Ear plugs: yay or nay?

[Bill in SC]

I posted this on Backtalk too, but thought I would post it here also.
Lately I have been using foam earplugs when riding. I was going deaf from loud pipes and wind. From a positive aspect, the plugs cut out all the high frequency noise, and you can hear your engine from a whole different perspective. It really puts you up to a different comfort level when using them. However, they put you in such a comfort zone that your mind might tend to wander more, thus being less safe overall. Does anyone here use earplugs? If so what are your pros and cons using them?
Bill in SC

[kgdb]

Definitely. Short little rips around town maybe not but certainly anything longer, yes. Keeps the wind rush, bugs etc out of the ears and just makes for a pleasurable ride.

[beezer]

yea to shitty bands,anoying people,crappy neighbors neighbors ,bitchy wives or gf ? i wish oh yea them drag pipes for the one that dont know how to treat a mc , and of corse power tools .being deft in one ear i wish i had them this week.like condoms use them resoponably

[Big D]

I wear them all the time, Bill. I've heard or read the real long term damage from riding is the noise from wind.

I'm running Drag Specialties Pythons, and they are crazy loud. Now, I picked 'em out. I knew what they were. I bought 'em. I like loud pipes. But 90% of the time, I use earplugs on the road and commuting.

As far as wind goes... try it yourself. Don't know how your bike sounds... but pull out on the highway. You'll notice that (at least for me) the wind overtakes the exhaust at 40 to 50 mph.

For me? Sounds sensible, huh? But I ain't got a lick of sense. I do it because I don't like the tinitis (?) condition of ringing ears after a long ride. Just last Sunday, I was on a ride... one leg was a 75mph blast from Elwood, IN to Hooty's house (30 miles?) without earplugs, and I heard that roar/hiss in my ears all evening.

That's why I wear 'em.

Now... the "no sense" comment? This old carcass stood in front of a rock concert stage for 2-1/2 hours Tuesday night, and my ears are still hissing at me tonight- 48 hours later. Just like I stood in front of Jimi's Marshall's 42 years ago March.

No sense...

[jerseymutt]

My ears have been ringing (tininitis {spelling ?}) for years from work in the auto business, manufacturing and construction so i don't have to worry about getting it. I have used ear plugs but find them very uncomfortable and I wear a helmet that block a lot of the noise. Also am riding with a windshield now and that helps with the wind noise too.

And I gave up going to rock concerts after seeing Los Lobos live. They couldn't carry a tune in a bucket so the audio guy just jacked up the volumne to the point I had to point my fingers in my ears. I guess he figured if they don't sound good they should sound loud.

Mutt

[Bonehead9]

I don't wear them. I like hearing things around me, including the wind. Short hops round town and such, I wear a shorty helmet. Long ride, I put on the full face so wind's not a problem, but neither are bugs, wind burn on the face, rain, etc.

[richard]

I wear them..... The wind is the worst.... I wear a little half helmet and you just plain need ear protection. The motor sounds "better" it tends to get rid of those noises that might make you worry.....

I would recommend wearing ear protection! (at work I should also.... only do at certain times)

Concerts..... they are a MUST...... better have some in your pocket and not need them then have none...

Saw a few great concerts and did not need any.... it was great!!!

Procol Harum
Jethro Tull
Rusted Root
Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi (almost needed )
Old Crow Medicine Show

its been a fun summer music wise