Headset for GPS / audio

[Greybeard]

Just about to get my Garmin 2610 mounted (I decided on a Touratech) but haven't yet setled on an audio solution for voice prompts.

Normally find 'out of the box' ear plugs a pain in the ear so I am thinking about a Duocom solution from ACS http://hearingprotection.co.uk/mo003.asp?hd=92 for protection + audio although they need an ear impression and are not cheap.

Anyone else tried these?

 

[PanEuropean]

I don't listen to audio of any kind when I am riding, so I can't give you any suggestions based on experience.

However - one thing you might want to think about: Rather than using any kind of plug that goes into your ear, you might want to think about getting one of the flat speakers (with foam covering) that fits flush against the hard shell of the helmet. These are sold by various companies in America who sell them for the purpose of listening to music while wearing a helmet.

My concern about an earplug is related to what would happen if you take a tumble, and the side of your helmet impacts the ground. If you have a hard, unyielding object stuffed into your ear (and, surrounded by bones), you might suffer from a fractured skull, eardrum puncture, trauma to the middle ear, or worse. If you are using a flat speaker that mounts against the shell of the helmet, and has a good hunk of foam between it and your ear, then you are less likely to suffer blunt force trauma from it if you take a tumble.

Michael