Hot Rods Roadster hearing protection

Hey guys after 2 summers of fun in my RPU I have the bugs worked out and I’ve really been having fun.

I’ve discovered that I prefer to run without the top and I’ve been looking into some technology to get some ear protection from the wind and exhaust noise and protect what hearing I have now.

I’m considering a pair of noise canceling ear buds which will cancel everything above 85db.
They’re a sporting type of earbud for shooting also.

https://goaxil.com/pages/gsextreme

Have any of you guys tried anything like this.
I like the idea rather than just using the regular foam ear plugs which for whatever reason can become painful for me to wear because of the pressure they put on my ear canal from the foam expanding.

 

Looks like you would be smiling so big you would close off the ear cannels.
I had a customer that used the noise canceling head phones. Not sure those would be the answer though.

 

Don't know the answer to your question, but just wanted to say I really like your RPU. Well done! Love the Y-block, too!

 

What’s the decibels of emergency vehicle sirens?
Be the shits to pull in front of a fire truck racing to the scene.

Edit: I think it’s illegal here to drive a vehicle with headphones on for what I just mentioned.

 

That's a good idea, although 85 db is still pretty high. Sure worth a try, though.

 

Stop running the open headers when driving. Any ear protection helps you, but everyone else is still subjected to the noise. Open headers for on the track, and then you will have a helmet on, right???....

 

I used to use the foam ones but found them awkward to put in so I switched to these. I find them more comfortable. They are worth a try at this price point.

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/hdx-multi-flange-design-corded-ear-plug/1001609548

Phil

 

Those are basically what uncle Sam issued, they work well

 

I've tried those when I was in loud bands in the past and did not dig it. Of course I'm half deaf in my right ear now from Marshall stacks screaming in my ear for 20 years, so there's that.

Awesome vee-hikle you got tho....

 

85 db is the maximum noise exposure level for 8 hours of a work day that will not lead to hearing loss.
That’s an OSHA guideline.

 

If you drive fast enough you outrun the sound

 

I use the foam universal fit units but if you want the next step up, there are fitted versions that are molded to your ears. The target shooters were the 1st I know of to use them. The company sends you the stuff to make the casting and then you send it back and they make the plugs. You are on the right track to protect your hearing. On a cycle, the low frequency noise isn't as noticeable but still very damaging in long term usage. I wore the foam units under my helmet for decades.

 

WHAT!

 

These are earbuds that cancel extreme noise but still allow hearing at the same time so probably better even than earplugs and definitely not as isolating as headphones.
I’m not interested in using them to listen to music or anything like that because that’s kinda defeating the purpose.

 

All jokes aside. my ears constantly ring.
Work, loud rides, music…….
Sucks

 

These work great...from first hand experience..! Leight, MAX, corded ear plugs.
https://www.mcmaster.com/earplugs/
or
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Radians-FP81-Deviator-33-Corded-Foam-Ear-Plug-NRR32/711002681

BUT...you must use them correctly ! Just sticking them crossways into your ear...ISN"T the correct way. Roll them between your finger and thumb to make the foam smaller in diameter, Insert then "INTO" the ear canal, and hold them there while the foam expands.

Not only have I used them on open cockpit cars, but for close to 400,000 miles of daily, motorcycle travel.
Saved my hearing from wind noise..!

Mike

 

I don’t run open headers, my lake headers are plugged off and my exhaust runs through the frame and to the rear through Porter mufflers.

 

That is one sharp ride,

 

I've used these for years on Harley's and other open vehicles. Nice to just drop them down so they hang during stops, and they're in easy reach when it's time to get back on the road. At your local Wally-world.

 

I agree about proper use. McMaster has a great variety. Rather than noise cancelling headphones, you might consider foam earplugs with a higher Db reduction value. Definitely cheap enough to try. I use the ones with 33Db reduction and can hear everything, including any emergency vehicle (hopefully not coming after me!). It's just muffled and a much more comfortable noise level.

 

The ones you show the link to my son uses and they are great. Get them and you will love them just my opinion from his usage around my loud cars and guns

 

It is illegal in some places to use earphones/earbuds in both ears when driving. Even if it is allowed where you are, it is very unwise. Good to be using all your senses while out there amongst the rat race. Quietening down the exhaust a little is something you maybe should think about (and no, I am not "too old"). Losing your hearing is a huge price to pay just for trying to be cool..........

Here are a couple of other options to reduce noise. One is way cooler than the other. Choose carefully..............

 

That is a sweet yblock!

I would suggest trying the silicone swimmer's earplugs. You can shape into whatever fits. I use them for swimming, and they also cancel a lot of noise. I get them at my local drug store, Walgreens.

 

I had a pair of those you listed. I didn't have any luck with them. They had a constant high whining sound when the sound amplify was on and to me they were somewhat lacking on really loud stuff (open headers). Contacted the company on the whining without much luck. They seem to be hit and miss on people really liking them and really not liking them. This was just my experience only though....and not saying they haven't worked well for folks.
Here's reviews on them from Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/AXIL-Stryke-...t-reviews/B07VV63668?reviewerType=all_reviews
I know you're not interested in foam but just FYI this is what I use.....the most comfortable foam devices I've used.
Amazon sells them.

 

I drove a customers coupster back to my storage bay tonight. I just opened up my battery door on my in the ear hearing aids. It cancelled out all the noise.

 

WHAT??? DID YOU SAY SOMETHING? I WISH PEOPLE WOULD QUIT MUMBELING!


I should probably get some kind of hearing aid/hearing protection, but I can't stand that stuff over or in my ears.

 

Couple of people sort of mentioned it, but check a motorcycle website or store near you

 

Tinitus. I have the same thing, probably from driving loud trucks and having the window cracked all these years. Some days it’s worse than others. It’s also inherited, my Mom and sister both have it also, and neither have been exposed to as much loud stuff as I have.

I can wear a headset, but can’t stand ear plugs. I can put a set in, and I’m staggering around like I’m drunk, they screw with my balance somehow. At one place I used to load they required us drivers to wear ear plugs, I couldn’t do it. After I staggered around and about fell under a fork lift, they decided it was better if I didn’t wear them. Wasn’t long after that they quit requiring them. Didn’t need them anyhow, we were outside, 100’ away from the machines running inside the building.

 

I know what a roadster is, but what is this hearing thing you guys are speaking of?

 

I'll have what Johnny's wearing! (after all, he was known for his fashion-sense)