We are long distance touring motorcylists who wear open face helmets with face shields. We use ear plugs usually but are discovering that all day use hurts the ears. I have investigated passive ear muffs but find that they do not fit well under a helmet. I have also investigated noise cancelling systems, which work very well by themselves, that is without a helmet but again do not easily fit inside a helmet. And at any rate, the noise sampling microphones are covered, which defeats the purpose. I am asking for help in finding either a passive system which would fit inside a helmet or a noise canceling system which would fit inside a helmet, or other ideas which might work. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
docmus

Perhaps a silly question but have you tried different sized ear plugs.There are many kinds on the market from hard rubber to soft foam, perhaps you need a smaller size

Yes, we have tried a variety of foam, molded, beeswax and other earplugs. The major problem is the irritation and lack of comfort caused by the length of time the plug is inserted in the ear. We tour all day long for a month or more at a time.

Hi, docmus,
As a 64 yrs old male, wearing two hearing aids, I do value what little hearing I have left. Mine was due mostly to ear infections.
I do know that being subjected to prolonged loud sounds can eventually cause hearing loss, told to me by my ENT Specialist, and also from others working around loud equipment for years, now almost deaf.
I don't ride bikes, but have done much research on the web, looking for something that might work for you.
So far, here is a link:
Ear Plug - Earplugs - Hearing Protection - webBikeWorld (http://www.webbikeworld.com/Earplugs/earplugs.htm)

The link only shows some more types of ear "plugs". What you really need is a type of ear covering, such as a "gun shooters" ear muff, muffling the sound where it is barely audible. I have a pair of those, but they couldn't be used under a helmet.
Hopefully, you can find some type of ear insert, that will not be too uncomfortable; even when worn all day long. There are many, many different types. I do wish you the best, and good luck.

Thank you so much for your reply. The link you provided was helpful. We hope to find some way to get the kind of ear protection you are talking about under a helmet or even in a cut out of a helmet, if it doesn't compromise the helmets safety. Best wishes back to you.
docmus

HI,
You are quite welcome. I am sorry I couldn't help more.
The cutout, if still can be providing safety, sounds like a wonderful idea!
The "ear silencers" themselves would probably provide protection to the ear area, in case of contact with the ground.
Best wishes.

Try this.

Motorcycle Ear Plugs, Earphones, & More!<br><font size="2">Hearing protection and in-ear earphones designed for under-helmet wear.</font> (http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/motorcyclegear1.html)

Docmus,
I just saw your question on earplugs and motorcycling. I am having the sdame problem - either the earplugs do not fit right(have tried many types but they all seem to "wiggle" out after a while or they are very uncomfortable) Did anyone from your original post have something helpful for you or have you found anything that you can pass info down from? Thank you ,Scott.

I currently am using a custom molded earplug from the earplug store and love them. They block a great deal of the wind noise but not enough. Behind the windshield at 75 mph there is around 110db. With a good custom molded earplug that can give you at best a Noise Reduction Rating of 31 db you still are around 80db which is on the threshold of hearing damage over long rides. I use custom molded earplugs for my intercom and stereo but the noise level still leaves me with ringing (tinnitus)after long rides. I have explored the use of a Muff type hearing protection on top of my custom earplugs and have had very good results but then you are not able to wear a helmet. I have looked into helmets that are used by pilots but the cost is a minimum of $1000.00 to get started but it may be the only option at this point. It would be great if someone had earmuffs that fit under a helmet or if they designed a helmet for motorcyles that already had the muffs built into the helmet. Any thoughts?