Many riders skip earplugs, but data makes a strong case for using them. At 65mph, wind and engine noise reach up to 116dB. That’s enough to risk hearing damage in under a minute. The main offender is wind turbulence, not the engine itself.
Tinnitus UK reports that consistent exposure above 85dB harms hearing over time. Earplugs can prevent this and reduce rider fatigue on longer rides. Options range from cheap foam plugs to custom-moulded silicone sets with filters.
Reusable choices like Loop, MotoSafe, and Oxford FilterBuds let sound from traffic or intercoms come through while cutting harmful frequencies. Disposable options such as Howard Leight Laser Lite offer simple protection but create more waste. Bespoke plugs like CF Motoblock provide the best fit and high noise reduction but cost more.
When choosing, riders should check the SNR rating, which shows how much noise is reduced in decibels. A filter system helps balance protection and awareness.
MCN testers evaluate comfort, fit, and real-world performance over long rides. Their results show that good earplugs improve safety and comfort. Hearing damage is permanent. Wearing protection every ride is an easy safeguard that pays off for every mile ahead.
My two cents…
I always wear earplugs, it’s one of those things that degrades over time and when it’s gone, it’s gone. This is an article on my own earplug journey 🙂
Click on the link below for the full article:
https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-kit/accessories/best-motorcycle-earplugs/
