Noise induced hearing loss occurs when we are exposed to sounds that are too loud or loud sounds that last a long time. Sensitive structures in our inner ear called hair cells become damaged, causing noise-induced hearing loss. These hair cells are small sensory cells that convert sound energy into electrical signals which then travels to the brain. Once damaged, our hair cells cannot grow back.

When out riding it doesn’t take much speed to create enough wind noise to damage one’s hearing. The noises can range from high-pitched whistling to deep continuous booming. This happens with full face helmets as well as “skid lid” helmets that just cover the top of one’s head. Some full face helmets are a bit quieter than others, but, even the best are still going to cause some hearing damage over time unless you take steps to prevent it. Enter the earplug.. or should that be insert the ear plug.

Over the past several years I’ve tried several different types and brands of ear plugs. I found them to range from good to excellent as far as their ability to reduce the noise of wind rushing around my helmet. Any one of the various types of plugs I tried would help. The problem is that as far as comfort was concerned, they ranged from uncomfortable to very annoying, and that was with just having them in my ears. Pulling a full face helmet onto my head usually compounded the discomfort by putting additional pressure on the portion of the plug that sat outside of the ear canal.

Much like gear such as boots, gloves, and helmets, where the best gear is the gear you’ll actually wear, the best ear plugs are the ones that you don’t mind putting in your ears. In my own un-scientific estimation I think the ratio of riders who use ear plugs to those that don’t is something like 1 to 20 or even 1 to 25, not very good odds to be sure. Personally, I was not a regular wearer unless I knew I would be on the highway for an extended period of time. I didn’t like those things in my ears and I believe that’s why many other riders don’t use ear plugs.

Since I value my hearing and I ride around 8,000 to 10,000 miles a year something was going to have to change. I called some places I found via Google to inquire about having custom ear plugs made. I was given prices of around $200.00. That seemed really high to me. I was going to give up on this idea, but, during a recent visit to my doctor, I mentioned I was looking for custom earplugs and he suggested I try the Brentwood Hearing and Hearing Aid Center. I made the appointment to get fitted for some custom ear plugs.

A few days later I arrived at the Brentwood Hearing offices and met with audiologist Tania Williams. She asked me why I needed “sound plugs” (could I have been saying this wrong the entire time?). I explained that I wanted them for use when motorcycle riding. She agreed this was a good idea so all that was needed now was to make the molds.

The process of making the mold is pretty quick and starts with a bit of of the inside of your ear. It would be a good idea for one to clean their ears before going to the audiologist to save everyone involved some time. Ask me how I know. After the cleaning was done Tania stuffed cotton into my ear canal and made sure it was tightly packed to prevent the mold material from reach my eardrum.

Next she mixed the mold material and proceeded to inject it into my ear using what looked like a big syringe or a small caulking gun (take your pick). I soon felt the squishy mold material enter my ear. The material had the consistency of toothpaste and soon I could barely hear anything as my ear was filled with the slightly cool goo. It did feel a little odd at first but not as weird as I expected it would be.

During the mold making process you have to keep your mouth open. Not wide open as in saying “Ahh” but just relaxed a bit. This allows your ear canal to be as open as it can be and assures a good fit for your new plugs. One unfortunate side effect is that you cannot swallow while your mouth is like this. Tania handed me a tissue just prior to starting the mold process for this very reason.

The boring part started as I had to sit wait 10 minutes while the mold fixed in my ears. While I was waiting Tania made a phone call. With my ears full of slowly hardening “goo” I couldn’t really hear what she was saying but I could make out “motorcycle” and “recommend”. It turns out she was speaking with the lab technician where the ear plugs would be made and was checking to see what was recommended for motorcycling use.

As I sat there dabbing my chin with the tissue she finished the call and proceeded to remove the molds. Sound came rushing back into my head as she slowly pulled the now very oddly shaped molds from my ears. This was also a weird feeling, but, not as strange as I thought it would be.

After checking to make sure the molds had filled in as deeply as needed Tania showed me the style of plug the technician had recommended. This particular style had less material that would sit on the outside of the ear can also it would be comfortable when wearing a helmet. This particular style also had a tiny hole and chamber that helped equalize pressure.

She asked if I wanted any particular color but I just chose the clear version. I wasn’t too concerned about this choice as one really isn’t going to see them much and clear actually makes it easy to assure you’ve cleaned them well when it’s time. With the decisions made they told me they would call in a few days once the plugs have arrived.  

Fast forwarding to the next week I got a call telling me the that plugs were there and ready to pick up. A few hours later I was trying out the new plugs for fit. Looking at them one would think “that’s going in my ear?” but as I inserted them and twisted them into my ear they popped right into place. After the second plug was in my world went nearly silent. I could see the staff was asking me about how they felt but I could barely make out the words.

“They feel great!” I said probably a bit too loud. The difference in the sound reduction and the comfort of these “sound plugs” over disposables was notable. I was concerned that they may be too quiet, as one still needs to hear some sounds, when riding, but I was going to see how they worked out..

I decided to try them out on my morning commute. I inserted my new ear plugs, pressing and wiggling them in as recommended by the staff for a solid fit. I pulled my helmet down over my head and was very pleased, that indeed, there were no comfort issues while wearing my helmet. I sat on my SV and thumbed the starter. I could feel the engine running underneath me and I could hear the engine running in the mid frequency range, but barely any of the low end sounds were audible.

As I pulled out onto the street I could hear the wind only now it was very subdued and no low frequencies were present. The midrange frequencies could be heard but they sounded very distant and were no longer a threat to my hearing. I turned on my headset to see if I could hear the music streaming from my Blackberry. It was quiet but turning it up a couple of notches rewarded me with music. I should explain that I only turn up the music just enough to hear it, and never make it loud.

I found I could still hear car horns, sirens, and the normal sounds associated with being on the road, albeit at a reduced level and still with very heavily muted low frequencies. I didn’t feel any anxiety of not being able to hear well enough to stay in touch with my surroundings. I was very interested then to see how the higher speeds of the interstate would fair.

Merging onto I-40 I crossed over quickly, but safely, to the HOV lane and proceeded on towards the Donelson Pike exit on my way to work. The traffic was a bit heavy but the HOV lane was relatively clear (don’t you love that we can ride in the HOV lanes?) and this allowed me to reach speeds that are difficult, or at least risky, to cruise on secondary streets.

The wind noise increased but only in that it was more continuous. The volume, however, remained the same. I could still hear the music playing as easily as when rolling at slower velocities. Perfect! This was better than I had hoped for. When I arrived and got up to the office I noticed that the slight ringing in my ears that usually follows most riding was conspicuously absent as if to punctuate the fact that the ear plugs were doing their job.

These ear plugs were complete success in my book. I now use them every time I ride and I think my “future self” will be very happy that I did. I hope that this story may persuade others out there to consider taking steps to protect their hearing like I have.

I nearly forgot to mention the cost of the ear plugs I got. I stated earlier that I got quoted prices of around two hundred dollars for having this done at other places that I had contacted. My plugs from Brentwood Hearing cost me $110.00 plus sales tax. Not a bad price for “protective gear” considering that’s about the price of a cheap helmet or good pair of gloves. Think about it. How much is your hearing worth to you?