Better earplugs

[squid]

Sure this has been covered many times but products change.

For me it's been a constant faff.

My original custom plugs from about 30 years ago are still the best at blocking sound but started to restrict blood flow in the outer ear somewhere with a helmet on. My ears would sting like crazy when removing my lid.

So I had some new ones made. They are rubbish, the silicone seems stiffer and the seal opens once a helmet is on.

If i get another set made I will take a headband so the ear shape is closer to as it is with a lid on while they set.

I went back to foam ones for a spell but the green ones are not what they used to be. Too soft to get in far enough.

I have many other styles of foam ones but all are a faff really.

Tried a few sizes of the small clear silicone ribbed type but find those are easily dislodged or work their way out.

Tried the disc ones but again very easy to dislodge.

Currently using the home made custom ones which do stay in place but could give better noise reduction.

Anyone else struggle or is it my funny ears?

 

[DJ123]

I used to use the Moldex Contours 7400, when i used foam ones. I found they were ok at reducing some noise, but not all frequency. Comfortable to wear all day without issue.

i now wear custom ear plugs by Auritech the last 3 years, and have no complaints about them at all. I find them really comfortable all year round, great noise blocking, and easy to put in/remove.

Custom Fit Earplugs, Moulded To Fit Your Ears | Auritech Hearing Protectors

Auritech Custom Fit earplugs offer the ultimate in hearing protection, individually moulded to fit your ears, with a choice of our innovative filters.

www.auritech.co.uk

 

[fred22]

The harder yellow 3M earplugs are for me far and away the best earplugs full stop. I think they are called E-A-R Classic.

 

[SBD]

My missus quite likes the silicone ribbed ones, What?

Oh, earplugs? Sorry

 

[Bravo]

I grab a handful from the gatehouse at Burtons Biscuits Edinburgh when I go into load,they're the conical rubber ones.
We just cut the connecting cord and away we go,only had one of the stems break once and Mrs Bravo had to remove the plug with tweezers.

 

[JonnyBravo]

As long as I can remember I’ve been using these Laser Lite from work.


But last summer I bought these on a whim and they are fantastic.
Oxford
Comfy, much much easier to use and they don’t block out ‘too much’ noise like the foam ones.
Wish I had switched sooner.

 

[Arsey]

Custom Fit Dual.
Had mine since last summer . Fabulous . Block out unwanted sound but increase bass in music .

 

[squid]

Custom Fit Dual.
Had mine since last summer . Fabulous . Block out unwanted sound but increase bass in music .

Who did your impressions?

My first set of custom plugs all those years ago were done by the seller at the NEC

The more recent set I was sent to a local hearing specialist. Maybe just are not as practiced at doing them. Probably worth going direct to a manufacturer for the impressions to be taken.

Otherwise quality could be variable

My second set don't fit in the ear as deep as well as being stiffer although both were from the same company.

 

[littleade]

I have the Christmas tree type Alpine ones, they have an insertion tool (basically a plastic tube the fits over the "trunk" which makes them a lot easier to pit them in your ears

Buy Motorcycle Earplugs | Alpine Hearing Protection https://share.google/DaLrDI8sFZzJscLtY

 

[Wapping]

I always have my ear plugs / in-ear monitors made by Ultimate Ear in Kent. They though are some way away from you, perhaps.

Cue, someone saying “But they are crap”. Yup, but it’s not what I’ve found. Indeed, quite the reverse.

That being said, ears, helmets, wind noise, with or without thrash metal or Mantovani’s Swinging Strings, are all so variable that being told what is ‘best’ is a bit like choosing gloves…. Best left to the individual.

 

[littleade]

Custom Fit Dual.
Had mine since last summer . Fabulous . Block out unwanted sound but increase bass in music .

Do you have any speakers in your helmet? I had some from CFGs about 8-9 years ago and tried using them with my Shuberth s1 helmet with a cardo rider Q3 intercom. The small fleshy bit of my ears at the entrance to my ear canal used to get squashed slightly between the CFG and the in helmet speaker which became painful after about an hour's riding. I'm not inferring there's a problem with the CFGs themselves, I think it was more likely down to my head/helmet fit and the shape of my ears but anyone looking to get these or any other of the moulded type would be well advised to take their helmet with them when they get the initial moulding done. His customer service was very good and he reshaped mine FOC which helped, though it did mean another trip over to his HQ to see him. I'd use him again if I wanted anymore. He normally has a stand at Motorcycle Live which could work for anyone going to the show in the future.

 

[Squonk]

I have the Christmas tree type Alpine ones, they have an insertion tool (basically a plastic tube the fits over the "trunk" which makes them a lot easier to pit them in your ears

Buy Motorcycle Earplugs | Alpine Hearing Protection https://share.google/DaLrDI8sFZzJscLtY

I've got these, best I've used. I've also got some Loop ones recently, haven't tried them on the bike but I used them doing some noisy DIY for a day and they seemed comfortable and effective.

 

[Arsey]

Do you have any speakers in your helmet? I had some from CFGs about 8-9 years ago and tried using them with my Shuberth s1 helmet with a cardo rider Q3 intercom. The small fleshy bit of my ears at the entrance to my ear canal used to get squashed slightly between the CFG and the in helmet speaker which became painful after about an hour's riding. I'm not inferring there's a problem with the CFGs themselves, I think it was more likely down to my head/helmet fit and the shape of my ears but anyone looking to get these or any other of the moulded type would be well advised to take their helmet with them when they get the initial moulding done. His customer service was very good and he reshaped mine FOC which helped, though it did mean another trip over to his HQ to see him. I'd use him again if I wanted anymore. He normally has a stand at Motorcycle Live which could work for anyone going to the show in the future.

Yes I’ve got JBL speakers in most of my helmets as part of Packtalk Edge kit

 

[squid]

Custom Fit Dual.
Had mine since last summer . Fabulous . Block out unwanted sound but increase bass in music .

I see these people do home visits or go to their place in Northampton.

I'd guess it wasn't a home visit you had!

When inserted, how far in is the outer face of the plug?

As in if you pressed the palm of your hand your ear can flex flat without pressure on the plug itself?

Thanks

 

[Buttertub]

I've just about tried all types out there and one way or another had problems of some sort so your not alone.
I now just use the disposable ones on ebay, use them for a day then bin em. Howard leight on ebay, buy a good few at a time.
Can be ticky to get in until you get the hang of it as you have roll tight until thin,wet slightly and be quick to get them in before they expand.

 

[Steve398]

I currently use the green Max Lite foam ones, they’re pretty effective for me as long as I put fresh ones in every time as you’re meant to.

I had a set made at Stafford Hospital a few years ago but in a hard silicon material with filters. They muted the noise but became dislodged when I put the helmet on.
Ultimate Ear were good for a couple of years but then became lost loose and again came out as above.
I’ve tried various Christmas tree shaped jobbies but I guess I have the wrong shaped ears or something, they just don’t stay in.

I’d love to find the perfect ear protector, but then again I’d love to win the lottery too…

 

[casbar]

I always have my ear plugs / in-ear monitors made by Ultimate Ear in Kent. They though are some way away from you, perhaps.

Cue, someone saying “But they are crap”. Yup, but it’s not what I’ve found. Indeed, quite the reverse.

That being said, ears, helmets, wind noise, with or without thrash metal or Mantovani’s Swinging Strings, are all so variable that being told what is ‘best’ is a bit like choosing gloves…. Best left to the individual.

Ultimate ear, had the same set for nearly 8 years, still use them all the time

 

[Arsey]

I see these people do home visits or go to their place in Northampton.

I'd guess it wasn't a home visit you had!

When inserted, how far in is the outer face of the plug?

As in if you pressed the palm of your hand your ear can flex flat without pressure on the plug itself?

Thanks

I had impressions done at a local audiologist recommended by them. I’ll take pics in a bit

 

[Arsey]

Ultimate ear, had the same set for nearly 8 years, still use them all the time

Custom Fit’s customer service is in a different league to Ultimate Ear, who were dreadful

 

[casbar]

Custom Fit’s customer service is in a different league to Ultimate Ear, who were dreadful

Not my experience, unless things have gone down hill, but it was 8 years ago.

From Trust Pilot - Reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers consistently praise the company's products, highlighting their exceptional quality and perfect fit. Consumers appreciate the ease of ordering and the efficiency of the service, from booking appointments for impressions to the rapid delivery of the final product. People also value the clear communication throughout the entire process, with regular updates and helpful staff. Consumers report that the products have transformed their experiences, particularly for motorcycle riders. Reviewers note the significant reduction in wind and engine noise, while still allowing important sounds to be heard. Customers also appreciate the comfort of the custom-molded plugs, making them ideal for extended use. The company's customer service receives high marks, with reviewers noting the helpfulness of the staff and the quick resolution of any issues.