Best Hearing Protection for Motorcyclists — Audiophile ON

Custom earplugs are what I would call an “ok solution.” I know many people who have said custom plugs are the ultimate solution, the endgame in hearing protection when riding your motorbike. The truth is there are many downsides that, for me, don’t outweigh the benefits of a universal solution outlined above.

Firstly there is the expense. These require moldings of your ear canals done by a specialist and then laboratory work. The set expects to pay more than $100 (a lot more in most cases) for good quality.

Secondly, there are wait times, this is a long process, and it can take multiple trips back to the laboratory before you have a perfect fit. If you buy custom earplugs, then be prepared to endure the process.

Lastly, and this varies by the user, is the fit. I prefer silicone as the material, and it is advised by audiologists over acrylic for blocking noise. The issue with this is how tacky and sticky the silicone is. Stick them in a pocket, drop them on the ground, and dirt/dust will stick to them.

The one application where I like this hearing protection style is motorsports. They are great if you ride your motorcycles a lot on track days.

If you do want to go this route, check out Ultimate Ears, who have been class-leading for their custom motorcycle earplugs for some time. They have two models, squidgy plugs and filter plugs. In my opinion, the filter plugs are worth the extra cost as they have filters that allow you to hear your communications system.