I just found out that there are different size ear canals and there are different size plugs. Apparently I have small canals , by luck I found some smaller ear plugs, they work better and are a lot more comfortable. Too bad I didn’t find this earlier
Duuuude! Seriously?!?!? I guess you’ll be amazed to hear about this great new invention called “custom” ear plugs for racing.
I just got custom plugs last year, love the fit. Second best, in my experience, are these drug store specials.
I got fitted for and purchased a set of custom molded ear plugs way back in 2007 or 2008 from a guy that lived in the metro Atlanta area. I've still got them and still use them......I even wash/clean them once in a while The guy's name was Tim McCarty and the case that they came in says that they are "Ear-ific". I have no idea if he is still in business or not, but obviously I've been well pleased with them and for them to last this long and still be usable (and me not having lost them), speaks volumes about them to me. Edit added......I just did a google search for him and it looks like he passed away in 2016 at age 70.
You can buy an assortment pack and try on different types to see what works best. I find that along with size, the density of the foam makes a big difference in fit, comfort, and amount of swearing involved in putting them in when you are trying to get out for the sighting lap.
I used to work at a job where I wore earplugs 8 hours a day. The really soft squishy foam plugs, that look like they are shaped to fit the ear canal made my ears hurt really bad by the end of the day. But they also had another type that was a harder foam, just a straight cylinder shape, and seemed like they would be really uncomfortable. I tried those out, and boom, my ears no longer hurt. Just looking at the two types, I would have never guessed that the ones that looked more uncomfortable would be better for me.
I like the tapered ones, but put them in backward, with the fat side first. I would’ve never thought that they would be more comfortable that way, but for me they are. Bottom line to the op, don’t rule out ones that look uncomfortable.
And remember, yes, being comfortable over whatever period of time that you need them for is important, but also the NRR rating of the ear plugs. The higher the number, the better they work for reducing the sound and frequencies that you are being exposed to. Before I retired, I had to wear ear plugs quite often in certain buildings that were posted as hearing protection areas. We actually had a couple of places that double hearing protection was required. In those areas, ear plugs went in, then a set of ear muffs over the top of the ear plugs in order to get a high enough NRR rating for that particular area and not be exposed to excessive noise over a time weighted period.
I wear the ones that Walgreens sells that are designed for sleeping. They’re a bit softer than typical ear plugs. I can wear them for day long rides without issue. That said, everyone’s ears are different; just like everyone might not like the same seats. You can buy sampler packs to try several different ones.
I made that discovery last year, GAME CHANGER as my current bike of choice is obnoxious loud and demands ear plug.
Try a set of Radians custom molded (can get them from Amazon). Not quite as good as the fancy audiologist molds but they're less than $50 for a set of custom molds and they are pretty easy to make (with a second person helping you). Easily worth the money. I tried the Decibullz which are hard thermo-form plastic. They fit and they work but I find them uncomfortable under a helmet. If you really want to go all out, get a set of Ultimate Ears made up. Spendy, but they block out noise and sound AMAZING to boot (these are custom molded in-ear monitors).
I discovered that the Howard Leight green earplugs work well for me. I can wear them all day comfortably. I bought a 200 count box of them on Amazon many years ago and still have plenty left to last several more.
