Winner of MCN test. SNR 34dB Large size.
Why wear earplugs? All bikes are very quiet now but the problem is wind
noise. At 70mph the wind noise in the quietest helmet is about 100dB. If
you worked in a factory at that level without ear protection your employer
would be prosecuted. 100dB is very damaging. The noisiest helmets at 70mph
are about 120dB. Book your hearing aid now. And this is in clean air. Turbulence
from a fairing and higher speeds can increase the noise further.
If you wear earplugs you also get the benefits of arriving less tired
at your destination.
If you have had ringing in your ears after a long journey that is an
indication of excessive noise. If you used to have ringing and now don't
that is an indication of damage. Hearing loss is not recoverable and will
keep on getting worse unless you protect it. It is usually measured in
decibels. If you have 35dB hearing loss then you can discover how bad that
is by putting in earplugs and trying to get through a day with them in.
If you have 40dB loss then put on a pair of ear defenders as well. It's
not pleasant.
You probably think all earplugs are the same. They're not. The highest
rated plug is no good if it doesn't fit your ear, is uncomfortable, or
comes out of your ear. If you have tried plugs before and found they work
then fine. If not then try a mixed test pack that contains 3 pairs of each
plug. That is 9 pairs for £5 and find the one that suits you best.
The plugs are independently tested over the audible frequency range
and given an average SNR (noise reduction) rating in decibels (dB). For
example the Laserlite has an SNR 35dB. If your helmet has 110dB of noise
at 70 mph then theoretically the noise will be reduced to 75dB. The decibel
scale is logarithmic so every increase of approximately 3dB represents
a doubling of the noise energy. So the old cylindrical foam earplugs that
give a best of SNR 28dB are only a quarter as effective as a SNR 34dB plug.
Buying in bulk these plugs are extremely cheap. How much is your hearing
worth?
These plugs are the latest design and materials. Soft and comfortable.
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MAX
Winner of MCN test. SNR 34dB Large size. |
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LASERLITE
Recommended in Ride magazine, has the best SNR of 35dB. Medium size and probably the best compromise for most people. |
| SUPERSOFT | Best buy in Ride magazine. |
These earplugs are available from us by mail-order. All at the same price and post free.
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| Mixed test pack | 3 pairs of each | £5 |
(Minimum order £5)