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What is your technique for installing foam ear plugs?

greenmonster said:
Does anyone have a better technique that works the first time every time?
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I have to wet them (after rolling, before insertion) to reliably insert them.

A lot of it is about ear canal shape though. Different people will require different techniques and different plugs.

Speaking of different plugs, try a sampler pack and see what's best for you
https://www.earplugstore.com/unfoamtrialp1.html

I also tried their non-roll up sampler pack, and found 1 plug there that's very quick & easy to insert and comfortable enough for short stints.
 
ilikefood said:
If you have problems because your ear canal is too narrow, there are narrow ear plugs you can get.
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dravnx said:
Also open your mouth wide. This opens the ear canal a bit more.
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Blankpage said:
Squish a little in my hand then rotate slightly when inserting, one handed job simple as that.
Surprised folks have to do two handed gymnastics to get them in.
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All of the above. Hearos and Superleights are too large in diameter for my ear canals, and ultimately become painful. I use Howard Leight Laser Lites, and buy them by the case. I've used custom molded plugs and silicone plugs, and always go back to foam because they work better for me.
 
greenmonster said:
Kind of a dumb question but here goes - I tried a few different ear plugs and have settled on good old Hearos foam ear plugs. My problem is it takes 2-3 or more tries before I can get them correctly into my ear canal to where they can do their job.

I pinch the ear plug between thumb and forefinger, roll it around a bit to get it as small as I can, at the same time I reach over my head, pull my ear open and insert. At least, that's the idea.
The problem is that as I'm holding my ear open with one hand I need to reposition the ear plug in my other hand in order to push it in (this is starting to sound porny). If I'm not quick enough the ear plug re-inflates, or I miss the insertion point, and I have to begin the process all over again.

Does anyone have a better technique that works the first time every time?
I like foam plugs for the noise reduction and cost but maybe there is another brand that doesn't re-inflate so fast?
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It sounds like your only issue is rolling it tight enough that it will stay pointed until you can get it inserted into your ear. I keep rolling the earplug until it holds the shape, which can be longer than half a minute. It also makes a difference which brand of earplug you use. Some that I used to like didn't hold the shape long enough to get them in.

My favorite by far, and I've tried probably two dozen different kinds, is the 3M E-A-Rsoft SuperFit. I order them by the case through the local AirGas store. They're rated at 33 dB and feel good all day long. Plus they'll still work after reinserting up to about ten times. I have a harder time getting the right one in than the left one, so at stops I'll pull just the left one out to talk to other riders, then put it back.

One interesting thing about the SuperFit is that it has red markings on the fluorescent yellow to help you know if you've put it in far enough. If you can see the red part, it isn't in enough.
 
Thanks Scott, you described my problem exactly. Thanks for the suggestion on that brand you use.
 
R3DS!X said:
I used to use the same technique as you. The older and shittier the earplugs are they quicker they re expand after rolling. So if I'm having a hard time with them it's probably time for them to go.

However I've not had to deal with that for a while because silicone plugs. So worth it.
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+1

I try to get about 3-5 commuting days out of a pair before I toss them, and by the end it's softer and re-expands much quicker than when they were fresh.
 
I can’t concentrate on a street bike without earplugs.
I can’t concentrate on a dirt bike with earplugs.
 
Blankpage said:
I can’t concentrate on a street bike without earplugs.
I can’t concentrate on a dirt bike with earplugs.
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I'm slower without earplugs. I've forgotten them on track for a club race. The extra wind noise completely f*d with me. My perception of speed was wrong. My shifting was wrong. And I was definitely distracted by all the extra noises I could hear, including bikes that weren't really that close. My lap times suffered noticeably.
 
Simple roll and push inside the ear canal. Licking will add bacteria to your ear and eventually an ear infection.
But yeah, sometimes it takes more than one try. A few weeks ago I bought a pair of decibullz and so far so good. I like how they fit.
 
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I tried Decibulz but I couldn’t get the fit right. I dipped them in hot water, then molded them to my ears but couldn’t seem to get it right after a few tries and finally gave up.
 
greenmonster said:
I tried Decibulz but I couldn’t get the fit right. I dipped them in hot water, then molded them to my ears but couldn’t seem to get it right after a few tries and finally gave up.
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I got mine to fit, but - for me - they don't suppress noise as well as foam plugs. :dunno
 
I did not look at this until I noticed riders on the MotoGP grid doing it differently.

My technique includes bacteria. :laughing

Roll them small. Apply bacteria and insert.

I am another dude that totally needs them. If I am riding a mile or two in town to get somewhere I am cool without them. If even a short jaunt including freeway speeds they go in. Need to save what hearing I have left :afm199

Never wore them racing or riding MX.

I usually carry spares. Gave them to a bud yesterday since he did not have any. (He flew down for my Dad's celebration of Life and ended up borrowing a friends bike and gear to ride with me yesterday).
 
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