities we undertake generating noise or sound. Hope this helps. Secondly ref helmets why is there a shelf life to a helmet is 5 years to replace your helmet. I s this just to generate more income by manufactures due to fashion. Or is there a genuine reason to do this that they degrade overtime. And are thus unstable.

Back in the day '70s, we didn't think about our hearing. Some 40 years plus later rides suffer hearing loss and tinnitus. If you don't know what tinnitus is, look it up. You should do everything you can to not develop it.

Hi TMF, I saw this last year but only just getting around to contacting Comfort guards to get some sorted. Are you still using these a year later? Do you still rate them as highly? Any advice on getting a lanyard and colour? Thanks, Andy

Great video BTW! To show the dangers of noise induced hearing loss our company did a simple test. After a short 75 minute motorcycle ride with a full face helmet we recorded 5 to 10 dB hearing loss across the range. Check our the details: poloparkhearing.com/motorcycling-how-loud-is-it/

I can't wear the foamy types. Like the rest of me, my ear canals are a bit twisted, lol. So I went and had custom plugs made, similar what you have. Very nice decibel reduction and quite comfy. Really worth the cost. Cheers :)

Audio is pretty quiet so having to read the subtitles ;)

Full disclosure: I'm not (yet) a motorcyclist.. however as a drummer having done many a live show over the years, the same rules naturally apply to tinnitus. It is no joke. My father who was also a drummer throughout the late 60's and 70's.. lives with tinnitus every day. For 50+ years. His insistence on earplugs when i started was the best thing I did as a musician. It has been proven to have very real links to long term depression and huge impacts on mental health if you suffer from severe tinnitus. I know this is just an anecdotal youtube comment, but please consider this and similar opinions- great video TMF.

Purely because I'm Army we get early defence given to us, usually it's just the yellow foam type, they've now moved with the times and given us the 'surefire ep4', both of which I've ridden with, the surefire ones are epic and really comfy, I think they retail for about 20 quid, if anyone fancies a semi permanent solution. TMF, as always, good vid mate. I have a gs and I'm local (Wendover). Ride sometime?

Very interesting. I haven't road for 20 odd year's..why I don't now is personal. But back then never considered ear plugs, I deff will when I get back on two wheels with an engine. great bit of knowledge I wouldn't of thought of. nice one fella 👍

Im experimenting with foam ear plugs, might get some custom ones with a filter. I'd like to see a video of your Ducati.

are they marked left and right or is it obvious?

Got a Shoei Neotec with ear plugs built in to lining. Presume I don't need plugs as well.? as noise level loud at 30mph but aceptable. New rider so not sure what noise level to expect.

Those molded ear plugs remind me of stage ear monitors. That's definitely something I'll keep in mind for later. Thanks for the information.

I carry ear plugs (pair of eargasm plugs and some foam ones), but since I put on the "baby windshield" extender thing, I don't get any crazy buffeting anymore. My 1980's windshield was just beyond tolerating and buffeting was hitting me right above the eyes. Much louder than without a fairing at all. In those cases, absolutely, earplugs all the way.

Hey... Have you tried out Pinlock earplugs? They look pretty interesting. They breath, and allow conversation and siren sounds through, but block the frequencies of noise generated by helmet noise and wind noise, and don't affect balance as some sealing types can. I haven't tried them yet, but they sound great, if they work as advertised. And all the other Pinlock stuff I've had works great, so I have some level of brand trust...

Thoroughly enjoyed this review mate, so much so I'm booked in with Richard next Wednesday, it'll be good to wear a proper job that has an element of comfort. I'm off on the new bike over the other side next month so a review of the plugs and the bike must be done. Thanks for this mate......I'm also glad I mentioned your name. Kind regards.

Hey mate. I have been wondering about getting some custom ear plugs. How did these fair against the foam ones you use? I think foam reduce sounds by about 35db but custom tend to be about 30db, however I assumed that because foam don't always sit perfectly you never really get 35db protection.

Like the spider top what and where did you get it.

If I know I'll be on the bike longer the 10 minutes, I put earplugs in, and at the moment, I'm using the PinLock and Alpine earplugs. So far their the best 'off the shelf' earplug that I've came across but I'm hoping to get a set of these in the near future :)

Any idea how much they are if you don't get given them? (Alright for some) ;)

Yes. Video done.

How do your custom fit earplugs compare to the noise-filtering, reusable-style earbuds? I agree that custom earplugs are great value, and far better than those foamy things! But if I already have a quality pair (~$30 AUD) of the noise-filtering reusable earbuds, will I get any benefit from upgrading to a custom pair? Thanks for all the fantastic videos on your channel - and you should come for a ride around South-East Australia/NZ South Island sometime!!! (Maybe after your next Southwest USA trip...) We have great year-round weather (at least in Aus), uncongested yet scenic B-roads right outside the major cities...and Sydney Harbour is a stunning place for a relaxed motorcycle cruise. Three cheers (and beers) from Oz :)

Very interesting indeed! Once again unreal to see my local routes and roads, one day I will see you!! Haha. I've always used howard leight 'laser lights' as disposables but sometimes it can take me around 10 minutes to get one in my right ear it drives me mad! I think my right ear hole was created without a spirit level... custom ones could be of interest!

Hi MF, from personal experience I would encourage all motorcyclists to use ear plugs. I have been riding motorcycles for 40 years, unfortunately back then hearing damage on motorcycles was not really discussed. I never used ear plugs. Unfortunately since 1992 I have had a constant high pitched whistle in my left ear, (tinnitus) and subsequent hearing loss. As you say no cure! You have all been warned! I use auritech motorcycle ear plugs which I find comfortable. Well done for highlighting an important issue. I do wish you'd keep more to the centre of the road when passing "parked" vehicles - one of them may be backing out. Just gives you a split second more to take avoiding action. Great video. Kind regards, Jon.

yes have always used ear plugs on a bike and now molded ones. Recently on a commercial flight I measured 92 & 93 dB so I think that is a concern as well. I now use ear plugs when flying. How about the hostess? How noisy is it in your cockpit??

Good Day MF.Thank you for giving such thorough attention to hearing protection. Visited Motorcycle Live at the NEC on opening day and stopped at Custom Fit Guards and David prepared the moulds and ordered my preferred earpiece. Have since received a call from Lucy at their office as there was a query..outstanding customer service and so helpful. As you suggested I mentioned MF and (with no blood test involved) they gave me 10% discount- Thank you! Incidentally, an Audiologist recently told me that the din in Wagamama on a Saturday night out was beyond an acceptable level which could impact on hearing so I will get double value from my protectors! Thank you for all the support you bring with your channel.

Ha, ha. Only 90 minutes...on a GS..shame on you! obviously only joking and thanks yet again for your help in spending my money before the wife has other ideas.

Very 'ear'ie... Very Good!! ))

nice video. Didn T know you can get personalised ear plugs. I did a long GS Tour these days including 250 miles on the motorway. the wunderlich marathon ll windscreen did a good job but the BMW exhaust hatch was realy anoying. is your GS also so extremly loud? going 250 miles 80 mph was not funny. Do you know any tricks to enable the exhaust hatch? Cheers Tom

I've used the Auritech earplugs for 100,000+ miles and they are also very good. Like these customfitguards they have a filter which allows you to hear and be aware of your engine, surroundings and intercom etc. whilst filtering out all the dangerous and tiring windnoise. Better than foam plugs which just muffle everything.

Good vlog once again - makes you wonder how bikers who don't wear helmet protection manage. I've had custom ear plugs from ultimate ear that allow fantastic sound proofing whilst allowing you to listen to music as well. On rare times I then didn't wear the plugs found the noise unbearable. Unlike Richy, don't use them whilst playing in a band - how envious am I - as if riding a motorcycle wasn't cool enough on its own!! 🤓 🤓

Met with Richard yesterday for my fitting great guy and yes see what you mean by the under water feeling from the Silicone mold. Looking forward to receiving my CF Autos and giving them a try on my GS :) mentioned I saw them on your channel.. thanks for the recommendation :) great vids as always

Good Video that puts over an Important Message. I have had Tinnitus since I left the Army in 1978, it is very unpleasant, there is never a completely quiet time I have also go 60% loss of hearing and wear hearing Aids, but I still need Ear Plugs as I still get the Wind Noise due to it Tone/ Frequency. Though partially Deaf I am sensitive to High Tones. So I am the perfect reason to wear Ear Plugs and confirm all that you are saying to be true.

Sorry. Great review and very important subject. Just back from the motorland alcaniz gp. 2500mls on a blackbird. I didn't have ear protection as the foam one's give me a headache. The event was noisy but the windnoise I will hopefully never have to indure again. I was going to look at I'm sure a similar product from gun shops. They appear similar in that they are moulded into the ear but still allow certain sounds (talking etc) but eliminate damaging levels. You refered to your plugs as earie the way they cancelled the noise towards the end of the review and my inner child couldn't let it go.... again sorry😎

Hello MF, another good one mate. As I have a Scala Q3 intercom so I can speak to SWMBO and listen to the Nav5 on the GS I hadn't really considered earplugs as with the Scuberth S2 I don't find the noise levels that bad plus I'm a bit wary of blocking everything out completely as that's one of your senses gone but I'm certainly interested in knowing more about these. Did you still hear other vechicles with them in -I'm guessing these may even improve that if they filter wind noise out and allow othwr sound through? Also have you tried them with an intercom so you can hear the satnav directions. cheers Ade

Good video and information. I think that you could have put a bit more weight behind the lose of hearing issue. I remember an article in one of the bike mags many moons ago on this subject. It basically said that at 70mph, Motorway Speeds, the db is over 100 and can be 110 with certain types of helmet. This backed up by similar information about hearing lose. Wear your ear plugs at all times.

As far as statistics are concerned, I wonder if they factored in that helmet design has improved significantly in recent years. When I upgraded my 10 years old HJC for a Shark Speed-R, I noticed a huge improvement in noise reduction. Having used a few very ancient Bell helmets myself, I think a similar comparison could be made with a 10 year old helmet vs 30 year old one. Since rider hearing damage has been attributed mostly to wind noise, I wonder just how accurate or relevant those statistics are for today's generation of riders who have access to much better helmets.

Very interesting video TMF I hardly ever wear ear plugs and I've been riding for 3 years.... this video has seriously made me think if I am or have done permanent damage to my hearing. I don't just ride the bike without ear plugs I normally ride with music on aswell 😣 seriously going to start wearing ear plugs as I commute everywhere on my bike. So hopefully from the less deaf future me thank you for doing this video! 👍👍👍

mate, I am a new rider at 32 years of age and I landed on this video after watching about your GS which I'd like to buy eventually. I cannot thank you enough for this information, you made me realise how important it is to protect my hearing, and I'll be buying these custom fit guards straight away as it's long distances I'm aiming to cover. Thanks again!!! P.S. I've subscribed, keep the good stuff coming

Hello, TMF. Great review as usual. What's the update after close to 2 years? Noise attenuation? Comfort still the same? Wear and tear of inserts? Are you still using them? What was the initial price? Does the silicone crack? Etc Perhaps do little update video? Food for thought. Cheers