After many years of riding and music at high-volume, I have now lost just those speech-recognition frequencies (I’m 65). I’m having to repeatedly, every day, ask people to repeat what they just said – and often still can’t understand some voices and all movie/TV dialogue. I started wearing foam ear protectors about 10 years ago, but it was too late and the problem is still getting worse. Permanent hearing loss is very embarrassing, inconvenient, and I have no one to blame but myself. It should be taken seriously at an earlier age, even if you think noise doesn’t affect you.

Just wondering if you feel your hearing is still excellent because there is no apparent problem, or if your hearing test results say so?
Reason for asking is that I felt my hearing was fine ie no problem with speech recognition etc-then I was tested for work, and as it turns out I have severe noise induced hearing loss at high frequencies. I am essentially deaf at 6000 Hz, although my speech recognition is normal. it will only get worse with age and noise exposure.
As well, I can tell you that tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is no joke. I will be living with the sound of a mosquito swarm in my ears for ever.
There is no cure for hearing loss or tinnitus, and once you realize there is a problem it is too late.

What I find interesting, is that with the Arai dual sport helmet, and an aftermarket taller windscreen, I find that earplugs set up a harmonic that bothers me to the point that I feel much better without them in. I was thinking of lowering the screen as the Arai likes more unspoiled air hitting it, and will try the ear plugs again.

My rule of thumb has always been ear plugs for super slab, optional for secondary slower speed roads. I don’t leave home without them.

Sure but what you probably didn’t take account of is the first and second bends in your ear. For you to get the full hearing protection from a foam Ear plug, you have to get the foam Ear plug so deep in your ear that it would require you to take it out with a set of keys or twizzer. Not only that but you could also be damaging your ear while doing that.

I should add that I got custom-fitted plugs done at the show some years ago, with built-in speakers. For me the custom fitted plugs don’t work well – as I move my head and jaw around into different positions, the plugs sometimes seal well and other times don’t – my ear canal must change shape and size as I move.