| Author | Message | ||
     Jprovo |
After completing a 200+ mile day trip, and watching a WSMC race, my ears rung for a couple of hours after I got home. Knowing that I was riding 400+ miles the next weekend, and that ringing ears are a sign of hearing damage, I told myself that I would wear earplugs. Like a dumba$$ I left them at home. My ears rung for at least 8 hours after I got home. Not wanting to cause myself any more hearing damage, I now wear earplugs regularly. After reading the laws, in California, earplugs that are not custom made for the wearer are illegal for use while riding a motorcycle. Right now I'm saying screw it, I'll risk the ticket, and I'm wearing generic plugs until I can find someone to make custom plugs for a reasonable ammount of $$. Any suggestions for earplug types (re-usable, disposable, or custom) would be appreciated. I would also like to know if anyone has custom made plugs, how much they cost, and how you like them. Protect your ears, James | ||
| Spiderman |
LOL the funny thing is that custom earplugs block more sound than generic plugs you think the law would would be the other way around. | ||
| Josh |
jprovo, can you cite the statute that says that? I would think you could take normal foam ones, trim off the end and declare them custom made for you.  | ||
| Road_Thing |
What?? I can't hear you... Seriously, custom earplug vendors can usually be found around gun clubs. I've had a couple of pairs over the years, they seem to run around $40 for the solid rubber ones. You could look in your area for a skeet, trap or sporting clays club, then call and ask the manager if there's anybody at the club that sells custom earplugs. Usually there's a shooter or two that's trying to offset his ammo costs by selling earplugs and other stuff. You'll need to spend a few minutes with the plug-maker, he'll pack your ears full of gooey rubber, then let it harden in place for 5 minutes or so. He'll pop the plugs out and coat them with a clear sealer that needs to dry for a half hour or so, and you'll be on your way. Spidey's right, though, the generic foam plugs cut the wind and exhaust noise way down, but they let noises like horns and screeching tires come through. I wear them on rides longer than about 15 minutes. With the custom plugs in, all I can hear is my heartbeat until I pull the trigger, then I hear a dull "thump" when the gun goes off. I think they cut out TOO much sound to be safe for riding. You can spend a few hundred and get electronic inserts that let in "background" noise but filter out sudden "spikes" (like gunshots) but I wouldn't think that would be the way to go for riding. I kind of like Josh's idea.. r-t | ||
| Bomber |
funny that wearing earplug is illegal in so many areas (including Illinois, I found from 1st hand experience) yet hearing impared folks can drive (no bashing of anyone intended . . . just trying to find some "loginc" in the law) | ||
| Blake |
I like the cheap little pink ones that Walmart sells for cheap. Long enough, very comfortable, 30+dB of acoustic attenuation... Illegal? I can't imagine why. Oh, California.  You know, that sounds like a good basis for a lawsuit against the state of CA. People going deaf due to an ignorant law. | ||
| Blake |
FYI, every 3 dB of acoustic attenuation cuts the sound level in half. So 30 dB of attenuation would cut the intensity of loud noises by... Noise Level = 1/210 = 1/1,024 = 0.001 = 0.1% of that incident upon open ears. Math good. Hearing loss bad. Wind noise bad. Ear plugs good. | ||
| Court |
>>>>just trying to find some "loginc" in the law) Start here: When two trains approach each other at a location where tracks intersect, Wyoming requires that both stop and neither may move until the other has completly passed. Hmmmmmmmm | ||
| Hootowl |
There's a state (can't remember which one) where it is illegal to marry a virgin. The obvious answer is to take her to another state, screw her, and bring her back. Only problem is that taking a woman across state lines for the purpose of having sex is a violation of the Mann Act. Damned if you do... Re the California law banning non-custom earplugs, the law is not specific as to what constitutes "custom", so like Josh said, cut the ends off and you're all set. | ||
| Hootowl |
27400. No person operating any motor vehicle or bicycle shall wear any headset covering, or any earplugs in, both ears. The prohibition of this section does not apply to any of the following: (a) Persons operating authorized emergency vehicles, as defined in Section 165. (b) Any person engaged in the operation of either special construction equipment or equipment for use in the maintenance of any highway. (c) Any person engaged in the operation of refuse collection equipment who is wearing a safety headset or safety earplugs. (d) Any person wearing personal hearing protectors in the form of custom earplugs or molds that are designed to attenuate injurious noise levels. The custom plugs or molds shall be designed in a manner so as to not inhibit the wearer's ability to hear a siren or horn from an emergency vehicle or a horn from another motor vehicle. (e) Any person using a prosthetic device which aids the hard of hearing. | ||
| Hootowl |
I can drive with my radio up so loud I wouldn't hear God calling me, let alone a siren, so I have no idea what kind of sense this makes. | ||
| Littledog1 |
Make Sense? This is California, I don't have to show you no sense.......We have a $35B budget 'shortfall' here, but the Assembly Budget Committee has recessed until May 15. My personal State Senator is working on legislation to require "50% of the food in vending machines must be 'healthy' food"! I don't have to show you no sense. Mickey | ||
| Aesquire |
Didn't California pass a law that all people must have better than average income? | ||
| Newfie_Buell |
Man some of those states are really fucked up. Come up here where its OK to use loud exhausts, wear earplugs, and all else | ||
| V2win |
Racerboy and I both bought custom ear plugs at the Motorcycle show. For me, the custom plugs allow more noise in than my old EAR brand Ultra Fit plugs. Take a look at their site for info and a listing of dist. www.aearo.com | ||
| Kcbill |
I got the W.K. Baker Co. in Santa Margarita Ca. 93453 (805-438-5249) They are custom ear plugs. I have one with speakers and one with out. I haven't seen them to be a problem. About $40 with out speakers and $150.00 with. | ||
| Cro13 |
Jprovo, I work for a hearing aid and earmold manufacturer. If you can get a set of impressions made at a local hearing aid fitter and send them to me. I'll get you a custom set for next to nothing. The fitter will charge you for the impressions though. Around here (PA) it's about a $10 charge. I've got not a clue what they would charge you there in CA. Between you and me the foam disposable kind actually do a very good job and some if not most people find them more comfortable for extended periods of time. The only people who don't do well with them have tiny tapered ear canals so they tend to fall out with Jaw movement. If you are interested in custom drop me E-mail csmith@ototech.net Carter Smith 03 XB9R | ||
| Josh |
Carter! Long time no hear. Those custom audio plugs worked great (esp on airplanes) until someone stole my CD case in Savanah and got the plugs as well. Any more research on the audio ones? You got a new 'Bolt? Nice. Josh | ||
| X1glider |
It may not be the cheapest solution but, if you want quiet, buy a Shoei...and a Goldwing! It seems to me when you squish the foam plugs between your fingers and put them in your ear and they expand, that's custom fit. But perhaps when the foam cells are compressed, the effective frequency range to be attenuated changes. I've used foam for years on the bike on long trips and I hear horns, tires, train whistles, police sirens  ...and when I get off the bike, my ears aren't ringing and I can understand what people are saying at the gas station. I've kept them in my ears for up to 20 hours or 1300 miles and I forget they're there. I don't use them commuting in city traffic tho, just in case. Cro13, when those plugs are custom made, are they molded so that the material's cellular size stays consistent? What is so special about custom plugs? Would they also be better than foam for anyone who stands in front of a Mesa Boogie stack for a couple hours a night? | ||
| Sarodude |
Bob- You play? If so, any vocals? Vocals were always tough for me with earplugs. like they weren't tough enough without -Saro | ||
| Nevco1 |
Jprovo...Contact Linda at EarPlugs USA, Mission Viejo, CA, 949-770-2129. If still in biz, she is the one that does the custom ear molds at all the local bike and gun shows. I bought two pair from her when I lived there and love them to this day. Use them riding and at the indoor shooting range and can't say enough for them. | ||
| X1glider |
No vox, don't play much these days. Haven't had a band since '91. Would get onstage for a song or 2 occasionally with friends' bands the past few years. Not passionate about it anymore, don't know why. I found when I quit playing, I stopped being critical and enjoyed the music more. I miss my Houston friends and bands. Some severly talented people. 2 even graduated fron GIT. Scary! These Korean cover bands are like listening to a screechy violin. Chro13: do you ship plugs overseas?!  | ||
| Nevco1 |
FYI, They can also be made with ear buds for you audiophiles. Additionally, any local shop that sells hearing aids can make them for you. If I remember correctly, the Office Price was $70 and the Show Special was $35 so shop around. | ||
| Jprovo |
R-T, V2win, Kcbill, Nevco, Thanks for the contacts/leads, I appreciate it. Carter, I might just take you up on that offer, thank you. Josh, Hootowl, I like the customization ideas, I'm pretty sure that it would stand up in court, too! Bomber, I never thought about the hearing inpaired drivers... Pretty stupid law when you put it in that context. I just hope that people use plugs so they don't end up a hearing impaired rider. James | ||
| Cro13 |
Josh, Hi, It’s been crazy around here. The company merged with a larger company and everything got really shaken down. When the company was bought out all R&D was immediately halted and put into committee for cost analysis. The stereo pieces didn’t show enough promise and were too far out side the realm of the normal target buyer so the project was shot down. My boss also got the ax so I wasn’t in much of a fighting mood. I’m sorry to hear your listening pieces were stolen; I can make you another set but only if you can get impressions made. The new owners dropped all accessory inventories so we no longer have anything to make impressions with. The XB has been awesome If it would just stop snowing/sleeting/hailing things would be even better. X1Glider, For someone who works with music I would suggest a musician’s plug (ER15) it has an attenuator built into the custom mold. See WWW.ETYMOTIC.COM we use their attenuator. We ship to Germany daily so Korea can’t be that much harder. Jprovo, Just drop me a line if you decide to do it. Carter Smith 03 XB9R | ||
| Djkaplan |
http://www.protectear.com/ | ||
| X1glider |
Thanks Carter, but what I really wanted to know was will it make the Koreans sing better? | ||
| Josh |
Carter, I still have molding stuff from what you sent me. Is the address the same (I'll assume not to use the pre-paid boxes)? Those saved my sanity and hearing on my 5000-miles-in-3-weeks trips Aug '01. Did you ever figure anything out on using it with Chatterbox? You had mentioned working out an adapter I think. Josh | ||
| Henrik |
Earplugs: Always wear them when riding. I hear traffic, sirens etc. just fine. For long rides I'm a lot less tired at the end of the day - wind noise really wears you out. I used to prefer the moldable silicone plugs. If you install them correctly, they fit and seal well, without the pressure inside the ear, that you can get from foam plugs. They'll last a day before they get too grungy to put back in your ear. Since I've found softer/less firm foam plugs, I've mostly been wearing those. Howard Leight MAX works well for me. You can get them with a cord connecting the two plugs, which is nice for track days. For longer rides, the sound from the cord rubbing gets annoying. For any kind of foam plugs, check out MSC Direct. They have almost all brands of plugs, and the cost of buying a whole case, per pair comes to only a fraction of what they would cost in a store. To find plugs that work for your, Rider Wearhouse sells a sample pack of plugs, so you can test and find what fits you. I had a couple of custom sets made 2 years ago. Unfortunately don't use them much for riding. One pair of etymotic musicians plugs with (I think) 20 db of attenuation ($75). One pair with speakers in them ($150). Both have the problem, that when riding, the wind pressure on the helmet, shifts it back on my head a bit - that in turn pulls/distorts my outer ear canals enough, that the plugs don't seal well anymore. I even had the speaker plugs remade a couple of times to try and make them fit - no luck. The speaker plugs are nice for air travel and such, where they shut out the noise and allows me to listen to music undisturbed. But the pressure "tires" my ears out in a couple of hours. Would be great if they fit One good thing about the Etymotic plugs; I carry them with me, and if stopped and confronted, I do indeed have custom made plugs  Henrik (Carter: any chance of fitting those speakers into a new set of plugs??) | ||
| Davegess |
Henrik, have you seen the BOSE headphone with active noise supression? No use on a bike but might be great for travel. Dave | ||
| Ray_Maines |
I don't know why you guys are stressing about this. The ultra cheap, bright yellow foam plugs that you wad up and stuff in your ear are 99% as good as anything else you could buy and are cheap and easy to find. Who the F**k cares weather foam plugs are technically illegal or not. You're not going to get pulled over on suspicion of illegal earplugs. Your hearing is WAY more important than the outside possibility of a ticket that you could beat anyway. Wind noise is the loudest thing you hear on any trip longer than about a block. Being that 99.44% of all of our trips are longer than a block, I say: “Use the plugs!” Middle age men that say "Huh?" all the time are such a bore. RaY2K | ||
| Road_Thing |
Huh?? | ||
| Johnc |
I agree Ray, I use 3M foam plugs that I get at a local industrial supply. They are soft enough so they don't cause any discomfort and cheap enough so you can throw them away after each use. I had custom ear plugs made for work but I hate the way they feel and they never look clean after about 3 months of use no matter how much you try to clean them. I find that after a long ride with the ear plugs, I am much fresher than when I ride without them. They really do reduce fatigue. John | ||
| Phillyblast |
I have a set of 20 db musician's earlplugs that I use on stage, while practicing, and when I go to clubs to hear bands, but they have stems on them for easy removal/insertion, so I can't wear them on the bike - the helmet pushes them into my ears too far. I use the cheap foam ones while riding - they saved me from saying huh on the ride to Aaron's and back last Sept. I'll take the ticket. My Dad has severe hearing loss from work, combined with tinnitus, and I don't want to go down that road. I still say "Huh?" a lot, but that's only because I'm slow-witted | ||
| S2carl |
Back at Homecoming 2000, I picked up a pair of foam plugs at Hal's during the dyno shootout. They were a orange/peach color and were octagonal shaped. Anyone have any idea who makes them? They are the most comfortable throw away I have worn. Thanks | ||
| Bluzm2 |
Henrik, all, Aerostich also has a sampler pack available. Actually they have two different samplers, one for reusable type ($25) and one for disposable ($10). I can't figure out how to do a link to the page but go to page 6 of the "shirts and other stuff you wear" section. Lots of different plugs available. S2Carl, I think they have the octagonal type also! Brad | ||
| Loki |
imho, Howard Leight MAX-1(nrr 33db) work great in a helmet. Can get multiple uses out of these disposable things. Can be had at just about any contractor supply shop. A box of 200 pairs cost me $33 this past summer. Loki | ||
| Cro13 |
Josh, Yes, the prepaid boxes will still work. Please remember to mark them attention Carter. Before the company sold we were working with a chatterbox connector but when my boss left (got the ax) all of that went with him. Hard wiring a chatterbox connector isn’t that big of a deal, molding an adaptor is a big investment. Did you have the Full ear type or just the canal? Henrik, Are you asking if I can make a new custom Earmold for your ER-25? If so the answer is yes very easily all that I need is impressions. But I don’t think that’s what you’re asking for. I am not familiar with an Etymotic custom product that has a molded receiver. I checked their web sight and could find no pictures. If you can post or email a pic it will be easier to say what we can do. X1glider, I’ve consulted with the sales division and they assure me that our product will make the Korean singers sound 83% better and make you more attractive to the opposite sex. (These are the same people that say custom is 83% better than those little foam earplugs) Carter Smith csmith@ototech.net | ||
| Djkaplan |
The only thing that makes Koreans sing better is liberal amounts of alcohol (not for them, for you). |
