hf1

Cursory search didn't find anything on this topic so here it goes...
What's the latest on ear protection from noise while driving an unmuffled event or a race? (Custom) ear plugs? Ear-muffed helmets? Active noise cancellation? What does everyone here use?

dan212

Nice to see someone thinking about hearing damage. People don't realize how low the threshold is for permanent hearing damage. My own car is very loud. Never mind me, anyone I pass will hurt.

I've tried a variety of ear plugs. Not all the same.

I recommend MAX-1 Uncorded NR33 ear plugs. $22 for 200 reusable pairs. I hand them out to people like candy. These are industrial level ear plugs and better than what you will find at most race shops.



Don't get the corded ones. Its too easy for the cord to get snagged by your Hans or harness. Very important to wet them before putting in to get a proper seal.

I use custom molded ear buds for radio. So good I wear them even if radio is off. (I wet those too) But if you don't need Comms, the Howard Leight plugs are the best.

RickyBobby

I use the squishy foam ones made by Macks from CVS
32 dbs. Work better than expected, drowns out my engine noise and I can even use them w my communicator and still hear clearly.

stownsen914

I have some generic rubber ones I bought years ago. They seem to be more effective than foam ones. My car is loud as sh*t from the cockpit even with mufflers on so I always use my ear plugs when on track. And I like being able to hear

There was a thread on this over on the Pelican forum recently. More focused on spectator hearing protection (or for drivers when not on track). I should probably be more careful in that respect.

PGas32

I bought a set of Decibullz and am happy with them so far. They come in a block and you place them in boiling water and then mold them to your own ear. Only $25 or so via Amazon

JTT

When you say "wet", beware of what you wet them with (for instance spit). Infections in the ear are common from this technique I'm told by my Industrial Hygienist. A good technique to ensure a good fit is actually to roll the plug nice and tight between fingers, then reach over the top of your head with the opposite side hand, grab the top of your ear and pull it upwards towards the top of your head. This straightens the ear canal, allowing the rolled foamy earplug to get into the canal for a better seal.

JTT

When you say "wet", beware of what you wet them with (for instance spit). Infections in the ear are common from this technique I'm told by my Industrial Hygienist. A good technique to ensure a good fit is actually to roll the plug nice and tight between fingers, then reach over the top of your head with the opposite side hand, grab the top of your ear and pull it upwards towards the top of your head. This straightens the ear canal, allowing the rolled foamy earplug to get into the canal for a better seal.

AceMktg

I got them with 25dB reduction, but you can change the filters easily for more sound, less reduction. I tried my full molded custom ones, but they took away too much high frequency.

car_slave

You can make your own custom ones from a silicone epoxy kit for $10. You can even mold them around your earphones. You'll want to trim the outside back afterwards if you have a tight helmet.

hf1

Thx everyone for your inputs! The couple of the custom/molded solutions claim only 25-26dB NRR. Dan's MAX-1 claim 33dB NRR. I had to get some for early next week so before I started this thread I ordered these Hearos for $8.60 with Amazon Prime that also claim 33dB NRR:


Will report how they work.

On a somewhat similar note and at the risk of hijacking my own thread, how important is to have a radio link with your crew during a race (sprint, enduro,...)? One way link (only crew can talk to you)? Two way radio? How many here use any at all? Any recommendations for good radios?

SPB noob here, starting at the Limerock race. No radio when racing with Skippy, though I saw a few racers using them with their coaches.

winders

+1

I used these when I raced bikes and when I shot Skeet. Inserted correctly, they reduce noise better than custom made ear plugs!

linzman

Radios are nice if you have a crew or spotter, or a coach. You don't have to have one for your first race, and lots of people win races without them. They are helpful in an enduro if you're sharing a pit spot, or to notify you of a local yellow which looks like it might become a full course yellow, so you can duck into the pits for your mandatory stop before the full course yellow. Or to call the green flag if you're not up front at the start. Talk to your shop, they may have a frequency or 2 that they use for their supported cars, and you'll want to program the same frequency. Otherwise you'll need a radio for your car and one for the crew both programmed to the same frequency.

Sboxin

Radio - - -
If you are racing and have a crew or spotter the 2-way radio is almost an essential part of the equipment and routine. My son - the driver- has molded ear pieces under his helmet with the microphone attached to the helmet with a 25 watt in-car UHF radio. I use over the headset and 5 watt radio to spot and to know if he needs to come into the hot pits to check or fix something on the car. The molded ear pieces also work as noise reduction for the driver - - my headset provides me with noise reduction. We do mostly sprint races - but have done several team enduros where the radios are essential.

Good luck with your future racing . . . it is very addictive . . .

Regards,

911racer

On the radio,

We have a group of us that all race together in the race. Competitors to one another too. It is great having everyone on the radio together. Like having 5 spotters right on the track with you. You get to hear the flags all the way around the track.

When we are mixed classes we let everyone know when, as a faster car, we are coming through.

We do have spotters at strategic points around the track too.

It has taken us years of coordination to get to the point where we are today and it is fantastic.

Radios are also great for enduro's for me. I get board and like to talk to someone.

Thanks

Ed

fatbillybob

WHO NEEDS EAR PLUGS?