Looking for sensible suggestions...
I've just got back from a 280 mile round trip to Newark, mostly on fast dual-cabbageway A-roads.
On the way out I put foam ear plugs in, but when I stopped for petrol halfway there I took them out again as I had a headache and earache. Without
them the headache went away, but I now have slight tinnitus (hopefully temporary) from the wind roar. The plugs I use are comfortable enough, but I
just don't like having my ears bunged up for long periods when wearing a crash helmet.
We had a thread a little while back about recommended earplugs, but I think I may have to find a different solution. I have used earmuffs and goggles
in the past, but I do like the protection offered by a helmet (from flying stuff, mainly).
I know that some helmets are better than others, but I can't afford a decent new helmet just at the moment, and there's no guarantee that it
would be any better.
So, what options can I try?
cheers,
David
i use a nike headband thingy, makes me look like an extra out of "fame", but it just covers up the ears and the forehead, works really well for the cold/wind noise
Maybe an expensive solution, but Peltor do a helmet with built in ear protection, and for a bit more money a built in intercom too.
put some gaffer tape over your ears
Cant help with the ear plugs but you don't suppose you were too close to the Viper engine?
I teach drums for 1-2 hours at a time and the amplitude of that is around 100-120 dbspl what is a tad louder than most cars. They proof well and are
extremely comfortable. The foam earplugs are rubbish.
EARPLUGS
I've got those plugs plus a set that are very similar but have a smaller stem. you might find those stick out a little too far.
Do a search as i've posted about the ones i use before.
Also, a company has not just started doing mould your own bikers ear plugs for aroud 30 quid. If they work its a bargin.
(and to really pee you off, i've been nagging my gig buddy for a year to get ear plugs, she's finally done it and ......... won a
competition to get custom moulded plugs + adapters to make them into monitors.)
quote:
Originally posted by rusty nuts
Cant help with the ear plugs but you don't suppose you were too close to the Viper engine?
Windroar is about the most dangerous sounds for long term hearing reduction or so I'm told.
5 years ago I went to check the price on one-off made to measure earplugs. I payed €65 for a pair with filters into them. These are exactly the same
earplugs as used by Dutch motorbike police.
In one word: FANTASTIC! No irritation (even after a trip like Netherlands - Italy), no wind noise and best of all; normal conversation is possible.
The filter allows certain frequenties. Can be worn with or without a helmet.
Without the filter they ware only €45.
Go for the made to measure ones. I use them in the workshop too.
quote:
Originally posted by miegru
Windroar is about the most dangerous sounds for long term hearing reduction or so I'm told.
I'm afraid I don't know what it's called, but if you go into your local bike accessory shop, my local one is J&S Accessories, and
ask them about windstop's for helmets!
Shoei do one, it is a type of rubber that stretches round the base of the helmet, and when on, it sits tight(ish) round your neck and prevents wind
ingress into the helmet!
cheers,
Steve
I know what you mean - but it wouldn't work on my helmet as it's a flip-front type.
One of my mates bought a Caberg for biking and can't use it because it's too noisy for him with the front down. I find wearing a balaclava under my helmet keeps the noise down but it's a bit warm. There are silk ones available but I've not tried one of those.
Yep - Caberg, which in many ways I like as it's very convenient and comfortable. When I bought it, some reviewers said it was noisy, others said it wasn't. Maybe it depends on the size & shape of the rider's head (or the size of the brown envelope given to the reviewer!).
quote:
Originally posted by David Jenkins
My current thoughts are to get a pair of BMX goggles and combine those with a pair of ear defenders - I have about 3 or 4 pairs of those! My main problem with the goggles is that I wear glasses - but I'm sure that someone must make a pair that would suit.
quote:
Originally posted by 02GF74
think you mean MX goggles
I've always had this problem, I've got a full screen and don't like helmets, so I bought a couple of sets of Peltor ear defenders - absolutely fab and I think look cool, like you're wearing rally intercoms!
i wore my coolmax Sparco balaclave helmet on this weekend trip, cut down some of the wind and wasnt too warm, On way down i had PSP ear plugs in,
couldnt hear the music that well and give me horrible ear ache so took them out after a while.
Depending on where i put my arm on the steering wheel i could cut down some of the buffeting, i also pulled collar of coat up high which help to take
some of the wind away.
Ive had a Mac1 type ZR aeroscreen for which ive heard are better than most for directing wind away. Just fitted a Work aeroscreen which is apparently
better still. Type ZR screen now for sale.
The main problem i had from my Nitro lid was horrid pain to top of forehead but this is probs cos of my large head.
Of course it's not, now fetch us a stone of spuds in your cap When my mate was trying them on in the shop and their largest helmet didn't
fit they told him the only thing bigger was the box it came in.
I've been told that helmets all come in the same shell size and have different thicknesses of foam to make them difference sizes. Perhaps an XS helmet is quieter than the equivelent XL
hi,
i ride a bike to work everyday, and have tried everything to kill the noise!!
somew helmets are worse than others- with a helmet on the noise mainly comes from the wind rushing over the open bottom of the helmet- you can get a
fabric skirt which fits over the bottom and stops it,
otherwise fitted earplugs are the way- superb.
les
Unfortunately, as I said up-front, wearing earplugs for any length of time gives me a head- and ear-ache. I haven't tried fitted ones, but
I'm reluctant to spend a packet on something that may not work anyway.
What I need is one of these
but the price is just over £300. It does have built-in earmuffs though!
cheers,
David
[Edited on 29/6/07 by David Jenkins]
The advise about the helmet skirt is ace, but it doesn't work on your type of lift up lid.
So David try this, and promise not to laugh.
Double sided tape a piece of sponge to the face plate of your lathe.
Using a small wire brush in a drill as a cutting tool turn it into a sort of mole hill shape. (make 2)
Using more d/s tape stick them in your helmet so that they line up with your ears.
If you like you can dimple the centres so they don't press on your ears quite so much.
Perhaps we should both get out more. 
Paul G
Well, I've gone for plan 'B' - a pair of MX goggles and earmuff-style protectors.
I feel like Mr Toad in the goggles (or maybe Crazy Frog), and I get some funny looks due to the earmuffs, but do I care?
Not that you'd notice, cos' now I'm nice and comfy...
A late update...
I went for a drive on Sunday, and decided to wear my helmet as there was a high risk of puddles. As I was getting stuff together I found a pair of
E.A.R earplugs - the bog-standard yellow foam cylindrical jobs.
And guess what? They were comfortable, effective and I didn't have a headache at the end of a fast 30 minute journey.
I'd spent loads of time and money faffing around with all sorts of fancy bikers' earplugs, none of which did the job, only to find that the
basic everyday items were the best available! 
Ah well... such is life...
BTW: by experimentation, I've worked out that the wind noise comes from the top of the gap between the helmet shell and the flip-front. Naff all
I can do about it.
[Edited on 30/7/07 by David Jenkins]