Why Motorcyclists Need Hearing Protection

Even “quiet” helmets allow turbulent air to create high sound levels inside the shell. Noise exposure is cumulative: the longer and faster you ride, the more dose you take on. Safety agencies commonly recommend keeping average exposure around 85 dB(A) for 8 hours, halving safe time for about every 3 dB increase (e.g., ~100 dB ≈ 15 minutes of safe time). On real roads, it’s easy to blow past that—especially on naked bikes, in crosswinds, or with ill‑fitting visors.

For a deeper dive into exposure science, see How Loud Is Too Loud? and our pillar guide Noise‑Induced Hearing Loss: The Complete Guide.

The Best Hearing Protection Options for Riders

1) Foam Earplugs (Disposable)

• What they are: Soft, roll‑down plugs that expand in your ear canal.
• Pros: Highest overall noise reduction for the price; available anywhere; great backup.
• Cons: Can feel “muffled”; performance varies with technique; single‑use creates waste.
• Use when: Commuting, as spares in your jacket, or for very loud bikes/speeds.

Tip: Proper insertion (deep, snug fit) matters more than brand. See fit guide below.

2) Reusable Filtered Earplugs (Motorcycle‑Specific)

• What they are: Silicone plugs with acoustic filters tuned to reduce wind noise while maintaining speech and traffic cues.
• Pros: Less “underwater” feeling vs. foam; comfortable for long rides; durable.
• Cons: Slightly lower max attenuation than well‑fitted foam; keep them clean.
• Use when: Touring, group rides, urban riding where situational awareness matters.

Popular examples: Alpine MotoSafe, Etymotic ER20/ER20XS, EarPeace Moto.

• Shop Alpine MotoSafe
• Shop Etymotic ER20XS
• Shop EarPeace Moto

3) Custom‑Molded Earplugs (Made by an Audiologist)

• What they are: Earmold impressions are taken of your ears; lab makes plugs that fit your canal exactly. Options include solid or interchangeable filters.
• Pros: Best comfort on all‑day rides; consistent seal; choice of filter strengths to balance protection and awareness.
• Cons: Higher upfront cost; periodic re‑fitting if your ears change.
• Use when: You ride often, do long distances, or want a set‑and‑forget solution.

Learn how they compare to universal plugs: Custom vs. Off‑the‑Shelf Earplugs.

4) Electronic Filtered Earplugs (Niche)

• What they are: Small in‑ear devices that attenuate wind noise and can pass or enhance speech in quieter moments.
• Pros: Potentially more natural awareness at stops or during comms.
• Cons: Bulkier; battery management; cost; ear/helmet fit can be tricky.
• Use when: You need dynamic listening (e.g., coaching, instruction days) and your helmet allows comfortable clearance.

Will a Quiet Helmet Replace Earplugs?

Helmets are essential for impact protection and can shape the noise profile, but they won’t consistently lower in‑helmet wind noise to safe levels on their own. A well‑sealed visor, a neck roll, and aerodynamic features help, yet best practice is helmet + earplugs. Many riders also add a chin curtain or wear a neck gaiter to reduce turbulent air entering under the chin bar.

How to Fit Earplugs Correctly (So They Actually Work)

1. Clean hands: Oils and grime reduce friction and seal.
2. For foam: Roll tightly into a small cylinder between fingers.
3. Open canal: Reach over your head with the opposite hand and gently pull the pinna (ear) up and back.
4. Insert deeply: Place the plug and hold 20–30 seconds while it expands. You shouldn’t see much foam from the front.
5. Check seal: Rub fingers near the ear or snap your visor shut—sound should drop evenly without pressure points.
6. For filtered/custom: Seat until snug; ensure the filter port isn’t blocked by the canal wall.

Audiologist’s tip: If one plug “works” and the other doesn’t, it’s usually a fit depth or angle issue. Try again with better canal straightening. Consistency is what protects you over miles and years.

Riding with Hearing Aids

Many riders wear modern RIC/BTE hearing aids successfully under full‑face helmets. Wind can still cause microphone noise, so wind‑noise reduction and program settings matter. For a full walkthrough—including comfort, helmet on/off technique, and program tweaks—see Using Hearing Aids and Motorcycles.

Before You Ride: A Quick Hearing‑Safety Checklist

• Pack two sets of earplugs (primary + spare).
• Choose the right protection for the day (foam for high‑speed blasts, filtered for mixed urban/touring, custom for long days).
• Check visor seal and consider a chin curtain or neck gaiter.
• Mind your speed and time: exposure is dose‑based—faster = louder = less safe time.
• If your ears ring after rides, step up protection and reduce exposure time.

Related Reading

• How Loud Is Too Loud? Understanding Safe Decibel Levels
• Custom vs. Off‑the‑Shelf Earplugs
• Noise‑Induced Hearing Loss: The Complete Guide
• Using Hearing Aids and Motorcycles

Motorcycle Hearing Protection: FAQs

Are earplugs safe for motorcycle riding?

Yes. They lower harmful wind noise while still allowing important cues through—especially with filtered plugs. Protection improves focus and reduces fatigue.

Foam or filtered—what should I pick?

For maximum reduction, foam wins when inserted deeply. For balanced sound and comfort on long rides, motorcycle‑tuned filtered plugs are a great choice. Frequent riders often move to customs.

Do quiet helmets make earplugs unnecessary?

No. Helmets help, but they rarely reduce noise enough by themselves at speed. The safest combo is a well‑sealed helmet plus well‑fitted earplugs.

What NRR should I look for?

NRR is a lab number; real‑world protection is lower and depends on fit. Focus on consistent, comfortable sealing and the sound balance you prefer (foam for max, filtered for clarity).

How do I know they’re working?

After insertion, sounds should drop evenly. If one ear still feels loud or “whistly,” refit it. If your ears ring after rides, increase protection or reduce exposure.