Custom Moulded Earplugs - Not as good as you think

[GSmonkey]

Since moving from sportsbikes to GS, I've found there is considerably more wind/turbulance noise.

Having changed most things i.e. screens, tobinators, helmets, etc. I decided to do some research on t'internet.

My custom moulded plugs have a noise attenuation of 30dB.

Having looked at the packet on my old Max earplugs I used to use, I noticed a figure of 34dB. Given that 6dB is a perceived doubling in noise, I decided to give my old earplugs a go.

Well what a tranformation.....a completely quiet ride - the first one since owning the GS.

I've now found some plugs that offer 39dB of attenuation, so am going to try these.

So I think its going to be the custom plugs for low speed, round town runs and the 'proper' plugs for touring (and when I have a hangover )

 

[Yorkie]

39dB is the best that I have heard of - which ones are they?

 

[GSmonkey]

39dB is the best that I have heard of - which ones are they?

They're called Ear Soft FX. Haven't tried them yet, so couldn't say how good they are.

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decibel#.26minus.3B3_dB_.3D_.BD_power

A 3 dB increase in the level of continuous noise doubles the sound power, however experimentation has determined that the frequency response of the human ear results in a perceived doubling of loudness with every 10 dB increase; a 5 dB increase is a readily noticeable change, while a 3 dB increase is barely noticeable to most people.

 

[GSmonkey]

I certainly noticed a *huge* difference between my Ultimate ear custom plugs and a pair of Max (big orange bell shaped) plugs.

One point to remember - damage is done by the sound power which as motomartin says doubles every 3dB. You may not notice the difference, but your hearing will suffer.

 

[trotsky]

They're called Ear Soft FX. Haven't tried them yet, so couldn't say how good they are.

I got a box of 200 of them from http://www.earplugs.gb.com/index.html last year and it looks like I'll be needing another soon. They are comfortable and I forget I have them in within seconds of putting the helmet on.

39db attenuation means you can't hear anything people say to you when you have put them in your ears. I put mine in before I leave the house in the morning ('cos I know my hands are clean ) and it is weird listening to silence fall around you as they expand in your ears - I've even forgot to switch off the radio on the way out.

You do hear traffic around you on the bike, although not as well, obviously. Emergency service sirens cut through okay.

Highly recommended, unless you need to hear the pillion scream...

 

[sparkplug]

FWIW, I would be wary of claimed attenuation figures. Ask to see test data to support the claimed figures.

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

Eh ? Come again ?

 

[MikeO]

I posted the same sort of thing on a thred here recently - my disposables - Howard Leight bell shaped rubber ones with a 'peg' in them, are much quieter and more comfortable than either the Ultimate monitors or the previous pair of custom moulded plugs I had made at the NEC. I wear the Ultimates when I want to listen to music, but wear the disposables on day-to-day riding.

The packaging of the disposables has 'SNR 28 NRR 26' - not sure what that means...

Mike

 

[BarcodeMan]

I posted the same sort of thing on a thred here recently - my disposables - Howard Leight bell shaped rubber ones with a 'peg' in them, are much quieter and more comfortable than either the Ultimate monitors or the previous pair of custom moulded plugs I had made at the NEC. I wear the Ultimates when I want to listen to music, but wear the disposables on day-to-day riding.

The packaging of the disposables has 'SNR 28 NRR 26' - not sure what that means...

Mike

Hi Mike,

SNR
"An SNR is a single number rating system determined according to International Standard ISO 4869. The tests are carried out by commercial laboratories that are independent of the manufacturers. Like NRRs, SNRs are expressed in dB's and are used as a guide for comparing the potential noise reduction capability of different hearing protection devices. Since the procedures for measuring NRRs and SNRs are different, the values for an individual hearing protector are different. "


NRR
"The noise reduction rating is a rating system developed to give guidelines about the potential hearing protection that hearing protectors can provide in a noisy environment. The amount of noise reduction is measured under controlled laboratory conditions and is given as an NRR number in dB's - the higher the number, the more hearing protection. The "real-life" protection provided by hearing protectors is less than the ideal or measured value. "

An NRR rating of 33 would seem to be about the maximum generally available in disposables.

(Calculations and formulae available if required...)

 

[GlynnJ]

I am slightly dissapointed with my UltimateEar plugs too. Though, to be fair, they did warn me before I bought them that the attenuation isn't as good.

Where they do score, however, is with comfort. I can wear the custom plugs all day but the foam plugs hurt my ears after a couple of hours (I think it is 'cos they are continually trying to expand).

So, although is makes sense to wear the foam plugs when touring I find that the custom plugs are the only ones I can wear day after day.

Is this what they call a dilema?

Glynn

 

[Gilson]

I didn't want to hear that!

I am expecting delivery of my ultimate ear monitors any day now and for 126GBP I am expecting to get my money's worth. I hope they are comfortable because, as with glynn, the softies hurt.

I hope I've made a good choice.....

 

[GSmonkey]

Ultimate also told me at the time that they weren't as good as the roll down plugs, so I'm not bitchin'

Haven't tried the monitors Gilson, but if you've got some music to listen to maybe its not too bad. They are very comfortable as well.

 

[GSmonkey]

.....which to try next

 

[boundless]

Anyone tried the 'lost wax' method yet?

I've been told it is the ultimate total experience....

 

[Deleted account W]

.....which to try next

Try those LV lamps or that nice blue pen

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

Hold on a minute....

£126 quid for someone to stick a bit of vaseline in your ear - then fill it with a bit of bathroom silicone !!

FFS !!

and be told 'theyre not as good as the free ones' ??

Should be called the 'Emporers new earplugs' ?

somebody's having someone on here , surely ??

How do i get a franchise in this ??
Money for old rope

I'm going to practise on myself - pics to follow...

 

[Gilson]

I've tried the majority of those disposable selection, some are good, some are crap, especially those with the long stalks, pain city!

The 126GBP are the monitor ear plugs for playing music. The custom plugs are 55GBP, plus 10% discount for UKGSer, 50GBP to you sir!

Got them yesterday, they will take a little getting used to. The right one fits well and cannot be felt, the left one is a little awkward, mainly due to a spot in my ear! lovely I know...:-(

I've only listened to my stereo in the house and they are good quality 'phones. They can play loud without distortion.

You pays your money and makes your choice....