How to Choose the Best Motorcycle Ear Plugs: A Complete Guide

I had just gotten back from a longer ride with my dad one day when I noticed the ringing in my ears.

This was before I started listening to music on rides so I was pretty confused.

As it turns out, you can experience acute and sometimes permanent hearing damage from riding a motorcycle and it’s all due to the wind noise.

This actually took me for surprise and since then I have always worn ear plugs on my longer motorcycle rides.

Even moreso, I have recommended ear plugs to all of my riding buddies and anyone I meet.

In this guide, I hope to help you pick the perfect set of ear plugs for your ride as well as your needs.

Why You Should Wear Ear Plugs on a Motorcycle

Wearing ear plugs on a motorcycle can protect your hearing and enhance your comfort and safety on the road. Here are some of the benefits of wearing ear plugs on a motorcycle:

They can prevent hearing damage and tinnitus from loud noises, such as wind, engine, traffic, and helmet noise .
They can improve your focus and concentration, and help you enjoy your ride more .
They can allow you to hear important sounds or communicate with others, by filtering or amplifying the sound quality .
They can make you more comfortable and compatible with your helmet and gear, by preventing ear problems and fitting snugly and securely.
They can help you hear your Bluetooth headset better, by blocking the background noise and enhancing the sound clarity.

What to Look for in Ear Plugs for Motorcycle Riding

Choosing the best ear plugs for motorcycle riding can be tricky, as there are many factors and features to consider. Here are some of the main things to look for:

Noise reduction: How much the ear plugs lower the sound level in decibels. Look for a high noise reduction rating (NRR), above 20 decibels, to protect your hearing from loud noises.
Sound quality: How the ear plugs filter or amplify the sound quality. Look for a good sound quality, that lets you hear important sounds or communicate with others, without compromising your protection or comfort.
Comfort: How the ear plugs fit and feel in your ears. Look for soft and flexible materials, that fit your ear canal and are easy and comfortable to insert and remove.
Durability: How the ear plugs last and perform over time and with repeated use. Look for durable and washable materials, that are strong and reliable, and easy and hygienic to clean and store.
Type: How the ear plugs are made and function, such as disposable, reusable, custom, or electronic. Look for the type that suits your needs and preferences, as well as the type and duration of your ride.

Types of Ear Plugs for Motorcycle Riding

There are many types of ear plugs out there, each with their own pros and cons. In this section, we will explain the different types of ear plugs that you can buy for motorcycling, such as disposable, reusable, custom, and electronic ear plugs. We will also describe the advantages and disadvantages of each type, and provide some examples of popular and reliable models that you can buy or learn more about.

Disposable Ear Plugs

Disposable ear plugs are ear plugs that are made of soft and flexible materials, such as foam, wax, or silicone, that you can insert into your ear canal and discard after use. They are best for riders who need a cheap and easy way to protect their ears from noise, such as occasional or casual riders.

Some of the benefits of disposable ear plugs are:

They are affordable and widely available, which means you can easily find and buy them in most stores or online.
They are comfortable and adaptable, which means they can fit most ear sizes and shapes, and conform to the shape of your ear canal.
They are effective and reliable, which means they can block most of the noise and reduce the sound level by 20-30 decibels.

Some of the drawbacks of disposable ear plugs are:

They are wasteful and polluting, which means they can create a lot of trash and harm the environment.
They are low-quality and inconsistent, which means they can lose their shape, effectiveness, or hygiene over time or with repeated use.
They are hard to insert and remove, which means they can be difficult or painful to put in or take out of your ears, especially with gloves or helmet on.

Some examples of disposable ear plugs are:

Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs: A pack of 50 pairs of soft foam ear plugs that have a noise reduction rating of 32 decibels, a tapered design, and a low-pressure foam. They cost $9.89.
Ohropax Wax Ear Plugs: A pack of 12 pairs of wax ear plugs that have a noise reduction rating of 23 decibels, a moldable design, and a cotton cover. They cost $6.99.
Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs: A pair of silicone ear plugs that have a noise reduction rating of 16 decibels, a filter design, and a pull tab. They cost $35.88.

Reusable Ear Plugs

Reusable ear plugs are ear plugs that are made of durable and washable materials, such as rubber, plastic, or metal, that you can insert into your ear canal and reuse after cleaning. They are best for riders who need a high-quality and long-lasting way to protect their ears from noise, such as frequent or professional riders.

Some of the benefits of reusable ear plugs are:

They are economical and eco-friendly, which means they can save you money and reduce waste in the long run.
They are high-quality and consistent, which means they can maintain their shape, effectiveness, and hygiene over time and with repeated use.
They are easy to insert and remove, which means they can be quickly and comfortably put in or taken out of your ears, especially with gloves or helmet on.

Some of the drawbacks of reusable ear plugs are:

They are expensive and rare, which means you may have to spend a lot or search a lot to get them.
They are uncomfortable and rigid, which means they may not fit all ear sizes and shapes, or may cause pressure or irritation in your ear canal.
They are less effective and reliable, which means they may not block all of the noise or reduce the sound level as much as disposable ear plugs.

Some examples of reusable ear plugs are:

NoNoise Motorsport Ear Plugs: A pair of plastic ear plugs that have a noise reduction rating of 20 decibels, a filter design, and a ceramic core. They cost $29.95.
EarPeace Motorcycle Ear Plugs: A pair of silicone ear plugs that have a noise reduction rating of 17-26 decibels, a filter design, and a pull tab. They cost $24.95.
Plugfones Liberate 2.0 Ear Plugs: A pair of metal ear plugs that have a noise reduction rating of 25 decibels, a filter design, and a Bluetooth connection. They cost $99.95.

Custom Ear Plugs

Custom ear plugs are ear plugs that are made of custom-molded materials, such as acrylic, vinyl, or silicone, that you can insert into your ear canal and reuse after cleaning. They are best for riders who need a personalized and comfortable way to protect their ears from noise, such as riders who have sensitive or unique ears.

Some of the benefits of custom ear plugs are:

They are personalized and comfortable, which means they are made to fit your exact ear size and shape, and conform to the shape of your ear canal.
They are effective and reliable, which means they can block most of the noise and reduce the sound level by 20-30 decibels.
They are easy to insert and remove, which means they can be quickly and comfortably put in or taken out of your ears, especially with gloves or helmet on.

Some of the drawbacks of custom ear plugs are:

They are very expensive and time-consuming, which means you may have to spend a lot of money and time to get them made by a professional audiologist or ear plug specialist.
They are high-maintenance and fragile, which means they can require regular cleaning and care, and can break or lose their shape or effectiveness over time or with repeated use.
They are less versatile and adaptable, which means they may not suit different types of noise or riding situations, or may change with your ear size or shape over time.

Electronic Ear Plugs

Electronic ear plugs are ear plugs that have a built-in electronic device that can amplify, filter, or cancel the noise that enters your ear canal. They are best for riders who need a smart and advanced way to protect their ears from noise, such as riders who want to hear important sounds or communicate with others.

Some of the benefits of electronic ear plugs are:

They are smart and advanced, which means they can adjust the noise level and the sound quality according to your preferences and the riding situation.
They are functional and versatile, which means they can allow you to hear important sounds, such as sirens, horns, or voices, or to communicate with others, such as your passenger, your group, or your phone.
They are easy to use and control, which means they can be operated and adjusted with buttons, switches, or apps on your phone or your helmet.

Some of the drawbacks of electronic ear plugs are:

They are very expensive and complex, which means you may have to spend a lot or learn a lot to get them.
They are uncomfortable and bulky, which means they may not fit all ear sizes and shapes, or may cause pressure or irritation in your ear canal.
They are battery-dependent and fragile, which means they can run out of power or malfunction in case of low battery, water, or dirt.

Other Factors to Consider When Choosing Ear Plugs

Besides the noise reduction, the sound quality, the comfort, the durability, and the type of the ear plugs, there are also other factors that you may want to consider when choosing ear plugs for motorcycle riding, such as the price, the availability, the hygiene, and the style of the ear plugs. Here are some of the other factors to consider when choosing ear plugs for motorcycle riding:

Price: The price of ear plugs can vary depending on the material, the design, and the functionality of the ear plugs, as well as the brand and the quality of the ear plugs. You should look for ear plugs that fit your budget and your needs, and that offer good value for money. You should also compare the prices of different ear plugs and look for discounts or deals when buying ear plugs.
Availability: The availability of ear plugs can depend on the popularity, the rarity, and the demand of the ear plugs, as well as the location and the season of the ear plugs. You should look for ear plugs that are easy and convenient to find and buy, either in stores or online. You should also check the stock and the delivery of the ear plugs, and order them in advance if necessary.
Hygiene: The hygiene of ear plugs can affect the health and the cleanliness of your ears and your ear plugs, as well as the performance and the longevity of your ear plugs. You should look for ear plugs that are easy and hygienic to clean and store, and that are resistant to dirt, water, or bacteria. You should also follow the instructions and the recommendations of the manufacturer or the seller on how to clean and store your ear plugs properly.
Style: The style of ear plugs can reflect your personality and your preferences, as well as your bike and your gear. You should look for ear plugs that match your style and your taste, and that complement your bike and your gear. You should also consider the color, the shape, and the size of the ear plugs, and how they look and feel in your ears.

How to Use Ear Plugs for Motorcycle Riding

Using ear plugs for motorcycle riding can protect your hearing and enhance your comfort and safety, but only if you use them correctly. Here are some tips on how to use ear plugs for motorcycle riding:

Wash your hands and ears before inserting the ear plugs, to prevent dirt or bacteria from getting into your ears.
Roll or squeeze the ear plug into a thin cylinder, if it is a disposable or a reusable ear plug, or warm it up, if it is a custom or an electronic ear plug, to make it more flexible.
Pull your ear up and back with your opposite hand, to open your ear canal, and gently push the ear plug into your ear, with a slight twisting motion, until you feel a snug fit and hear a pop or click.
Repeat the same steps for the other ear, and check the fit and the seal of the ear plugs, by covering your ears with your hands and listening for any noise leakage.
Adjust the volume or the settings of the ear plugs, if they have an electronic device, to suit your preferences and the riding situation.
Clean and store the ear plugs after use, according to the instructions and the recommendations of the manufacturer or the seller.

Common Questions

How often should I replace my ear plugs?

The frequency of replacing your ear plugs depends on the type, quality, and usage of your ear plugs. Generally, disposable ear plugs should be replaced after each use, as they can lose their shape, effectiveness, and hygiene over time. Reusable ear plugs should be replaced every few months, or whenever they show signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, holes, or stains. Custom ear plugs can last for several years, as long as they are properly cleaned and stored

Can I wear earplugs with a Bluetooth headset?

Yes, you can wear earplugs with a Bluetooth headset, and in fact, it is recommended to do so for motorcycle riding. Wearing earplugs can lower the noise level and protect your hearing from loud noises, such as wind, engine, traffic, and helmet noise

Are motorcycle earplugs worth it?

Yes, motorcycle earplugs are worth it, as they can protect your hearing from the damaging effects of loud noise, such as wind, engine, and traffic noise. Riding a motorcycle without earplugs can expose you to noise levels that are above 100 decibels, which can cause permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, and other hearing problems. Motorcycle earplugs can reduce the noise level by up to 30 decibels, which can make your ride more comfortable, enjoyable, and safe.

Are custom earplugs better than foam?

Custom earplugs are generally better than foam earplugs, as they offer more advantages in terms of sound quality, comfort, durability, and cost. Custom earplugs are made from a mold of your ear, which means they fit your ear canal perfectly and create a better seal. This allows them to filter out unwanted noise more evenly and accurately, without muffling or distorting the sound. Custom earplugs are also more comfortable and durable, as they are made from soft and flexible materials that do not irritate or damage your ears. Custom earplugs can last for several years, while foam earplugs need to be replaced after each use. Custom earplugs may be more expensive upfront, but they can save you money and hassle in the long run

Conclusion

In conclusion, picking ear plugs is actually a lot more simple than you may expect. Regardless if you pick up a discposable pair from the dollar store or an expensive pair online, as long as you are protecting your hearing, you made the right choice.