Ear plugs, what do you use ..?

[Dark-Strom]

Erm, never worn em and never had or fitted heated grips on a bike.
Rode through many winters in my younger years.
Remember not being able to move my hands once on my DT50 and managed to stall by use of the rear brake in order to not carry on through a red light...

[Mark Shelley]

I used to use the foam type but a few years ago I switched to these and they are brilliant. They are cheap because they are not biking specific. We get shafted. Sounds gross, but I apply a little spit as lubricant and find they make an excellent seal. If you find the stem protrudes too much just lop a bit off it. You will probably find the same thing cheaper if you research as I just showed this link to show the product.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Plugs-Noise-Cancelling-Reusable-Silicone/dp/B0BNGSNSDN/ref=asc_df_B0BNGSNSDN/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=641706657722&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2676004094909877081&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9044907&hvtargid=pla-1957664433781&psc=1&mcid=37c4ccc4ab8e397fb34e377c103fb76b

[minkyhead]

I used to use the foam type but a few years ago I switched to these and they are brilliant. They are cheap because they are not biking specific. We get shafted. Sounds gross, but I apply a little spit as lubricant and find they make an excellent seal. If you find the stem protrudes too much just lop a bit off it. You will probably find the same thing cheaper if you research as I just showed this link to show the product.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Plugs-Noise-Cancelling-Reusable-Silicone/dp/B0BNGSNSDN/ref=asc_df_B0BNGSNSDN/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=641706657722&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2676004094909877081&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9044907&hvtargid=pla-1957664433781&psc=1&mcid=37c4ccc4ab8e397fb34e377c103fb76b

agree  they are spot on      ..lick em and stick em  with a twist  ..I put a bit of thick wire in em to support the insertion stalks  to make em easier to push in       don't fall out come loose and last for ages  . absalutly no complaints   with em    ..very good   

[minkyhead]

Erm, never worn em and never had or fitted heated grips on a bike.
Rode through many winters in my younger years.
Remember not being able to move my hands once on my DT50 and managed to stall by use of the rear brake in order to not carry on through a red light...

wow         I bet u still have cross ply tyres and  contact breaker points   

[kwackboy]

I used to use the foam type but a few years ago I switched to these and they are brilliant. They are cheap because they are not biking specific. We get shafted. Sounds gross, but I apply a little spit as lubricant and find they make an excellent seal. If you find the stem protrudes too much just lop a bit off it. You will probably find the same thing cheaper if you research as I just showed this link to show the product.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Plugs-Noise-Cancelling-Reusable-Silicone/dp/B0BNGSNSDN/ref=asc_df_B0BNGSNSDN/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=641706657722&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2676004094909877081&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9044907&hvtargid=pla-1957664433781&psc=1&mcid=37c4ccc4ab8e397fb34e377c103fb76b

This is similar to what I currently use now, they are very good except after a a long day they make both my ears ache

[Sage]

Using saliva as a lubricant in your ear may lead to infections, the mouth is full of them. 

[Rixington43]

If you've touched your earplugs with bare hands then saliva is the least of your worries ;)
It's part of why I wear the shield type ones, they don't go into the ear canal so no squeezing or spitting on required.
They only attenuate to 20db above 2khz but, with a good lid and a tall screen, I find that more than sufficient without preventing me hearing comms or the world (sirens) around me completely.

[kwackboy]

Always give my ear buds a dab of saliva to help them in ..

Been doing it for years, never had any issues.

I have more issues with the taste of ear wax .   

[Barbel Mick]

After a bad ear infection (inner & outer), in both ears a few years back I was concerned that it was caused by me licking the ear plugs before fitting. I asked the ENT doctor, when I finally got to see her  , & she said, "no". Then continued to explain that the ears, nose & throat (ENT) were all connected & if an infection was to be in any of them it could infect the other anyway. She put it in different words but I think that's what she meant.   

[Sage]

I used to use saliva too until a few years ago before some ear trouble.

A bit of Googling does give conflicting advice, but a smear of antiseptic cream must be better than some saliva ?

[Dark-Strom]

Minkyhead, haha.
Whilst I turn 50 this year, I guess I couldn't afford heated grips back then and don't miss them now so to speak.
I prefer to listen to the bike than wear earplugs or earphoned /music, horses for courses...

[Mep]

Another custom moulded user. I got them a few years ago from through NHS audiologist, where I also get my hearing aids. I have moderate hearing loss and mild tinnitus in my left ear. I got these for playing music in my band. They are attenuated for around 17db reduction and are great for music as they really just reduce the volume and not obliterate some frequencies. I used to use the yellow foam plugs on my bike but they were OK to a point. The custom plugs are all day comfortable and enable me to hear my Bluetooth music which is great when riding for me and helps mask the tinnitus. I use Vaseline to help lube them. They might cost a bit but you should get years out them. Highly recommend.

[Fossie]

Personally could never get on with earplugs, I have a form of tinitus like most and the 'noise ' when plugs are in is a dull repetative hum /click sound   But with the radio on in the helmet speakers ..it's a game changer .