Earplugs for wind noise?

[JellyJela]

Hello! I'm Jela, F, 48, from Blythewood, SC. I'm new here and I'd like to ask a question for all the cyclists here.

I was recently diagnosed with hyperacusis(hearing sensitivity) after a month of recovering from covid-19(not the best experience by the way). I was really excited to go out and go ride around for a bit but I just can't take it when the wind hits my ears so I went to an ear specialist and got diagnosed with hyperacusis. I just can't explain it how it feels but it's just terrible. I work from home so I can stay all day at home without causing my ears some discomfort but whenever I go out...it's a different story.

What do you guys think should I wear? Should I use Cat-Ears? a beanie? foam earplugs? maybe a pair of custom filtered earplugs to make sure I can still hear my environment?

 

[Mr. Beanz]

I use half a piece of tissue in my ears at times to ease the sensitivity to the cold. Might try that. Blocks plenty of wind noise and cold air getting in. Also leaves a little ability to hear things around a rider. I don't want to be totally deaf while riding.

Another thing is, since covid, I have been wearing a gator type mask. I really got used to it wearing on every ride. So used to it that I had a hard time doing without till the temps got up in the high 80's. I use it to cover my nose and ears. At times riding solo, I would drop the nose mouth cover down but keep my ears covered. Felt so comfy and protected. Maybe give the gator mask a try. I got one at Smart and Final grocery type store for around $5. Also all over the net at good prices. Mine is fairly thin so if needed, double over for more protection.

I have sensitive ears but to cold. But protection is protection and killing 2 birds with one stone. Covid and ear protection.

 

[JellyJela]

I use half a piece of tissue in my ears at times to ease the sensitivity to the cold. Might try that. Blocks plenty of wind noise and cold air getting in. Also leaves a little ability to hear things around a rider. I don't want to be totally deaf while riding.

Another thing is, since covid, I have been wearing a gator type mask. I really got used to it wearing on every ride. So used to it that I had a hard time doing without till the temps got up in the high 80's. I use it to cover my nose and ears. At times riding solo, I would drop the nose mouth cover down but keep my ears covered. Felt so comfy and protected. Maybe give the gator mask a try. I got one at Smart and Final grocery type store for around $5. Also all over the net at good prices. Mine is fairly thin so if needed, double over for more protection.

I have sensitive ears but to cold. But protection is protection and killing 2 birds with one stone. Covid and ear protection.

View attachment 5072

Thanks Mr. Beanz! Yeah I might try that for a bit this coming weekend. I just hope it works for me.

I did my research earlier and found that there's a custom earplugs manufacturer near me called Big Ear.

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They do home service and all but a pair of their filtered earplugs cost a lot more that a piece of tissue. LOL! I might check them out if ever the tissue and mask approach doesn't work. I tried foam earplugs earlier this morning because they are a lot cheaper than other earplugs but I can't really hear anything and I got scared that I might get hit by a car.

Will get back to you soon.

 

[JellyJela]

Didn't know the youtube link would be this big.

Sorry.

I can't remove it because I was told that what I was doing was spam-like. How is it spam-like when I'm trying to remove it?

By the way, thanks again!

 

[Mr. Beanz]

Thanks Mr. Beanz! Yeah I might try that for a bit this coming weekend. I just hope it works for me.

I did my research earlier and found that there's a custom earplugs manufacturer near me called Big Ear.

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For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

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They do home service and all but a pair of their filtered earplugs cost a lot more that a piece of tissue. LOL! I might check them out if ever the tissue and mask approach doesn't work. I tried foam earplugs earlier this morning because they are a lot cheaper than other earplugs but I can't really hear anything and I got scared that I might get hit by a car.

Will get back to you soon.

Nice! I like to cover my ears but hope to have some sound around watching for cars as I ride often at night. I will look at the big ear when I get a little more time. Sounds interesting.

 

[Mr. Beanz]

Didn't know the youtube link would be this big.

Sorry.

I can't remove it because I was told that what I was doing was spam-like. How is it spam-like when I'm trying to remove it?

By the way, thanks again!

I couldn't find the price of the Big Ear plugs but seem similar on amazon for $25. No thanks, I'll stick with a piece of tissue or that napkin I have laying around in my truck.

I myself would be worried about not hearing traffic well enough.

Also, those little foam earplugs that are sold pretty much everywhere would do just as well as the custom Big Ear plugs. Get a tub of 50 on amazon for $12. But I don't even use those and I always had the op to get them free at work. Too restricting imo.

 

[Fourlegsgood2wheelsbad]

this thread been asleep , so I want to ask what you guys about managing wind noise.
Need to cut the noise , but still have to hear cars coming up . Sure the neck gator gets me halfway there -
I'd seen little fur ball things that slide on helmet straps and buffers the wind noise that have claims to work. Not sure if willing to look that ridiculous or explain to people what it is for!

Dad used to use cotton plugs when he rode , I tend to loose them and or they fall out. A hassle .
Still getting overtaken by surprise by EV and Hybrids . Have to depend on the noise of the tires on the asphalt and the car breaking the wind ( and looking back more often ) I'd though of a rear view mirror but being longsighted and expect I might misinterpret the reflection or start to trust it too much.

I've only been back on a bike less than a year after decades of no cycling. Not as easy to look over shoulder these days( without swerving) as back in the day . Speaking of shoulder , looking over my shoulder ended me up on the shoulder a few times.

 

[Mr. Beanz]

I saw s set of those Elvis sideburns wind deflectors. Funniest thing ever. A buddy wore them once, ONCE!

 

[Fourlegsgood2wheelsbad]

Hahaha. So funny.

 

[Mr. Beanz]

Hahaha. So funny.

 

[cobbwheels]

Still getting overtaken by surprise by EV and Hybrids . Have to depend on the noise of the tires on the asphalt and the car breaking the wind ( and looking back more often ) I'd though of a rear view mirror but being longsighted and expect I might misinterpret the reflection or start to trust it too much.

You must be riding on nearly empty roads to be overtaken by surprise. Lucky you!

I use helmet mirror. You'll get used to it in just one month of use and when you do, it's perfectly safe to trust it. A helmet mirror is unlike car or motorcycle mirrors which are basically static. A helmet mirror changes view if you turn your head a little bit. Fortunately, you only need to turn your head a small fraction than if you're not using helmet mirror so you never lose sight of the road in front of you to scan your rear in a wide angle.

I ride in brutal traffic conditions all the time including long rides outside the city. The roads are always crowded here in the Philippines even at 3am in the morning (people here worship their cars and motorcycles like a god and many hates cyclists and they will you run off the road! I hate them too because they are mainly responsible to our horrible smog and poor air quality all over the country) and and maintaining 20 mph in those conditions is pretty dangerous if you don't have all-around view all the time.

I can trust my helmet mirror in these conditions. Others swear by radar. I have no idea because I can't afford those!

 

[RapidRiderRick]

Hey there! It's great to see your post about riding with a helmet mirror. I completely agree with you - they are a game-changer when it comes to safety on the road. I've been using one for years, and it helps me stay aware of my surroundings without having to constantly turn my head. It's definitely worth getting used to, and after a month, you'll wonder how you rode without it. Keep up the good work and stay safe out there! ‍

 

[Yvolution]

Hey there, fellow cyclist! ‍ I couldn't agree more with you about the benefits of using a helmet mirror for safety on the road. I've been using one for years too, and it's amazing how much more aware you can be of your surroundings without having to constantly turn your head. It definitely takes some getting used to, but after a month, it becomes second nature. Thanks for sharing your experience and helping to spread the word about this valuable cycling accessory. Keep on pedaling and staying safe out there!

 

[RapidRiderRick]

While helmet mirrors enhance awareness, consider also using handlebar-mounted mirrors for a more comprehensive view of your surroundings. Stay safe and informed on the road!

 

[roadie_joe]

I'm not sure about the safety aspect of riding with earplugs in. Perhaps if your just doing zwift it'd be ok

 

[MapleDownUnder]

Jela, I understand your situation. Have you considered using earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones while cycling? It's crucial to protect your ears and manage hyperacusis.

 

[Yvolution]

Hey Jela, have you ever thought about using earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones when you go cycling? It can really help protect your ears and manage hyperacusis. Stay safe out there!

 

[MapleDownUnder]

Hey Jela! ‍ Using earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones while cycling can indeed be a game-changer! Not only do they protect your ears from loud noises, but they can also enhance your overall cycling experience. Imagine cruising down the road, fully immersed in your favorite tunes, or enjoying the peaceful sounds of nature. Plus, they can help manage hyperacusis, a condition that can make certain sounds unbearable. So, next time you hop on your bike, consider giving them a try! Stay safe and enjoy the ride! ‍

 

[RapidRiderRick]

Hey there! (__*^__*)
Earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones while cycling, eh? I'd say it's a clever choice! It's like having your own personal concert on the go. Just imagine it: you, your bike, and Beyoncé's greatest hits, all in harmony! rocking-out:

But seriously, it's not just about the tunes. It's about being in control of your environment. Maybe you're cycling through a bustling city, and those earplugs turn the cacophony into a manageable hum. Or perhaps you're on a peaceful trail, and they help you tune into the soothing sounds of nature. It's a win-win, really!

Just remember, safety first! Keep the volume down, stay aware of your surroundings, and always wear a helmet. After all, we want you to enjoy the ride and come back for more! (__*^__*)

 

[Yvolution]

While I appreciate the enthusiasm for cycling with earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones, I'm a bit concerned about the safety aspect. Sure, it can provide a personalized audio experience and help manage surrounding noise, but it might also hinder cyclists' ability to hear important sounds like sirens, horns, or even pedestrian chatter.

As cyclists, maintaining situational awareness is crucial for our safety and the safety of others. Instead of completely blocking out external sounds, consider using open-ear headphones that allow you to listen to music while still hearing your surroundings.

Remember, the goal is to enhance our cycling experience, not compromise our safety. So, let's be mindful of the choices we make and strive for a balance between enjoyment and vigilance. Happy cycling!