Non invasive earplugs defenders for motorbike

[Fulltimemuso]

Hi guys,

Recently bought a motorbike/scooter/moped and enjoying riding it. However, it can be loud. The wind noise is not too much of an issue yet as I can only do 30mph on this one. But the exhaust creates noise, and just generally the in-helmet sound level is slightly high.

Of course as I get a faster bike this will increase. I am putting a variety of earplugs in at the moment as I experiment.

I have my silicone type with filters (Alpine), and also various sets of pro-moulded professional ones I use for my work as a musician.

I would rather not be sticking things in my ear canals if possible. Right now my eardrums feel a bit 'abused' by all the pressure and inserting/removal. As a musician I'm out working most days and I feel my ear canal health is already at its limit!

What I would like for the motorbike helmet is something 'non invasive'. I have passive EAR DEFENDERS at home that cost about £15, they are absolutely amazing. Noise is zero. I wish a motorbike helmet manufacturer could build these into a helmet, and I'm sure in 10 years time all helmets will come with hearing defence built in as standard (like helicopter helmets). It would be easy to do!

But for now I'm looking for either :

- A very low profile/slim ear cup ear defender/headband I could wear under the helmet

- Non invasive earplugs that just block the outer part of the ear.

Does anyone have any ideas please? I just don't want to keep inserting and removing things from my sensitive ear canals.

[MarTINITUS]

I've had tinnitus for about 40 years and ridden motor cycles for over 50 years.

The best way to start to address this problem in my opinion is to buy a quiet helmet. The main manufacturer with the reputation for quietness is Schuberth, although there are others. I would suggest doing internet searches. Ride magazine used to do all sorts of product reviews for bike gear. I'm a bit out of touch these days but it's worth checking.

I'm currently looking to buy a Schuberth helmet myself but they are not cheap-however deals come up from time to time and obviously you can't put a price on your health and safety.

My current helmet is an Arai which is OK and I bought an HJC a few years ago but it is quite noisy compared to the Arai.

I always wear ear plugs as well and find the soft foam ones more comfortable but the hard foam types are a bit quieter and not so user friendly.

Hope this helps. Good luck.