If you use ear plugs, which ones do you use?

These are the ones I typically use:

I've been using these with some success this season. They are a bit tricky to get in right, but once you figure it out I find that they work really well:

I wear earplugs often, but couldn't tell you what brand. I pick mine up from the storeroom at work.

I picked up a pair of skull screws. I find them a bit easier to insert than the disposable type.

I saw this thread in my daily e-mail digest a few days ago and have been meaning to reply.

Interestingly enough, those are exactly the same ear plugs that I use.  I've tried all sorts of different disposable types and brands as well as the custom made ones and these are by far the best at noise reduction and comfort.

I use these disposable foam earplugs that I buy from a home improvement store.  But, like all earplugs, they must be inserted properly to be effective.  Here's a good instructional video:  

Wow, that technique actually works really well. I've been doing it wrong this whole time.

I used to use HL Max, but while protective they're fairly stiff. My ear canals are pretty twisty, so I'd get discomfort near the end of long days.

At the suggestion of a friend I switched to using EARSofts inserted backwards. That was a lot more comfortable and still got a good seal, but didn't quite fill up my ear canal the way I wanted. (Hard to remove, too.)

Then I found out that they started selling a large size of the EARSofts. That's what I wear now. Still soft, but more filling.

On multi-day tours I use a lubricant gel during insertion to avoid the plug bonding with my ear and causing irritation. (It also makes them easier to insert.)

I can't believe folks who ride with NRR20 or below plugs (hardware store, plastic/silicon reusables…); I even managed to suffer a little bit of hearing loss in my right ear doing Boise to CA in one day wearing NRR34 plugs, so I fear for their hearing!

I second the no noise ear plugs. I bought a pair at the Orlando motorcycle show last month and they are the best I've ever had.

Thanks for this thread, I was neglecting ear plugs and toughing it out (easier when you already have a little hearing loss from one too many years working next to diesel generators). I had tried the disposal ones prior and was very unsatisfied as you had to get them "just right". Just ordered the NoNoise motorsport earplugs from Revzilla and suspect I'll need them quite regularly. I'm going to try and commute regularly on the bike (40 miles each way, 35 of which is highway travel).

Just an interesting reference I stumbled across this morning on motorcycle hearing as it pertains to Maryland law on the AMA website. Not that it is particularly enforceable at all, but I had no idea that it's technically illegal in Maryland. Ear plugs with small sound channels like the NoNoise sound like they might be an exception to the rule. Interestingly enough, helmet speakers are permitted under Code Section 21-1120.

                                                         2010 Maryland Code TRANSPORTATION TITLE 21 - VEHICLE LAWS - RULES OF THE ROAD Subtitle 11 - Miscellaneous Rules Section 21-1120 - Wearing earphones, headsets, etc., prohibited.§ 21-1120. Wearing earphones, headsets, etc., prohibited.  
(a)  Earplugs.- A person may not drive a motor vehicle on any highway or on any private property that is used by the public in general in this State while the person is wearing over or in both ears earplugs. 
(b)  Headsets.- A person may not drive a motor vehicle on any highway or on any private property that is used by the public in general in this State while the person is wearing over or in both ears a headset. 
(c)  Earphones.- A person may not drive a motor vehicle on any highway or on any private property that is used by the public in general in this State while the person is wearing over or in both ears earphones attached to a radio, tape player, or other audio device. 
(d)  Exceptions.
- The provisions of subsections (a), (b), and (c) of this section do not apply to: 
(1) A person engaged in the operation of either special construction equipment or equipment for use in the maintenance of any highway; 
(2) A person engaged in the operation of refuse collection equipment who is wearing a safety headset or safety earplugs; 
(3) A person wearing personal hearing protectors in the form of custom earplugs or molds that are designed to reduce injurious noise levels. However, custom plugs or molds shall be designed in such a manner as to not inhibit the wearer's ability to hear a siren or horn from an emergency vehicle or a horn from another vehicle; or 
(4) A person wearing a prosthetic device used to aid the hard of hearing. 
(e)  Exception for emergency vehicles under emergency conditions.-  
(1) The provisions of subsections (a) and (c) of this section do not apply to a person operating an authorized emergency vehicle under emergency conditions. 
(2) The provisions of subsection (b) of this section do not apply to a person operating an authorized emergency vehicle:  (i) Under emergency conditions; or  (ii) Who is wearing a headset for the purpose of communicating with other emergency personnel.   

[1984, ch. 514; 1986, ch. 472, § 1; 1993, ch. 543.]   

Disclaimer: These codes may not be the most recent version. Maryland may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.

I've used these, and find them to be softer than the Max1.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007XJOLG/ref=oh_aui_....
 But, unfortunately they seem to have inconsistent sizing.

I'd really like to find some disposable earplugs that offer a range of sizes, as I'd buy a medium, or something a little smaller than the Max 1.

Throughout my life of 75 years my ears have taken a lot from all kinds of guns and hunting, LOUD two stroke dirt bikes, loud music and a variety of loud activities, including my work place.
However, whenever I target practice with guns I use both ear plugs and ear muffs. From about my 30’s on I used ear plugs on the road bike and always use ear muffs with a shop vac. Up until Nov. 23,  2014 other people noticed my subtle hearing loss in conversation but as long as my music and NPR radio sounded good to me I wasn’t concerned. 
Then this last Nov. I shot at a deer once from my blind and nearly put the final touches on my ears. Now my voice and everybody else’s sound like bad audio speakers. I can’t hear the phone ring and I’m in fear of going deaf. 
We’ve all heard it over and over throughout our lives that hearing damage is cumulative but I sure never expected this!

After 45 plus years of riding with unprotected ears, decades of sitting under a siren speaker and firearms practice, I now am blessed with severe tinnitus. For those fortunate enough not to have it, it sounds like the drill in a dentist's office at high speed. It never goes away and there is no cure. About five years ago I was fortunate enough to have a set of ear plugs made where the pour the goop into your ear and after it solidifies, it makes a perfect match if your eardrum. It works better than anything I have used before. Without the fatigue associated with excess noise, my rides have been much more pleasurable. Just bought a set with speakers to use with my Scala Rider. As for law enforcement, in over twenty years in the business, not once can I think of any LEO I know or have heard of that ever issued a citation for using earplugs or speakers. Personally, I'd rather pay a ticket for it than risk going in beating what's left of my hearing to death.

buffalo treated me to a set of those custom made earplugs. Unfortunately, I have one of those rare ear canals that is too small for them to stay in effectively. As a result, I just use the normal foam ones. I've been riding with earplugs for over 20 years now, but even so I too have a bit of ringing in my ears that rarely seems to go away.

I don't wear ear plugs while riding. I have speakers in my helmet, for my music, which I keep at the lowest volume possible. I like to think that the music helps counteract the noise of my exhaust....though I know I'm fooling myself. 

If I need ear plugs, say to go shooting or will be around loud, sharp noises, I have a pair that were made specifically for my ears. I worked, briefly, for an audiologist and some of his testing of patients was really causing me physical pain. So he made these for me. I've had them for almost 15 years now.

If I need to use the throw away type, like the video suggests....roll them into a small "tube", insert gently and allow to expand. Occasionally I need to do the ear pulling, but not often.

My wife, and everyone around me, tells me I speak very softly. My hearing seems fine. The only problems I have are when a voice is the same as background noise...sometimes there is difficulty in separating the two. I have spent many years on the flight line, launching and recovering jet aircraft. I have also had damage to my hearing, while shooting a revolver...with no protection.

I do have tinnitus, but it is a sporadic thing. There have also been some pressure changes noted, and a moving as if from one ear to the other. As I was diagnosed with an atypical type of Meniere's, this may be the underlying cause of that.