Most people prioritize the safety of their vision over hearing when riding their bikes without realizing how vulnerable their ears could be out there on the road if proper care is not taken.

The sound produced by your helmet when cutting through the air at highway speeds will surely damage your hearing in the long run. Wearing a half helmet or riding open face will only quicken this process.

earplugs can actually make you hear better

It is a misconception that by wearing earplugs you won't be able to hear even the slightest sound. Though it's quite true that it might be difficult to hear someone at a stoplight speaking at you in their car, you most certainly will not go deaf. In fact, earplugs can actually make you hear better.

Also, hearing loss doesn't happen overnight. If you keep riding for years without earplugs, your sense of hearing will decrease gradually. Although you will not go deaf completely, your ears will definitely lose the sharpness they have had before.

Advantages of motorcycle earplugs

1. Reduces the wind noise

Most bikers wear protective gears like helmets, gloves and boots when riding their bikes but overlook ear protection. Even if you wear a helmet, the wind becomes louder when you go faster. Ambient wind noise at highway speeds can be over 100dB. That annoying shrill sound is a distraction and could damage your hearing. Earplugs help minimise the wind noise and protect your hearing when riding.

2. Wards off temporary deafness

Temporary Threshold Shift (TSS) is a condition that causes temporary hearing loss. Since the wind noise is constant when riding, it could contribute towards TSS. When this happens, it would block out other frequencies posing a risk when you're riding. Wearing earplugs may help you with this.

3. Picks up particular frequencies

A good pair of earplugs will make you hear better in loud environments. This is because certain frequencies are suppressed compared to others. A fine set of earplugs can enhance sounds you may want to hear while softening harmful ones.

4. Minimizes fatigue

Some bikers suffer from noise fatigue when they're riding for quite a long time. This could be tiresome and even painful. Wearing earplugs may help you against this condition.

General types of earplugs for bikers: disposable, reusable, corded and moulded

There are many types of earplugs available for bikers. The disposable ones made of foam are the most common type of earplugs. They are not expensive yet comfortable when worn. Though foam plugs appear to be cheap, be mindful of their quality since it is something that you will insert into your ear canal. Also, the earplugs will be ineffective if proper insertion doesn't take place, as they would then cannot dampen the sounds evenly.

Reusable earplugs require regular maintenance and cleaning for optimal function, as they can be worn multiple times. With proper care, the earplugs could even last beyond a year. Although they're expensive than the regular disposable earplugs, it is still worth to have them if you're a regular user.

Corded earplugs are convenient for riders as they are hard to misplace unlike the traditional earplugs. These earplugs are easier to remove and can be hung around the neck when not in use.

If you want the exact fit for your ears, it is best to go for custom moulded earplugs. They are quite pricey but totally worth it if you're looking for optimum hearing protection and want to wear them frequently. Moulded earplugs are made to reduce loud sounds significantly while allowing you to hear voices.

What to look for when buying a pair of motorcycle earplugs

Fit is one of the key features to consider when looking to buy a pair of earplugs for bike riding. Although many earplugs come with a free size one-size-fits-all theory, your ear canal could be too wide or too narrow for certain brands to fit. There is a possibility of earplug getting stuck in your ear canal if it's too small or not staying put if it's too large. Therefore, a good fit is always a crucial factor to consider beforehand.

The next thing to look for is the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) and Single Number Rating (SNR). These ratings give us an idea about the product's potential for noise reduction in terms of decibels (dB). A higher rating means a higher noise suppression.

At times, choosing a comfortable set of earplugs can be a challenge. To avoid the crushing of earplugs by the helmet sides it is better to go for a pair that is low profile and has short stems. The materials used in the making of motorcycle earplugs vary from foam to ceramic. Foam earplugs are squeezed during insertion, which then expands on its own accord to fill up the canal. Earplugs made with soft silicone are very delicate. Certain ceramic earplugs contain filters that offer accurate sound attenuation better than plastic filters.

Frequently asked questions regarding motorcycle earplugs

One of the most frequently asked questions regarding motorcycle earplugs is whether they're legal. In some states, they're considered illegal. Hence it's best to check your state's laws prior to investing. Another concern is whether the noise cancelling feature in the earplugs will block the sounds of sirens and horns. The answer is no. The best earplugs for motorcycling minimise high-pitched sounds. Therefore, you will hear horns and sirens when riding with earplugs on.

Some of them wonder if earplugs are necessary when wearing a full-face helmet. In reality, the wind can creep in through the gaps of your full-face helmet and make a shrill sound. This calls for high-grade earplugs to protect your ears completely. Even if you're traveling a short distance, it is still a better idea to wear earplugs to protect your ears from the wind and engine noise.

Another pressing question is whether the Bluetooth speakers could be heard when earplugs are worn. The answer is most likely yes. Since earplugs eliminate wind noise, it should probably make it easier for you to hear your headset. This is also supported because the best earplugs for motorcycling can soften some frequencies while enhancing the others.

Please Note: Just because an ear defender is marked, for example, "Gunshot" - it will still cover other things, like "explosions"