Did you know you are at risk of hearing loss after only 7.5 minutes of riding your motorcycle at 112 km/h (70mph)? It gets worse. Damaging noise volumes spike sharply higher the faster you ride. Spend too long with your hair on fire, turning and burning, and you will start degrading your hearing at a startling rate. Fortunately, an easy way to prevent this is by wearing earplugs. But how do you choose the best ones for you?
In this guide, we’ll discuss the importance of wearing earplugs during motorcycle rides, explore the Australian and American standards for hearing protection, delve into the world of decibels, and provide tips on selecting the right earplugs for your needs. And keep reading until the end for my personal recommendation. I worked on military aircraft for 23 years and have been riding for over 28. So, you could say I take noise exposure very seriously. Let’s get into it.
SO WHAT!
If you don’t care about all the sciency stuff and just want to know which plugs are best, click the button.
SOURCES OF MOTORCYCLE NOISE
You are exposed to varying noise levels during your ride. The main contributors are wind, surrounding traffic, engine, and exhaust noise. Wind noise is the dominant source as speed increases, closely followed by engine and exhaust noise.
Wind noise results from the turbulence created as a motorcycle and its rider move through the air. The shape and design of the bike, including the fairings, windshield, and other components, influence how air flows around the bike. Turbulence occurs when the air flows unevenly over and around the motorcycle, leading to variations in pressure and causing noise.
A loud exhaust can rival wind noise as a sound generator. Importantly, it can work to increase noise levels at lower speeds, exposing you to noise levels usually experienced at higher speeds. If you have ever ridden a bike with a loud exhaust without earplugs for an extended period, you may have experienced the dreaded ringing in the ears post-ride, particularly after long highway rides or a stint on the track.
Motorcycle style is also a factor. For example, a naked bike exposes you to the elements more than a faired bike, resulting in the wind trying to ‘peel’ you off your bike at high speed. By contrast, thanks to its elaborate fairing, a dedicated touring machine envelopes you in a relative cocoon of silence. Even relatively low speeds can generate noticeable wind noise, especially if the motorcycle lacks aerodynamic fairings.


Fairings make the bike more aerodynamic. Which do you prefer?
Your helmet also plays a significant role in the amount of wind noise generated. Helmets are designed to be aerodynamic, but factors like ventilation openings, visor design, and the overall helmet shape can affect how air flows around and inside the helmet.
Some helmets allow more sound to the ears, while others are better at managing airflow and are intrinsically quieter, mainly when the visor is fully down. A full-face helmet is superior to an open-face helmet in this regard, as it is designed to minimise turbulence. Open helmets trap and decelerate air around the face, creating significant turbulence near your ears where you need it the least.
DECIBELS AND THE NOISE SCALE
Sound is measured in decibels, which is a unit of measure of the intensity of sound energy. However, decibels are not like regular numbers. You can’t just add them up linearly to determine the severity of sound energy.
The decibel scale is logarithmic, meaning the amount of noise energy doubles every 3 decibels! As noise volume increases, it can quickly become uncomfortable. Think back to school. Remember how a quiet classroom could quickly become hell on Earth?
The problem is that the threshold for hearing damage can be reached in a relatively short time. Check out the chart below that compares noises and their respective loudness. What do you notice? That’s right, motorcycles are listed at 90 dB(A), but hearing protection is required from 85 dB(A). See a problem?
HEARING EXPOSURE STANDARDS
This is where hearing exposure standards come in. Most countries have standards stipulating the noise thresholds at which an unacceptable risk of hearing damage occurs. In Australia, the AS/NZS 1269.3:2005 standard guides occupational noise management. The American standard is ANSI S3.19-1974. Both are similar, but we’ll focus on the Australian standard.
The chart shows the maximum recommended exposure time for a given sound level. An unacceptable risk of hearing loss occurs after 8 hours of exposure to noise above 85 dB(A). But because sound energy increases exponentially, you will be at risk of the same damage after only 4 hours at 88 dB(A).
The thing is, noise levels experienced while riding are generally higher than 85 dB(A), and the longer you spend at higher speeds, the higher the potential for hearing loss.
DECIBEL LEVELS AND RIDING SPEED
Knowing what decibel levels you will be exposed to is crucial for selecting appropriate hearing protection. Let’s consider the noise ranges at different riding speeds.
- City Riding 0-48 km/h (0-30 mph):
Decibel levels range from 70 to 90 dB(A), influenced by traffic noise, engine design, and road conditions.
- Highway Cruising 48-105 km/h (30-65 mph):
Riders may face decibel levels from 85 to 100 dB(A) due to wind noise, particularly relevant at higher speeds.
- Freeway Speeds 105+ km/h (65+ mph):
Wind and engine noise at freeway speeds can surpass 100 dB(A), emphasising the need for effective hearing protection.
Noise volume at highway and track speeds are regularly higher than 100 dB(A). Now consider this. Only 7.5 minutes of exposure at 103 dB(A) will put you in the red zone for hearing loss. Thanks to the exponential scale of noise energy, this is the same risk level as 8 hours of exposure at 85dB(A).
HEARING DAMAGE COMPOUNDS AND IS IRREVERSIBLE
Now for the obvious. Prolonged exposure to loud noise can lead to hearing damage. But it’s a dynamic hazard. Hearing loss builds up over time with each exposure to loud noise, and the damage is irreversible. Once your hearing is gone, it’s gone for good. Imagine the cumulative damage you could do after years of riding without hearing protection.
The good news is that hearing loss is preventable, and the best way to protect your hearing while riding is to wear earplugs.
CHOOSING PLUGS USING THE AUSTRALIAN STANDARD
Choosing the type of earplugs to ride with is easy. Hearing standards provide a way to categorise hearing protection and quickly identify if it will do the job.
The Australian Standard (AS/NZS 1270:2002) rates hearing protection into five classes, with Class 1 being the lowest level of protection and Class 5 being the highest.
The system is based on the Sound Level Conversion (SLC80) rating, which is the difference between the sound level of the environment where the hearing protection is worn and the sound level reaching the wearer’s ears. This is converted to a recommended noise range.
Once you have identified the noise range you are likely to be exposed to, reference the table above to select the appropriate level of hearing protection. Look for the class level on the packaging of the earplugs you wish to use. Put simply, the best level of protection will be provided by a class 5 product combined with the highest decibel reduction number.
Note: You will also see a dB reduction number quoted next to the SLC code which indicates decibel reduction and assists with comparing similar products.
CHOOSING PLUGS USING THE AMERICAN STANDARD
The American system is similar. It provides a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR), a numerical representation of a hearing device’s sound muffing ability.
Unlike the Australian system, the NRR doesn’t provide noise levels to help you choose earplugs. Instead, this system is used to compare different products. The highest NRR rating for earplugs is 33, and the highest available NRR rating for earmuffs is 31.
Feel free to experiment, but I would go for the highest rating. Why not give yourself the best chance to protect your hearing?
YOU MUST FIT THEM CORRECTLY
Alright, you have gone through the process of selecting the earplug with the best possible rating. But when you go for a ride, you discover loud noise leaks past them, and they only partly work. “These are a waste of time”, you say to yourself, and throw them in the bin.
If you ride with plugs, you may have at some point gone through the process of fitting them and putting on your helmet and gloves, only to set off and realise one of your plugs is not in properly. The result is peace in one ear and a rock concert in the other. There are few more annoying things in motorcycling!
This is not an earplug problem; it’s a you problem. In order for the plug to do its job, it must be fitted correctly. The importance of this cannot be overstated. In fact, the writers of the hearing standards have so little faith in the end user’s ability to fit plugs correctly, they include a correction factor in the standard to account for poor fitment.
EVERY EAR IS THE SAME BUT DIFFERENT
There are actually two aspects to fit. The plug must fit your ears, and they must be fitted correctly. Everyone’s ear shape is unique. The earplug must fill the ear canal and prevent leakage of excessive noise into it. Choosing the wrong size can severely reduce the protection value, expose you to harmful noise, and make the earplugs uncomfortable. Some riders have a bad experience and never bother to wear them as a result.
While most ear canals have a round shape, some have an oval or slot-type shape, which some earplugs will find more challenging to stay in. The ear plug needs to create an airtight fit, like a cork fits in a bottle.
Here are some things to look out for when fitting earplugs.
- Ear plugs must sit deep enough in the ear canal to create a seal while maintaining comfort.
- If the plugs go in too easily, they may be comfortable but are likely too small for your ear and will allow noise leakage and reduced protection capacity.
- If the earplugs are too large, they are unlikely to sit deep enough in the ear canal, won’t achieve the specified protection level, and will feel uncomfortable.
Sizing tends to be based around men’s ears; however, women’s ear canals are generally smaller than men’s, so ladies are often best served by a smaller or narrower plug.
HOW TO FIT EARPLUGS
Below is a guide to installing a foam ear plug. If using moulded or solid plugs, follow the same process but focus on sealing.
- Roll the earplug up in your fingertips for a few seconds until they are compacted into a tight, conical shape.
- Quickly insert the plug into your ear canal (do not allow it to expand too much if using a foam plug). With your free hand, it may help to pull back on your ear as you insert the plug. This will straighten your ear canal and allow the plug to push into your ear more easily.
- Push the plug into your ear as deep as you can, being careful not to push against your ear drum. If you feel pain from touching your eardrum, you have pushed too far!
- The plug should sit almost flush with your ear canal entrance.
- Allow the plug to fully expand for a few seconds; you should feel the ambient noise slowly silencing.
Once fitted, you can check if the plugs formed a good seal by cupping your hands over your ears. If you notice a considerable change in ambient noise, you may not have the best seal and should consider refitting them.
I personally push them in very gently to the point where I feel them kiss my ear drum and then pull them back a fraction. Warning! Be very careful and deliberate when doing this. I am not advising you to do it this way; it’s just how I always ensure a perfect fit.
When taking them out, pull them out slowly while twisting. Watch this video for a demonstration.
OTHER BENEFITS OF WEARING EARPLUGS
But wait, there’s more! There are other benefits to wearing earplugs over and above saving your hearing and preserving your long-term health (as if that isn’t a good enough reason on its own!).
Excessive noise can distract and induce fatigue. Earplugs enhance your concentration, allowing you to react more quickly to potential hazards, thereby contributing to overall road safety.
Earplugs improve your situational awareness by allowing you to hear your surroundings better. Wind noise can mask ambient sounds that you may otherwise use as cues for danger, such as a close vehicle or the beep of a horn or a siren.
Aural enjoyment is preserved. One of the best aspects of motorcycling is the sound of the engine. Earplugs allow you to hear your engine better, and those juicy air-box sounds are more audible. In addition, hearing the engine is vital for effective motorcycle control if you ride on track.
Don’t miss out on the satisfaction of hearing your engine sing. Chec out the video below to hear what I mean.
EARPLUG OPTIONS
There are numerous earplug options on the market. Take the time to consider your preferences, riding conditions, and budget to select the earplugs that best suit your needs. Here are the four main categories.
Foam Earplugs
Foam earplugs are popular due to their affordability, ease of use, and effectiveness. They are made from a soft, compressible foam material that expands to fit the shape of your ear canal, creating a snug and secure seal. Foam earplugs are disposable and come in various shapes and sizes to accommodate different ear canal sizes.
Silicone Ear Plugs
Silicone earplugs offer a more durable and reusable alternative to foam plugs. They are made from a flexible, hypoallergenic material that conforms to the shape of the ear canal, providing a comfortable and secure fit. Silicone earplugs are easy to clean and maintain, making them a cost-effective choice for riders who want a long-lasting solution.
Foam earplug
Silicone earplug
Custom Moulded Earplugs
Custom moulded earplugs are an excellent option for riders seeking a more personalised solution. These earplugs are individually crafted to fit the unique contours of your ears, providing a superior level of comfort and noise reduction.
Custom moulded earplugs are typically made from medical-grade materials and can be equipped with filters to allow for selective sound attenuation. While they may be pricier than foam or silicone options, the customised fit and premium features could make them a worthwhile investment.
Filtered Ear Plugs
Filtered earplugs are designed to provide a balanced approach, reducing noise while preserving critical ambient sounds. These plugs are equipped with special filters that allow specific frequencies to pass through, ensuring riders can still hear crucial auditory cues like traffic signals, horns, and emergency vehicles. Filtered earplugs balance protecting your hearing and maintaining situational awareness, making them suitable for varied riding environments.
Moulded earplug
Filtered earplug
Whether you opt for the affordability of foam ear plugs, the durability of silicone plugs, the personalised fit of custom moulded options, or the balanced approach of filtered plugs, any hearing protection is better than no hearing protection.
WHICH ARE BEST FOR YOU?
The importance of selecting the correct earplug for your ear size and shape cannot be overstated. Unless the plug provides an airtight seal in your ear canal, it won’t work. Think of it this way. Would you pick a helmet size randomly and hope for the best?
The only question remaining is, with so many options, how do you choose the best ones for you? From a practical point of view, there is only one way. Try different plugs until you find one that works best for you. Being relatively cheap, it won’t break the bank to sample a few for the sake of your hearing.
MY RECOMMENDATIONS
I worked on fighter jets as an Aircraft Technician in the Air Force for 23 years and have been riding for over 28 years. I have used countless earplugs over that time and consider myself somewhat of an earplug connoisseur! I know what fits me and what works.
My current favourite are Moldex Spark Plugs disposable foam plugs. They fit great and work great. They also offer the highest rating for both the Australian and American hearing standards – Class 5 (SLC 80 29 dB) and NRR 33. What more can you ask?
For Australia – check out Moldex Spark Plugs here.
For USA – check out Moldex Spark Plugs here.
An honourable mention must go to Laser Lite LL-1 earplugs. Despite being a Class 4 plug (SLC 80 25 dB – NRR 32), in my experience, their sound-deadening abilities are on par with Class 5 plugs. The reason is their wide T-shaped bottom section, which provides an excellent seal when fitted correctly. Be sure to orientate the T-section in the widest part of your ear opening.
For Australia – check out the Laser Lite’s here.
For USA – check out Laser Lite’s here.
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Moldex Spark Plugs
Laser Lite LL-1
STICK THEM IN YOUR HEAD
Earplugs protect you from potential hearing damage, help preserve your long-term health and enhance your overall safety and enjoyment on the open road (or track).
I aim to wear earplugs on every ride. But on the rare occasion that I don’t, I am reminded of the sheer violence wind noise can create. Fitting earplugs may seem like a hassle, but the benefits far outweigh the negatives.
After a while, fitting plugs becomes part of your routine, and you hardly think about it. I take advantage of this time by using it to focus and push out distracting thoughts before I throw a leg over the saddle. I close my eyes and put my brain into gear in preparation for the ride.
And don’t just take it from me. Watch any MotoGP, WSBK or other professional motorcycle racers; they all use earplugs. For many, fitting earplugs forms part of their pre-ride routine. In fact, most race series mandate their use. No plugs, no ride. If Valentino Rossi, Marque Marquez and the rest use them, why wouldn’t you?
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Put your earplugs to good use. Check out these riding skills posts.
Interesting article that reminds us of the importance to wear the right protective gear, even the small stuff! It makes a difference for safety, whether on the road or the racetrack, riding experience, and preserving our hearing… cheers for the read.
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