I hadn’t been riding my bike for long when it became apparent that I needed to start using ear protection. I tried using those foam plugs but I could never seem to get them in right and then my helmet would dislodge them. I know that many members use custom fit plugs from Ultimate Ear, but unless you see them at a bike show, they are not easy to get made up.

A search of the web revealed Advanced Communication Systems http://www.hearingprotection.co.uk They offer two custom fit products; Biopact and Duocom. Although a little more expensive, their products are independently tested to ISO4689 and DIN17460 and they conform to European Normalisation EN352-2 standards laid down for hearing protection and carry the CE 121 marking. However, the best part is that their product is sold through local hearing suppliers such as Boots, and in Southampton, it’s the hearing division of Specsavers.

Biopact is a simple ear plug for £88. Duocom contains speakers and comes with a cable with 3.5mm plug just over 1m long for around £199, and it can be connected to an Autocom unit using part 1187.The products are extremely comfortable to wear and I now realise that those foam plugs I was using were never fitted correctly. I ordered mine in the summer and the delay was 4 weeks, but now their turnaround time is 1-2 weeks.

By using this service an experienced audiologist will take the impression which is completely painless and only takes a few minutes. Another advantage of using a local service is that the first time I went to get mine done, they found that one of my ears was full of wax. After a week of softening the wax and the ear syringed by the nurse, I could then go back for the impression. If you go to Specsavers in East Street Southampton, there is even a motorcycle bay outside the store.