Protect your Eyes and Ears.

rjs987

Robert
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I know I have a bit of hearing loss due to working around jets in the Navy for 4 years and in the Air Guard for another 16, even with hearing protection on the job.
I use Flents foam ear plugs, 33 db attenuation. I buy a jar of 4 dozen pair from Wally World. The purple ones same as THESE. I use one pair for 6-8 weeks of riding and keep another pair handy and then switch them out always keeping a fresh pair as spare. My helmet is full face HJC IS-17 Intake with integrated sun shield. It has a pin-lock system and the main face shield with the pin-lock is 95% UV protection. I tried sunglasses but they were polarized and the face shield (on an earlier helmet) was also polarized so I couldn't see the dash meters since the dual polarization blanked that out. The integrated sun shield solved that problem since it was all designed to work together.

I also find that music and radio sounds SO much better with the ear plugs in than without with my BT Sena headset. The tinny sounds that are evident without ear plugs is gone when I put the plugs in and the base sounds come through better. :grin:
 
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Mark

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I buy a big box of "Moldex Smartplugs" uncorded every couple of years...
They come 2 to a pack and I keep the packs in my jacket and in the fairing pockets.
At 33dB they are just right....
 
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What about earbuds?
As far as I can tell earbuds are not noise attenuating. They may be noise cancelling, but that's not the same thing. Noise attenuation is what ear plugs do, by reducing the amount of harmful sound reaching your ear. Ear plugs that are noise attenuating come with a noise reduction rating, expressed in decibels, of how much attenuation they are rated for.
 

TMUS

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I had custom fit ear plugs made at the International motorcycle show in Detroit several years ago, with a little spit and they slide right in. :D
 

st11ray

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As far as I can tell earbuds are not noise attenuating. They may be noise cancelling, but that's not the same thing. Noise attenuation is what ear plugs do, by reducing the amount of harmful sound reaching your ear. Ear plugs that are noise attenuating come with a noise reduction rating, expressed in decibels, of how much attenuation they are rated for.
I have some Westone CR1 earbuds that are supposed to be 25db. They aren't nearly as quiet as 33 foam plugs.
 
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I have used prescription bi-focal polarized dark sunglasses for years. Yes the windshield has a slight rainbow effect but I look over it. I commute into the sun, both ways. The polarized glasses cuts the glare on the road and off the roofs of all the cars (four lanes worth) in front of me. My face shield (HJC) has no distortion. I can read the dash by a slight tilt of my head. The benefit of polarization way out weighs any drawbacks.

I also have a small plastic visor that I velcro on to my shield to block the sun and create a thin shadow that I can see better through when the sun is on the horizon. I removed the snaps and added velcro tape. works very well! Easy to remove when not fighting the sun! Prior to getting the visor I used a strip of black electrical tape on my face shield as sun block - quick and easy - you should remember this as a back up solution....

SL1000_.jpg
 
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motofisch

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I also have a small plastic visor that I velcro on to my shield to block the sun and create a thin shadow that I can see better through when the sun is on the horizon. I removed the snaps and added velcro tape. works very well! Easy to remove when not fighting the sun!
What a great idea. Is the Velcro tape strong enough to keep it attached at speed?
 
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Very interesting thread, Thanks. My problem is, I've never been able to get the foam plugs to stay in. I didn't know, until now, that they are available in sizes. The only way I've ever been able to block out noise is by using cotton balls. Don't have a clue as to what protection I'm getting or not getting. I've been thinking about going to a hearing specialist to see what I need to get. Sure don't want to spend big bucks on fancy plugs either.
 
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spiderman302
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You are suppose to roll the foam between your fingers to make it very thin. Then you quickly slide it into your ear where it will slowly expand.

The Velcro is strong enough. I use a full 1 inch strip across the whole visor. I have had to replace the tape once in 50k+ miles (Glue). I often in the hot summer leave the screen all the way down to get air flow through the mesh jacket. Just make sure that you get the short visor, It is all that you need. I did not loose it at 70 mph into a 60 mph head wind.... We get these east winds all the time here is SoCal.
 
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ST Gui

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I still use black electrical tape on the inside of the visor.
 

Andrew Shadow

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My problem is, I've never been able to get the foam plugs to stay in. I didn't know, until now, that they are available in sizes.
Have a look at this tutorial video for tips on how to install ear plugs properly. The technique of pulling your ear up and back to open up the ear canal really does make a big difference in making it easier to get the ear plug in and to get it in farther so that it does not fall out. I find most people do not push them far enough in to their ear. A word of caution- if you install them properly as shown in this video it will hurt your ears if you remove them to quickly and improperly due to the sudden air pressure change because they seal so well when installed properly. Follow the removal instructions shown in the video to prevent this. This company also sells many different models and in difference sizes. They are readily available and in my experience any safety supply store or auto arts can order them if they don't stock them. I have been using the Laser Lite model for years. I buy a box of 200 at time making them cheap.
 

ST Gui

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I don't know about anyone else but spit or earwax or whatever I don't touch another man's 'buds. Ever.
 

larryg

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You are suppose to roll the foam between your fingers to make it very thin. Then you quickly slide it into your ear where it will slowly expand.
Agreed - and it also helps to jiggle your finger, and give it a slight twist when you're inserting the foam plug. I've had great luck with Hearos Extreme Protection foam plugs (the blue ones, I use them all the time now: http://www.amazon.com/Hearos-Ear-Plugs-Xtreme-Protection/dp/B000NP79YM/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1462641617&sr=8-1&keywords=hearos+ear+plugs
 

John OoSTerhuis

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Tip: Temporary face shield sunblockers - wrap 8" lengths of 1" blue painters' masking tape around your Motrin bottle in the tank bag. When needed, slap one on the shield where it's effective, and then rip it off when no longer necessary. BTDT for years. The masking tape won't damage the surface of the shield like common electrical tape will if left on too long (BTDT).

John [quality earplugs are part of ATGATT,)
 
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Some time ago, I bought a box of foam plugs at Harbor Freight. Keep spares in the glove box and jacket.

They work great and save me a lot of distress from road noise (esp. tires of passing vehicles) and wind.

You only get two ears once in life. Protecting them from excess dB levels is crucial to maintaining one's hearing for a lifetime!!
 
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I've had great luck with Hearos Extreme Protection foam plugs (the blue ones, I use them all the time now:
Me too. They have easily been the best for me.
I got their pink ones once cuz they looked cool. A bit smaller, didn't close up tightly...for the ladies I think.
 
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