A subject that is very much subjective. One I am a firm believer in "You do You". The below is just my impressions & thoughts in starting to go through the process of finding a "better way." I'd be interested to read what you think, and/or have done.
I was happy with the Howard Leight Laser Lite earplugs for years. https://www.honeywellstore.com/store/products/howard-leight-laser-lite-foam-earplugs-50-pairs-r-01204.htm Used them for upland game hunting, and also for indoor range pistol shooting, and outdoor range rifle shooting in combination with electronic ear muffs. I like the noise reduction, and that I can afford to use a new set every time I remove the old ones. Never had an issue with hearing traffic around me, and could hear the Packtalk Edge communications (albeit at full volume for freeway speeds).
Recently (this riding season) getting a consistent and easy "seal" became very problematic. Also noticed on the last two week long rides (last year) where they were in use every day, with multiple insertions/removals through the day, that they started to get uncomfortable.
A week or so ago, I decided to stop at a local Harley dealership to get a "motorcycle" specific set. They had one set of Motosafe "Moto GP" model earplugs on the shelf. https://www.alpinehearingprotection.com/products/motosafe-race-motogp-edition These are rated at 20 dB reduction. Here is their Chart.
| Frequency Hz | 63 | 125 | 250 | 500 | 1000 | 2000 | 4000 | 8000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average noise reduction value dB | 18.8 | 18.4 | 18.4 | 16.3 | 19.0 | 30.5 | 21.9 | 23.4 |
| Standard deviation dB | 3.1 | 3.0 | 3.2 | 2.9 | 2.6 | 4.4 | 3.5 | 3.7 |
| Expected noise reduction value dB (APV) | 15.7 | 15.4 | 15.2 | 13.4 | 16.4 | 26.1 | 18.4 | 19.7 |
They seal well, are comfortable and easy to use. Not near as quiet as the Laser Lite, but at least they seal consistently. I can't hear the exhaust at freeway speeds, and still needed a high volume level (about 75% volume) to hear comms through a Cardo Pack Talk Edge.
That sent me looking for something even better. After reading a lot of reviews, and watching YouTube videos, I ordered the EarPeace Moto Pro in a 24SNR (I didn't know they had a 27 SNR set or I would have ordered them). https://www.earpeace.com/products/moto-pro?srsltid=AfmBOoqde7FayuDKmZTLQIzi4s5BJH1ycZGioTKlyd5ZntlxEk-Rbg0P
These are quieter than the Motosafe earplugs, yet I can hear the comms at lower volume (a bit over half volume). Also I can hear the exhaust pretty clearly now at speeds of 65mph (max speed limit out here). Here is the chart that came in the package. It's like they tuned the filters for specific freq's.
Easy to insert/remove by hand. Comfortable to wear, and the sound quality seems pretty decent (I have hearing loss, and tinnitus so that is very subjective). Also don't feel the need to remove them to hear people talking. Overall I think this is going to work.
The current helmet is a five year old Arai XD4. https://parts.araiamericas.com/helmets/xd4 I changed out the cheek pads. Then custom fitted the liner, and new cheek pads to maintain a proper fit last summer. It is a loud helmet even with the beak removed. But has excellent venting (with excellent anti-fog characteristics), so I'm a bit apprehensive to replace it with something different. The majority of noise seems to come from up under the neck roll. That is a very large opening. By using a winter lined neck gator tucked into the bottom of the neck roll, and up under the chin, the noise reduction is very substantial. Especially in the lower rumbling air frequencies. Think this is what I'll stick with for a while. I've been drooling over a couple of the new modular helmets, but not sure the venting is good enough for my specific needs.
On a side note: I found a YouTuber who has been enlightening on hearing issues. Things I didn't realize, like the newer generation of hearing aids being able to help limit the uncomfortable whine of Tinnitus. Using white noise to help sleep at night, etc.. Enough good info, that I'm probably going to see an audiologist. See what improvements, if any, that a bit of technology might help with. https://www.youtube.com/@HearingTracker
So that's my highly subjective input. If you are on a similar journey, I'd sure like to see what you are doing. 
Hold my keyboard and watch this! 🙃
Excuuuuse me, but when did it become acceptable to post porn pictures on these sidecar forums ?
Where's a Moderator when you need one ?
Moderator, can I get a ruling here ?
Two Million Mile Rider
Exploring the World in Comfort
🤣 👍
I thought they more resembled a Pixar animated character. Just add eye's nose & mouth. Maybe a Minion's Girlfriend. lol
Hold my keyboard and watch this! 🙃
There are some poorly educated and ill experienced news reporters that thought such things were plastic bullets after large urban protests.
I, too have tinnitus. It is only noticeable when I’m in a very quiet environment, like my living room now. I use the Howard Leigh’s for even my 10 mile commute because modular helmets are appallingly loud. My new Schubert C4 is better than the Shoei Neotec ever was, but still very loud, especially from the right side between the bike and the car.
I’m unlikely to move away from the H-L’s because I’ve still got 100+ sets in a box and I’m a cheap bugger and they do well enough. The only annoyance is that my iPhone Bluetooth end to the Sena chimes after a few hours that I need to turn it down, even though I’ve got 27db nrr making the audio somewhat audible. The warning notice from nanny iPhone covers up the current song playing from pandora and I have to unglove to shut her up.
Not sure if this helps, but it’s me doing me.
Illegitemi non carborundum est!
I use the Ear Peace ear plugs, these are the best I have ever used for me. They are not cheap but I have two pair that I have had for years and will never use any other. They come in a little metal tube and you get three per order, just in case you loose one. They have different versions for your personal preference. I have owned three different models and currently carry two different styles. The one model is good enough for shooting.
https://www.earpeace.com/pages/original-vs-pro
Prepare for sticker shock if you go to an audiologist for hearing aids. I did that earlier this year and was told I needed hearing aids (I already knew that). The ones with all the latest technology run about $6,000 apiece. And wearing them is a lifestyle choice, since they must be worn every minute you are awake. My brother has a set that ring in his ears when someone is calling him on the phone. He can answer the call and talk to the caller without ever touching his phone. It's weird when he, out of the blue, starts talking to someone who isn't there.
Those softy striped plugs are disposable. You’ll rarely see a pair last a full shift in industrial setting. More from taking on/off (dirty hands) than from wearing.
I have a bag of these leftover from recent safety supply sales. Decent NRR and very comfortable.
Good pairs of any brand can be washed and reused to a point. Even a highly rated pair won’t protect if installed improperly.
Way back when I was doing miles of road trips, the wing and radio were quieter than the diesel hydraulic systems I serviced. Didn’t wear, but now wish I had.
I feel the same about the tinnitus as the sore hip and achey knuckles. Just living life and enjoying.
Yeah....well....I can tell you from personal experience (I kid you not) that after being struck by lightning directly to my helmet, and literally blowing out both eardrums, bleeding from both ears....no medicine known to mankind, or in the world of Platypus's, will solve the tinnitus that I live with every nano-second of ever day. Tympanoplasty surgery to my right ear, simply plugged up the hole in the eardrum, but left me with no hearing in my right ear, and hearing aids are only a band-aid solution.
Whoa is me 
My wife is on the opposite end of the hearing spectrum...she hears EVRRYTHING...it is almost scary.
For those of you that do actually wear hearing protection, I encourage you to continue doing so. Loss of hearing is not fun. 
Two Million Mile Rider
Exploring the World in Comfort
There are some poorly educated and ill experienced news reporters that thought such things were plastic bullets after large urban protests.
I, too have tinnitus. It is only noticeable when I’m in a very quiet environment, like my living room now. I use the Howard Leigh’s for even my 10 mile commute because modular helmets are appallingly loud. My new Schubert C4 is better than the Shoei Neotec ever was, but still very loud, especially from the right side between the bike and the car.
I’m unlikely to move away from the H-L’s because I’ve still got 100+ sets in a box and I’m a cheap bugger and they do well enough. The only annoyance is that my iPhone Bluetooth end to the Sena chimes after a few hours that I need to turn it down, even though I’ve got 27db nrr making the audio somewhat audible. The warning notice from nanny iPhone covers up the current song playing from pandora and I have to unglove to shut her up.
Not sure if this helps, but it’s me doing me.
I bought the big box of them as well. I'll still use them at the range because they have an NRR of 32. Also keep a stash of them in each of the bikes in case someone else needs a set.
I just started looking at the HJC Rpha 91. It is supposed to be a very quiet helmet. Would have to order from overseas though to get the best version (U.S. is DOT only). But then there is still the issue of venting. I could keep the XD-4 or just use my MX helmet for those more off road focused rides. The tough part here in Utah is never knowing if a "street ride" is going to become a dirt adventure though.
These guys seem to do a decent review on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@Championhelmets But again it's EU based helmets, which are not always the same as the ones built specifically for the U.S.
I use the Ear Peace ear plugs, these are the best I have ever used for me. They are not cheap but I have two pair that I have had for years and will never use any other. They come in a little metal tube and you get three per order, just in case you loose one. They have different versions for your personal preference. I have owned three different models and currently carry two different styles. The one model is good enough for shooting.
https://www.earpeace.com/pages/original-vs-pro
Glad to read you like them. 👍 Helps to know I'm not out there on my own. lol
I'm pretty impressed. Didn't realize the top SNR is for the original set. I ended up with the Pro version at 24 snr, because that is what Amazon had available. lol
Prepare for sticker shock if you go to an audiologist for hearing aids. I did that earlier this year and was told I needed hearing aids (I already knew that). The ones with all the latest technology run about $6,000 apiece. And wearing them is a lifestyle choice, since they must be worn every minute you are awake. My brother has a set that ring in his ears when someone is calling him on the phone. He can answer the call and talk to the caller without ever touching his phone. It's weird when he, out of the blue, starts talking to someone who isn't there.
It used to be just the homeless people who were "talking to no one". 🤣
Good point! Pretty shocking the cost of hearing aids. I'm hoping to avoid hearing aids if at all possible. Next step for me is a good evaluation & hearing test to see what the damage is. That part of the process will hopefully be reasonable in cost.
There is a new-ish tech I've just started learning about for tinnitus by a company called Linire. https://www.lenire.com/lenire-granted-fda-approval/ Just learned about them yesterday. It is nice to see progress being made, short of mechanical aids.
Hold my keyboard and watch this! 🙃
Those softy striped plugs are disposable. You’ll rarely see a pair last a full shift in industrial setting. More from taking on/off (dirty hands) than from wearing.
I have a bag of these leftover from recent safety supply sales. Decent NRR and very comfortable.
Good pairs of any brand can be washed and reused to a point. Even a highly rated pair won’t protect if installed improperly.
Way back when I was doing miles of road trips, the wing and radio were quieter than the diesel hydraulic systems I serviced. Didn’t wear, but now wish I had.
I feel the same about the tinnitus as the sore hip and achey knuckles. Just living life and enjoying.
I'd never seen those silicon 3M earplugs. Those look pretty cool. 👍 Yeah, seems our generation didn't get the memo on hearing protection. lol
Yeah....well....I can tell you from personal experience (I kid you not) that after being struck by lightning directly to my helmet, and literally blowing out both eardrums, bleeding from both ears....no medicine known to mankind, or in the world of Platypus's, will solve the tinnitus that I live with every nano-second of ever day. a Tympanoplasty surgery to my right ear, simply plugged up the hole in the eardrum, but left me with no hearing in my right ear, and hearing aids are only a band-aid solution.
Whoa is me
My wife is on the opposite end of the hearing spectrum...she hears EVRRYTHING...it is almost scary.
For those of you that do actually wear hearing protection, I encourage you to continue doing so. Loss of hearing is not fun.
Hopefully the younger generation is getting a better education than our generation. But from what I've read, the numbers are trending in the wrong direction for hearing loss. I've become a big fan of hearing protection. 😎
Hold my keyboard and watch this! 🙃
@scott-h I have the RPHA 91 USA and its pretty good but annoying whistle from the sidecar side, and eyeglasses do not fit well. The LS2 Advant caught my eye and i tried the X version USA and found it good i like the flip over out the way, there is some noise but its consistent with no annoying whistles. I then tried the Advant version from Germany and i like it better, noise levels are good and the fit seems to work for me, eyeglasses fit better too. Just waiting on the Advant 2 also coming from Europe. The Advant helmets performance may be better due to the Windbender windshield which i also like. Just using Walmart foam style plugs right now but that may change.
Walk with Joy
Steve Ives
@scott-h I have the RPHA 91 USA and its pretty good but annoying whistle from the sidecar side, and eyeglasses do not fit well. The LS2 Advant caught my eye and i tried the X version USA and found it good i like the flip over out the way, there is some noise but its consistent with no annoying whistles. I then tried the Advant version from Germany and i like it better, noise levels are good and the fit seems to work for me, eyeglasses fit better too. Just waiting on the Advant 2 also coming from Europe. The Advant helmets performance may be better due to the Windbender windshield which i also like. Just using Walmart foam style plugs right now but that may change.
Thanks Steve. Sincerely appreciate the first hand experience. Hope you'll post up your thoughts on the Advant 2 when it comes in. 😎
I was surprised that helmet mfgs had to make different helmets just to comply with DOT for the U.S. Seems to me ECE 22.06 standard creates a better helmet. Maybe the U.S. will recognize the improvement, and adopt a similar standard, that allows mfgs a "one helmet" solution.
The winter neck gator tucked into the bottom of the XD-4 has made a big difference. Along with the Earpeace Pro ear plugs things have become much more comfortable, noise wise. Hoping to eventually find a better helmet solution though.
Hold my keyboard and watch this! 🙃
@dirtydr I was gifted a set of those a couple of years ago. I really like the (when I can remember what pocket I left the tube in.)
Comfortable all day, crank the Sena up to Max and can hear music at acceptable volume. (In a Shoei Neotec II modular, which is a loud helmet.)
The moto specific ear plugs come with three different filters also so you can adjust as conditions require, if needed. The metal tube has a small compartment in the bottom that holds the different filters.
I wear a set when I mow the lawn or work in the shop. I am a firm believer in hearing protection.
OK, I have to sound off about any brand of earplugs that aren't the squishy kind. I evidently have THE SMALLEST EAR CANALS IN THE KNOWN WORLD. Noise canceling earbuds, high end Bose ear buds, everything - I put the smallest of the provided adapters on them and none of them will stay in my ear. Forever falling out. For this reason I have to use the squishy ones.
I did once purchase a set of the custom earplugs. One of them went missing shortly thereafter.
All that said, I can't bring myself to purchase any of the "better" systems because I have no confidence that they would remain in place and I'm out another $$. sigh.
Illegitemi non carborundum est!
