Best Earplugs for Motorcyclists

Earplugs for Motorcycles

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of freedom you get on a motorcycle. The open road, the wind in your face, the rumble of the engine, it’s an experience that truly awakens the senses. But amidst this exhilarating symphony, there’s a hidden danger that many riders overlook noise.

The constant roar of the engine, the rush of the wind, and the general traffic sounds can quickly turn from a thrilling backdrop into a serious threat to your hearing. Many riders experience a ringing in their ears after a long ride, a tell-tale sign that their ears have been under assault. This isn't just a temporary annoyance; prolonged exposure to high noise levels can lead to permanent hearing damage, including tinnitus.

Noise Levels & Hearing Damage

That exhilarating roar of your motorcycle, the wind rushing past your helmet, it all sounds incredible, right? But beneath the thrill lies a significant risk to your hearing. The noise levels experienced by motorcyclists are far higher than most people realise, and they can quickly lead to irreversible damage.

How loud is loud?

To understand the danger, let's talk decibels (dB). The general rule of thumb is that prolonged exposure to noise levels of 85 dB or higher can cause permanent hearing loss. To put that into perspective, a normal conversation is around 60 dB, and a busy city street is about 70-80 dB. Now, consider these facts about motorcycle noise:

• At just 30 mph, noise levels inside a motorcycle helmet can reach 90 dB.
• At 70 mph, this can skyrocket to 105-115 dB.
• Some studies even report motorcycle engine noise reaching up to 116 dB.
  
  

Consequences of Riding without Earplugs

What does this mean for your ears? The consequences of riding without proper hearing protection are stark:

• Permanent hearing damage can occur in as little as 15 minutes when riding at speeds of 62 mph (100 km/h) or higher without earplugs. Yes, you read that right – just 15 minutes!
  
  
• This damage isn't just about losing the ability to hear quiet sounds; it often manifests as noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and tinnitus (that persistent ringing or buzzing in your ears).
  
  
• Many riders mistakenly believe their helmet offers sufficient protection. While helmets are crucial for impact protection, they do not adequately protect your hearing from the intense wind and engine noise.
  
  

Think about it: if you ride for an hour at highway speeds without earplugs, you're exposing your ears to noise levels that are equivalent to being at a loud rock concert for four times the safe limit. The cumulative effect of this exposure over weeks, months, and years can be devastating to your hearing.

This isn't meant to scare you off riding, but to empower you with knowledge. Protecting your hearing is simple, effective, and will ensure you can continue to enjoy the open road for many years to come. The solution? High-quality motorcycle earplugs.

Types of Earplugs for Motorcyclists

Now that we understand the silent threat, let's talk about your defense: earplugs. But not all earplugs are created equal, especially when it comes to the unique demands of motorcycling. You need earplugs that effectively reduce harmful noise while still allowing you to hear important sounds like traffic, sirens, and your bike's engine.

Understanding Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR/SNR)

When you're looking at earplugs, you'll often see a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) or a Single Number Rating (SNR). These numbers tell you how much sound the earplugs can reduce:

• NRR (Noise Reduction Rating): This is primarily used in the United States and indicates the average noise reduction in decibels that a hearing protector provides.
  
  
• SNR (Single Number Rating): This is the European equivalent and is a simplified rating of the overall noise reduction provided by a hearing protector.

The actual noise reduction you experience can vary based on how well the earplugs fit and are inserted. A higher NRR/SNR generally means more protection, but for motorcycling, it's not always about getting the highest number. An NRR of at least 25 dB is generally advised for motorcycle riding.

Different Earplug Types for Motorcyclists

There are several types of earplugs available, each with its pros and cons for motorcyclists:

Foam Earplugs:

• • Pros: Inexpensive, widely available, and can offer high NRR ratings (some up to 32 dB).
  • Cons: Block sound across all frequencies, can be uncomfortable, disposable.
    
    

Reusable Silicone or Rubber Earplugs:

• • Pros: Durable, washable, more comfortable for long rides.
  • Cons: Noise reduction varies, some still muffle sounds.
    
    

Filtered or High-Fidelity Earplugs (A Rider's Best Friend):

• • Pros: Reduce noise evenly across the spectrum, maintain clarity, great for communication.
  • Cons: More expensive.
    
    

Custom-Molded Earplugs:

• • Pros: Best fit and comfort, maximum noise reduction, can include filters.
  • Cons: Most expensive, require audiologist visit.

Best Earplugs for Motorcycling - Our Recommendations

Given the critical need for effective and comfortable hearing protection, here are some general types of earplugs that consistently receive high marks from motorcyclists and audiologists alike. While we won't name specific brands (as preferences can be very personal and new products emerge constantly), focusing on these categories will guide you to excellent choices.

• High-Fidelity Filtered Earplugs

Why they're great for motorcycling: They significantly reduce wind and engine noise to safe levels (typically 17-25 dB NRR/SNR) while allowing you to hear sirens, horns, and even your bike's subtle mechanical cues.

Look for: Models with interchangeable filters and medical-grade silicone construction. For example, we have different sized earplugs for motorcyclists (that come in one box).

• Custom-Molded Earplugs with Filters

Why they're great for motorcycling: Unparalleled comfort and consistent noise reduction due to perfect seal. Filters offer sound clarity.

Look for: An audiologist who specialises in custom hearing protection and discuss your riding habits.

• Reusable Silicone Earplugs (Basic)

Why they're good for motorcycling: Decent noise reduction, more sustainable than foam, hygienic and reusable.

Look for: Sets with multiple tip sizes for best fit and comfort.

What about Noise Cancelling Headphones for Motorcycling?

While active noise-cancelling (ANC) headphones are fantastic for airplanes or office environments, they are generally not recommended for motorcycling. Here's why:

• Ineffective against wind noise: ANC is best for low-frequency hums, not high-frequency wind.
• Safety concerns: They may block out crucial sounds like traffic or sirens.
• Comfort under helmet: Most ANC headphones are too bulky for helmets.
  
  

Stick to passive earplugs designed for noise reduction, especially those with acoustic filters, for the safest and most effective hearing protection on your bike.