Helmet noise and ear plugs

I'm a new rider with and old Kaw. I'm trying to get used to the amount of wind noise I'm getting on the highway, but I'm worried I'm going to damage my hearing if I don't do something about it.

I've got a decent helmet, though clearly not top of the line.

How many of you ride with ear plugs on the highway? I tried it today and it made a huge difference, but I didn't like not being able to hear approaching cars.

I have used them on fairly long highway rides (250+ miles) and found they reduced fatique. Ed

You could try experimenting with cotton balls instead of ear plugs. Adjust the amount you use until you find just enough noise reduction to be comfortable, but still be confident about being able to hear whats going on. They also make earplugs designed for concerts that are supposed to reduce the decibel level without affecting the sound of the music. These might provide the right combination in something classier than cotton balls.

Another option is to install a windshield. This will reduce the wind noise on the helmet with minimal effect on other sounds.

I have a windshield and am thinking about trying to see if I can reposition it to change the angle of the wind.

I'll look into some better ear plugs. That might help.

I only have a 1/2 helmet and no windshield. 80mph pretty much sucks.

Try a different helmet to see if your helmet is the problem.

I had a 1/2 helmet and then went full helmet with face shield.World of difference re noise.bj

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the pro riders use em but they get right in the blast zones for long periods of full HP bikes....i can hear better with em in than just free styling cause it cancels out unwanted noise..i can still hear the bikes quirks and cars ect....do i wearem on rides like i should...lazy no

My commute to work includes about 30 minutes on the highway each way. That was enough low fq rumble to make my ears ring a little when I got to work.

I tried some of the disposable foam plugs today and it helped but it blocked out a lot of other sound I actually wanted.

I'll try some higher quality plugs and see if that makes a difference.

I get free ear plugs at work and there are several types for me to choose from. I actually find that I can hear the bike better because the ear plugs block out the wind noise. Plus I'm trying to preserve the hearing I have left. I pretty much wear them all the time.

Do you find one kind of plugs are better than another for being able to still hear the bike and passing cars, etc.?

The foam kind that you squish and insert in you ear is all I have. They made the ride almost silent, I couldn't really hear anything.