I wear ear plugs ALL the time when riding. I have 2 pair of custom plugs that work great and are easily cleanable. I also keep a few of these Hearos in a zip-lock in my jacket.

Hearing damage is cumulative so you need to protect yourself all of the time. I also wear ear muffs when running the tractor or any powert equipment. I just went thru some training recently that stated that any time you need to raise you voice to be heard (shout) then you should have hearing protection. They also cut down a fatigue.

I can't ride with ear plugs, I lose all sense of balance and wobble around corners. Apparently about 10% of the population can't function with things stuffed in their ears!

I HAVE TO USE earplugs every time, i drive my Ducatis! Maybe, cause i have open exhaust in all my Ducatis :laugh: And open clutch covers!