ear plugs vs. noise cancelling ear buds

[breakdirt916]

will "noise cancelling ear buds" (with the electronic box that generates noise cancelling waves) be similar to if not any better than ear plugs?

I use these plugs:



makes my ears a bit itchy, but very good noise cancellation...I won't ride without them

so I'm tinkering with the idea of ear buds instead...

I tried a audio with skull candy earbuds, but it didn't do enough to lower wind noise. Once I got to 60mph, the audio was maxed out, and I still couldn't hear it clearly over the wind...

people seemed to have asked this question on google, but the responses are the same..."use custom ear plugs"..."I use skull candy"...can't seem to find someone that compares ear plugs to noise cancelling ear buds...

[golden chicken]

*Disclaimer* I do not have any real world experience with noise cancelling earbuds. I ride with custom earplugs that I love.

Noise cancelling earbuds work by replaying the noise out of phase so the sound waves cancel out, but just as you experienced with your earbuds, they probably lack the power to completely knock down the buffeting from wind.

[JohnnyV]

I had a pair of Shure noise candling ear buds that were great. What loud ate you riding with? Some helmets are quieter than others as well...

[stoinkythepig]

Do the Shire plugs work at 100+ MPH in the breakdown lane? Some new ideas for my commute just came to me out of the blue.

[imstuner]

*Disclaimer* I do not have any real world experience with noise cancelling earbuds. I ride with custom earplugs that I love.

Noise cancelling earbuds work by replaying the noise out of phase so the sound waves cancel out, but just as you experienced with your earbuds, they probably lack the power to completely knock down the buffeting from wind.

How much did your custom plugs cost?

[Kurlon]

Earplugs block sound energy from reaching your ear.

Noise canceling earbuds add energy to lessen the audible impact but do not lower the overall energy hitting your ear.

One will prevent ear damage and hearing loss, the other won't.

[ilikenapalm]

Ear plugs + whatever bluetooth communicator you prefer that also plays music = happy rider

[Sheppo]

I use Skull Candy ear Buds hooked to my iPhone and haven't had any issue not hearing them, I don't have them any more than 3/4 of the way up at any time. I have used them in a Scorpion and a Shoei helmet. When I am with a group and am using my communicator I still use foam ear plugs. I want a custom set made, just for the fit.

[TheIglu]

How much did your custom plugs cost?

My custom ones were about $50. I had them made at MotoMarket one night.

Going on 3 or 4 years with them now. I can't imagine riding without them. Even 1-2 mile rides seem obnoxiously loud without them in.

I run my Sena at normal volume and can listen to music or talk on the intercom without any degradation in sound quality for the most part. In fact, I think it improves since I can hear what I want to hear more and less of the wind.

[OneCheekRider]

I use some reusable earplugs with my Sena. No problems and I find them very comfortable. Plus they're cheap

[breakdirt916]

huh...I never considered that combination...but that's what I'm aiming to achieve

I want the ability to use a

so just to clarify - using ear plugs (not ear buds/headphones) - you can still talk to people on your telecom?

if so, I'd like to invest in some custom ear plugs

also - I need a comm; are we talking about this Sena?

[TheIglu]

I use the SMH10R, but yeah, same thing basically.

Yes, I run full custom earplugs and it was like Bubs was in my psyche at Deal's Gap all week.

[ctbandit]

There's a new sena coming out soon with a ton of new features that is with the wait. I have the current one and wear it with ear plugs and it's the best audio experience I've had on a bike to date

[ilikenapalm]

I've got a lightly used SMH10 I'll sell for $90.

[OneCheekRider]

Wish I bought my Sena a LONG time ago. I always wear earplugs and listen to music and receive/make calls every day on my commute. SMH10 is fantastic, especially with the Jog dial to adjust volume, change songs, and a lot more. Since it's been out for a little bit, I think it is very fairly priced right now if buying a dual pack.

I used to put in earphones. Dealing with the cords was a hassle, couldn't conveniently adjust volume or do anything else once the phone went in my jacket, and fitment usually took several minutes to get just right. Earplugs just plug right in my ear, helmet goes on and I'm off.

[tsorfas]

Am I the I only person who can't ride with earplugs

[RandyO]

Am I the I only person who can't ride with earplugs

no, I tired wearing em, even one time on a 1000 mile IBA ride but the irritation/annoyance/distraction outweighted the benefit

the right helmet alone quiets things down a lot

[breakdirt916]

Hmmm...read a quckie review on the smh10 (non-R) and the jog dial is easy to use ... sounds good to me...likepalm, ygpm

[golden chicken]

I got them from the same guys that Clayton got his from. They will also mold earbuds in to the earplugs for an additional fee.

I have their info somewhere at home.

[scubasteveRR]

Take the loud obnoxious exhaust off...

I haven't needed earplugs since I took mine off... also the engine noise sounds much better than the fart cannon.

[golden chicken]

It's the wind noise in my helmet that gets to me, not the exhaust.

[Stromper]

Max lite are softer and less irritating

Noise canceling earbuds were not good enough to here talking

I have not done it but you can make your own nceb in your do it yourself silicone earplugs

!st attempt it needed to put MORE goo in the ear canal\\

on Amazon like $7

[obsolete]

Am I the I only person who can't ride with earplugs

Nah, I dislike them. I feel "off" when I wear hearing protection for a long time.

[jwm2k3]

When I use ear plugs on my bike, I swear Im smoother and faster....

[reks95]

You ears continue to grow as you age. Fitted ear plugs are supposedly only good for 4-5 years and then they don't seal or cut noise as well as they did when new. I have a pair I had made for shooting and they're nice, but for riding I just buy the giant box of disposable plugs from home depot and toss them every week or two.