The Ear-Protection Thread...

[gsferrari]

Although I've started a thread on this topic, I'm here because I need help.

Does anyone know where I can get 3M earplugs in Mumbai (specifically Bandra/Chembur/Thane areas). My ears are buzzing badly now that I've run out of stock and I've been riding around for a few days without the plugs. Painful!

How many of you use ear-protection...how many of you are even aware of the need to use ear-protection while riding a motorcycle?

For those of you who DO use ear-protection - name your preferred method.

For those of you who don't - use this thread to get started and discover fatigue free motoring

[Aryan]

Topic Moved to Universal Thread and Approved.

Good topic of discussion this, GS sir. I am sure many of us are actually looking for something for the protection of our ears during long, fast rides.

Will be keeping an eye on this thread, and the solutions people provide.

[Lost Soul]

ear protection ?? i thought helmet is enough to protect them .

[inder.cool]

Nice topic of discussion..

Till now i havn't been using anything..but i guess will have to start using one now..

[Praful]

Originally Posted by gsferrari

Although I've started a thread on this topic, I'm here because I need help.

Does anyone know where I can get 3M earplugs in Mumbai (specifically Bandra/Chembur/Thane areas). My ears are buzzing badly now that I've run out of stock and I've been riding around for a few days without the plugs. Painful!

How many of you use ear-protection...how many of you are even aware of the need to use ear-protection while riding a motorcycle?

For those of you who DO use ear-protection - name your preferred method.

For those of you who don't - use this thread to get started and discover fatigue free motoring

I was using the ear plugs that you get on shop floors of heavy engineering factories. Very effective in keeping in reducing wind noise!

But I lost my pair just in about 2 rides, haven't been able to get one after that!

Im sure all this high speed wind noise has made me deafer by a bit...

GS, would'nt a in ear headphone be as good?

[rossiter]

Originally Posted by prafultripathy

I was using the ear plugs that you get on shop floors of heavy engineering factories. Very effective in keeping in reducing wind noise!

GS, would'nt a in ear headphone be as good?

LOL.. was just talking about GS about that. I use an in ear earphones when I ride, but there is a big drawback because when something (like your arm etc) touches the wire of the earphones, you get the contact sound delivered right into your ear drum. Not good at all over a 14-15 hour riding day.. trust me on that.

You have a brand name for that ear plugs you posted about?

[Aparajith]

I tend to feel sleepy after a good 2 - 3 hours of riding on the GQ/hiways! So I use an iPod with my in-ear SONY MDR-NC22 Noise - cancelling headphones with noise-canceling switched on most of the times.

[gsferrari]

Ok First up...nothing beats a good pair of foam ear-plugs. Preferably the ones 3M or Hearos makes. I found this place in Mumbai (Masjid Bunder) that sells them in bulk and I've requested 10 pairs as sample:

Manufacturers Of Industrial Hand Gloves, Stockiest Of Industrial Safety Equipments, Asbestos Products, Boiler Suit, Asbestos Blankets, Leg Guard, Mumbai, India

Once I try them out I'll provide feedback here. If they work for me - I'm getting 250 pairs and splitting them with my riding buddies.



NOW...

Why use ear protection?

If you ride fast enough and if the conditions are windy you will hear a LOUD whooshing sound through the helmet. Some helmets are louder than others but they all have one thing in common - wind noise. This noise can be tolerated for short rides but on long rides it becomes a major issue. Constant loud noises cause rider fatigue, concentration lapses and even Tinnitus in the long term.

Tinnitus is a constant ringing sound in your ears even in a quiet environment. In severe cases it can become very irritating, painful and impact your quality of life.

There are many ways to block out these noises:
- Foam earplugs
- IEMs (In-Ear monitors)
- Noise-Canceling headsets

for motorcycles though...the IEMs and Foam earplugs are the best options. Try riding with ear-protection and you will simply NOT want to go back to riding without. So much easier to concentrate on what the bike is doing. You can still hear other vehicles/horns so there is no safety concern. The MSFT (motorcycle safety foundation) in the USA recommends riding with ear-plugs.


I hope this gets the youngsters to pay attention to the perishable organs in their bodies...the ears. Unfortunately it is all to easy to ruin your hearing and premature deafness is a very challenging condition as you get into your 50s and 60s. I don't want to be in that situation...

[prajwalkashyap]

Originally Posted by rossiter

You have a brand name for that ear plugs you posted about?

I think you get those on SP Road. Dunno when I am going there next. But will check out when I do go there.

Prajwal

[Praful]

Originally Posted by rossiter

LOL.. was just talking about GS about that. I use an in ear earphones when I ride, but there is a big drawback because when something (like your arm etc) touches the wire of the earphones, you get the contact sound delivered right into your ear drum. Not good at all over a 14-15 hour riding day.. trust me on that.

You have a brand name for that ear plugs you posted about?

Exactly my reason for not using any form of earphones while riding. Its a real PITA when one of the wires get tugged at accidentally.

I dont remember the brand, it was some standard issue stuff given to people working in the L&T heavy engineering division. I got it from a friend working there.

I would be interested in know what all brands are available and where can we get em?

Originally Posted by gsferrari

Once I try them out I'll provide feedback here. If they work for me - I'm getting 250 pairs and splitting them with my riding buddies.

Thats great news. I think a ride is cooking up to collect em...