The Best Earplugs for Motorcycling

Why motorcycle wind noise damages your hearing

At 60 mph, wind noise inside a helmet reaches approximately 90 dB —
the threshold at which sustained exposure begins to cause permanent
hearing damage. At motorway speeds of 70–80 mph, that figure can exceed
100 dB. Unlike the noise at a concert, which lasts a few hours, a long
ride can expose you to damaging sound levels for 3–5 hours at a stretch.

The problem is not the engine — it is the wind turbulence created
between the helmet and your neck. Even a well-fitted premium helmet does
not eliminate this. The only effective solution is hearing protection
worn inside the helmet.

Why most riders don’t wear earplugs — and why they should

The most common reason riders give for not wearing earplugs is safety:
“I need to hear the road, traffic, and my surroundings.” This is a
reasonable concern — but it is based on a misunderstanding of how
earplugs work.

Standard foam earplugs muffle all frequencies equally, making
it harder to hear directional sounds like approaching vehicles or
your navigation. Happy Ears are different. Our CE-certified even
attenuation reduces all frequencies equally — meaning the sounds
around you remain natural and clear, just at a lower, safer volume.
You can still hear the road, traffic, and your GPS. You just don’t
damage your hearing while doing it.

Is it legal to wear earplugs while riding?

In most countries, yes. In France, hearing protection is legally
required for motorcyclists. In the UK, EU, Australia, and most US
states, earplugs are permitted while riding. A small number of US
states restrict their use — check your local regulations before
riding. In all cases where it is permitted, audiologists and
motorcycling organisations recommend it.

The same even attenuation that makes Happy Ears the best concert earplug also makes them the best motorcycle earplug.