Jaw Bone Earbuds

[Andrew Shadow]

In another thread Gunsmoker mentioned that he

tried using some earbuds or even wired in-ear speakers, but they stick out of my ear canal too far and even an XXL helmet is uncomfortable when wearing them.

I recently learned from someone that he wears jaw bone earbuds under his helmet. He found some that he says fit under his helmet comfortably. He said that they work very well and that he has no problem hearing with them. He likes them because they aren't in his ear canal so he can hear surrounding noises better than with regular ear buds. He only rides a scooter so he isn't exposed to the louder road and wind noises that come with higher road speeds.

I was wondering if anyone has tried these and how they work at the higher speeds that motorcycles travel at?

 

[amorley]

I have not tried jaw bone earbuds but I have used S-Plug earbuds for years and find them very comfortable. The main advantage of the S-Plug is it goes right into the ear canal so that only the connecting wire comes out of the ear. This mans there is no pressure on your ear when wearing a helmet.

https://www.plugup.com/the_S_plug_stereo_earbuds_s/67.htm

 

[Andrew Shadow]

I have considered the S-Plug as Joe has mentioned them a few times and seems to like them. I just never got around to ordering them, for no good reason really.

I am wondering about the jaw bone type specifically though.
The reason that I am curious is because I have been told that the sound travels through the jaw bone so having ear plugs in doesn't effect your ability to hear what is coming through jaw bone ear buds. If this is true this would mean lower volume levels required and therefore overall less DB's hitting the ears. The only person I know who has them only rides a scooter so much less noise than riding a motorcycle at 70 Mp/h to begin with. I'd be curious to hear from someone who has tried on a motorcycle at highway speeds and what their experience was.

 

[Obo]

If this is true this would mean lower volume levels required and therefore overall less DB's hitting the ears.

Are you thinking about doing both ear plugs for everyday protection AND bone conduction for sound enjoyment?

Bone conduction systems when used at high levels still can cause hearing damage. The sound waves just bypass the outer ear drum and reach the inner ear via a different path medium.

 

[Andrew Shadow]

Are you thinking about doing both ear plugs for everyday protection AND bone conduction for sound enjoyment?

Bone conduction systems when used at high levels still can cause hearing damage. The sound waves just bypass the outer ear drum and reach the inner ear via a different path medium.

Yes, both. I use NRR ear plugs all the time. It wouldn't be for music though as I rarely listen to music while riding. It would mostly be for GPS instructions when I turn that on. I was wondering if the ear plugs and the bone conduction would, when used together, allow for a lower volume level while still hearing the GPS.

 

[klaproth]

I have used the bone conduction type plugs under a helmet, and my results were mixed. Most, unfortunately, do not "hug" the back of the head, and are tough to get to stay on while putting the helmet on. I wore mine with foam earplugs, and the quality of the music suffers a bit, but is still "listenable".
I used Sanag A5x's IIRC, and they did sound pretty good, while not being too pricey. They tended to fall off while removing my helmet, and eventually, they fell off one too many times, and broke. I went back to Plugfones for their decibel rating and sound quality.
I DID see a YT video of a guy using them, and he had a "beanie" made for use under a helmet, which kept the bone conduction transducers in place during helmet donning and removal. Seemed to work pretty well.
I did experience a little discomfort with these , at first, but adapted quickly. They WERE definitely more comfy for long time use than the Plugfones, which can cause a lot of ear discomfort after a day of use.
Good luck on your quest!