Best motorcycle ear plugs

High levels of noise is something we all expect when going for a motorcycle ride.  It comes with the territory, and to a certain extent is part of the attraction. But while the sound of a motor pumping out its magnificent mechanical soundtrack may be music to our ears, unless we’re riding to the red line for lap after lap around a racetrack, it’s wind noise that poses a very real danger.

Tests carried out by our sister publication RiDE magazine in conjunction with ISVR Consulting, a noise and vibration research centre based at the University of Southampton, found that at 70 mph on an unfaired bike, the sound pressure level was just over 101dB and the time to significant risk of damage to hearing took just 3 minutes 34 seconds. Endure this for any sustained period of time and it’s likely to result in permanent hearing loss.

There’s also the issue of fatigue, as being subjected to continuous loud sounds can be unduly tiring and lead to a drop in concentration. Thankfully, wearing ear protection can significantly reduce those dangers and there are different solutions available.

What types of motorcycle ear plugs are there?

The first type is the traditional soft earplug, a short piece of foam that is designed to completely block off the ear canal. These are generally single use, disposable items, but they typically offer the highest level of noise reduction. Insertion is by rolling them between thumb and forefinger so that they’re tightly squished, then holding them in place for a few seconds as they expand in the ear.

Thermoplastic or silicone plugs usually have two or three flanges to seal them in place, and the construction allows them to be washed and reused. There are several on the market that have built in filters, which reduces unwanted frequencies but still allows useful sounds such as engine noise, other vehicles, sirens and communication systems to pass through.

Lastly there are custom made earplugs, which require molds to be made from an individual’s ears in order to provide a perfectly tailored fit. They can have filters or speakers built in depending on requirements and typically cost in the region of $200.

We’ve listed some of the most popular earplugs available on line and included an official rating where possible to show their effectiveness. There are two standards by which sound reduction is rated, SNR (single noise rating) or NRR (noise reduction rating). To compare them, SNR values are around 3dB higher than NRR.

Best motorcycle ear plugs

NoNoise Motorsport

Price: $29.95 | VIEW OFFER

The Motorsport is the highest rated earplug in the NoNoise range. At the heart of the silicon free thermoplastic construction is a zirconium oxide ceramic filter, designed to block out the harmful effects of wind noise while allowing the wearer to hear sounds such as horns, sirens, other vehicles and conversation.

SNR: 21dB

Pinlock

Price: $24.95 | VIEW OFFER

Pinlock include two sizes of earplugs in the pack to ensure the best fit. The filter has been engineered to reduce potentially damaging noise levels, without muffling every day sounds, making them suitable for use with intercoms. The filter is also removable for ease of cleaning and a carry case is included.

SNR: 24dB

Vibes

Price: $28.95 | VIEW OFFER

Another filtered design but with a soft, bud like ear tip, Vibes are barely visible when worn thanks to the low-profile ‘clear as glass’ construction. Three different sizes of tip should suit almost all ear canals and the handy pocket sized hard case should keep them safe when not in use.

NRR: 15dB

Hearos Xtreme

Price: $6.95 | VIEW OFFER

Sometimes simple can be best, as these polyurethane foam plugs from Hearos offer one of the highest noise reduction ratings for their type. The soft hypoallergenic material is intended to conform to the unique shape of each individual’s ears, but without a filter they’ll reduce volume across the board. Includes seven pairs.

NRR: 33dB

Alpine MotoSafe Race

Price: $17.99 | VIEW OFFER

Designed specifically for all-day use under a helmet, Alpine’s silicone-free MotoSafe is built around a filter that allows motor, comms systems and navigation devices to still be heard. They come in two types, Race or Tour, the latter offering higher protection. The integral mini grip makes for easy removal too.

SNR: 26dB

Decibullz

Price: $25.99 | VIEW OFFER

Decibullz come in a range of colors and are the only custom molded reusable plugs on our list. Made in the USA, the thermoplastic molds can be shaped to fit securely in the outer ear by softening with boiling water. Three sizes of triple flanged tips and a pair of foam tips are included.

NRR: 31dB

Eargasm High Fidelity

Price: $38.88 | VIEW OFFER

Two different sizes of hypoallergenic silicone triple flanged shells are included with the Eargasm High Fidelity, and a smaller ears version is also available. As with other filtered plugs, they’re designed to keep the wearer in touch with their surroundings, but unique to Eargasm is a choice of colored filters and matching waterproof aluminum case.

NRR: 16dB

Howard Leight Laser Lite

Price: $28.99 | VIEW OFFER

These high visibility disposable Laser Lite foam plugs have long been a favorite with MCN’s road testers. Unfiltered, they reduce all sounds significantly and the flexible foam material means they should fit almost all ears. Removal and insertion is easy with the contoured T-shaped ends. Price is for a box of 200 pairs.

NRR: 32dB

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