Guide to Wind Noise, Hearing Protection & the Flush-Fit Advantage

Riding a motorcycle across Australia, whether through Melbourne’s city grid, Sydney’s motorways, Brisbane’s coastal stretches, the Adelaide Hills, or the long straight highways of WA means dealing with one persistent problem:

Wind noise inside your helmet.

Even with a high-quality motorcycle helmet, prolonged exposure to wind turbulence at 100 km/h can still reach 95–105 dB, a level known to cause permanent hearing damage, tinnitus, and significant rider fatigue. Add engine and road noise into the mix and the exposure can escalate quickly.

This guide explains what motorcycle earplugs actually do, which types work best under a helmet, how they improve intercom clarity, and why custom molded earplugs remain the most effective solution for Australian riders.

Why Wind Noise Is the Real Threat to Australian Riders

Riders often assume the exhaust or engine is the loudest part of the experience. But in truth, wind turbulence around your helmet is the primary source of dangerous noise.

Helmet design matters — but it isn’t enough

Controlled noise testing shows that:

• Neck rolls

• Visor sealing

• Aerodynamic shaping

• Chin curtain design

• Shell geometry

…can reduce helmet noise by 5–8 dB depending on the model. A 5–8 dB reduction is significant and easily noticeable to riders - it represents a major drop in actual sound energy.

Premium quiet helmets such as those from Shoei, Arai, Schuberth, and AGV sometimes achieve 85–95 dB at highway speeds during controlled testing, which is materially quieter than louder helmets reaching 100 dB or more.

But even the quietest helmets can’t protect your hearing alone

Here’s the crucial point:

No helmet on the market - regardless of brand - can reliably reduce wind noise to safe levels for long-term riding at Australian speeds.

This is why even riders wearing premium lids still experience:

• fatigue

• hearing loss

• tinnitus

• difficulty hearing comms

• reduced focus on long rides

Helmet design absolutely matters—but earplugs remain essential hearing protection.

Foam vs Universal vs Custom Earplugs — What Actually Works Under a Helmet?

Different earplugs perform very differently under real-world motorcycle conditions.

Foam Earplugs: Inexpensive but insufficient for motorcycling

Foam plugs are not designed for helmets.

Limitations include:

• They muffle everything, including traffic and emergency sounds

• They protrude and often press against the helmet liner

• Seal breaks every time your jaw moves

• They dislodge when putting the helmet on

• They offer inconsistent, unreliable attenuation

Foam plugs may be suitable for some situations - not for riding a motorcycle at 60–110 km/h.

Universal Motorcycle Earplugs (Loop, Alpine, generic brands)

These offer convenience, but riders frequently report:

• Hard stems pressing into the ear

• Plugs sticking out and snagging on the helmet

• Seal loss with movement

• Insufficient wind noise reduction at highway speeds

• Inconsistent comfort over long distances

They help - but they don’t solve the core problems Australian riders face.

Custom Molded Motorcycle Earplugs (MotoPlug)

Custom molded plugs like MotoPlug solve every common issue:

• Flush-fit design sits entirely inside the ear’s concha bowl

• No protrusion → no helmet pressure

• Medical-grade silicone for all-day comfort

• Seal stays consistent even when talking or moving

• Improved wind-noise attenuation

• Personalized selection of PACS filters (Pro27 and the Pro20)

Custom molded plugs provide the most reliable fit, the best comfort, and the most consistent protection for Australian riders.

 

---

 

Complete Comparison: Pacific Ears Motorsport & Motorcycle Range

Wind Noise Science: Decibels, NRR, SNR & Why Filters Matter

Decibels (dB)

The decibel scale is logarithmic:

• +3 dB ≈ double the sound energy
• +10 dB ≈ tenfold increase

This is why small differences (95 dB vs 100 dB) dramatically affect rider fatigue and hearing risk.

NRR vs SNR

Both measure attenuation, but they’re based on lab conditions that do not reflect motorcycle wind turbulence. Real-world attenuation while riding is always lower.

A few technical nuances:

• +3 dB ≈ double the energy, not perceived loudness
• NRR/SNR ratings are often overstated for real-world riding
• Filters do matter, especially for comfort and selective attenuation

Filtered plugs outperform foam for motorcycling

Filtered plugs reduce low-frequency wind drone while preserving higher-frequency information, including:

• traffic
• sirens
• engine pitch
• intercom speech

This is why they are the correct choice for riding in Australia.

How Motorcycle Earplugs Improve Cardo & Sena Intercom Clarity

Wind noise masks the same speech frequencies used by intercom systems. Filtered earplugs reduce that masking effect.

With filtered plugs:

• Intercom clarity improves dramatically

• GPS prompts are easier to hear

• Music sounds more detailed

• Volume doesn’t need to be maxed out

• Fatigue is reduced during long rides

This effect is especially clear during long runs like between Sydney and Newcastle, Melbourne and Geelong, or Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

PACS Pro Filters — Which One Should You Choose?

 

Recommendations for most Australian riders:

• Pro27 → high-speed freeways, sportbike riding

• Pro20 → best all-rounder

The Flush-Fit Advantage: Why Pacific Ears Is Different

Riders consistently report issues with universal plugs:

• They stick out

• They press against the helmet

• They snag or twist

• They break seal when talking

Pacific Ears custom molded plugs sit inside the concha bowl. Nothing protrudes. Nothing snags. Nothing creates pressure.

This flush-fit design is ideal for tight-fitting helmets and long rides across Australia.

The Custom Earplug Process in Australia (4 Steps)

1. Order online

Choose MotoPlug or PACS Pro filters. 

2. Visit a local fitting point

A trained clinician takes ear impressions in about 10-20 minutes.

3. Expert Australian lab production

Impressions are transformed into custom earplugs using premium silicone.

4. Delivery

Typically, 2–3 weeks after the lab receives your impressions.

FAQ: Motorcycle Earplugs in Australia

Are earplugs legal for motorcyclists in Australia?

Yes. Earplugs are legal in all Australian states and territories because they are considered hearing protection, not audio devices. They do not interfere with your ability to hear emergency signals, and road authorities encourage riders to wear them to prevent noise-induced hearing loss.

Do motorcycle earplugs really reduce wind noise?

Yes. Wind noise is the primary source of damaging sound for riders. Filtered earplugs reduce low-frequency turbulence while maintaining clarity for important environmental sounds. They are highly effective for reducing fatigue, improving comfort, and protecting your hearing.

Can I still hear traffic and emergency vehicles while wearing earplugs?

Yes, especially with filtered plugs. Designed specifically for motorcyclists, they reduce harmful wind noise but let through the frequencies that matter for situational awareness. Riders can still hear sirens, horns, nearby vehicles, and road surface changes.

Which earplugs are best for motorcycle riding?

Custom molded earplugs with acoustic filters provide the best results for Australian riders. They sit flush under the helmet, offer consistent attenuation, and deliver superior comfort. PACS Pro filters (Pro27, Pro20) allow you to choose the exact level of reduction based on riding speed and environment.

Are custom motorcycle earplugs worth it?

Yes. Custom plugs offer unmatched comfort, durability, and noise reduction. They do not dislodge under the helmet, last for years, and significantly reduce the risk of tinnitus and permanent hearing damage.

Do earplugs make Cardo or Sena intercoms clearer?

Yes. Filtered earplugs remove wind drone, which masks speech frequencies. Riders can hear intercom audio more clearly at lower volume, reducing fatigue and improving communication quality at highway speeds.

Should I wear earplugs even if I have a quiet or premium helmet?

Yes. Even the quietest helmets cannot reduce wind noise to safe long-term exposure levels at Australian highway speeds. Earplugs are necessary for full hearing protection.

Can motorcycle earplugs help prevent tinnitus?

Absolutely. Tinnitus is often caused by repeated exposure to loud noise. Earplugs reduce harmful sound pressure levels and significantly lower the risk of both temporary and permanent tinnitus.

What’s the difference between filtered earplugs and foam earplugs?

Foam plugs block everything, including crucial traffic sounds. Filtered plugs reduce harmful noise while preserving clarity. They are engineered specifically for riding, while foam plugs are not.

Do custom earplugs work with all helmet types?

Yes. Because they sit flush inside the ear, custom motor plugs work with full-face, modular, dual-sport, and open-face helmets with no pressure points or snagging.

How long do custom motorcycle earplugs last?

Typically, 3–5 years. Premium silicone maintains its shape, comfort, and hygiene with simple cleaning.

Can motorcycle earplugs reduce rider fatigue?

Yes. Constant loud noise increases mental fatigue and reduces focus. Earplugs lower noise exposure, helping riders remain sharper and more comfortable on long tours.

Are motorcycle earplugs comfortable for long rides?

Custom earplugs are extremely comfortable. They match your exact ear canal shape, eliminating pressure points and maintaining a secure yet gentle seal.

Will earplugs affect my ability to hear my engine?

Filtered earplugs allow engine sounds to pass through at a reduced volume. Many riders report that engine note becomes clearer because wind noise isn’t overwhelming everything else.

Do I need different earplugs for city vs highway riding?

Yes.

• City Riding and Touring / mixed riding: Pro20

• Highway / sport riding: Pro27

Matching attenuation to speed improves comfort and awareness.

How do I clean motorcycle earplugs?

Wash with warm water and mild soap, then air dry. Avoid alcohol or harsh cleaners. Proper care ensures long-term hygiene and longevity.

---

Upgrade Your Ride With the Right Protection

Wind noise is one of the most damaging aspects of motorcycling. Pacific Ears’ custom motorcycle earplugs give riders across Australia:

• Reliable hearing protection

• Better intercom clarity

• A flush fit under any helmet

• All-day comfort

• Long-term durability

Explore:

• MotoPlug

• PACS Pro Filters (Pro27, Pro20, Pro17)

• Motorsports Category

• Find a Fitting Point Near You

Protect your hearing. Ride further. Stay sharper on every kilometre.