I haven't seen this variation on ear plugs here so maybe you can help.

I have not had good luck with ear plugs. After a 265 mile ride the other day - it's clear that I need to start wearing them.

I have tried a variety of foam and latex (flanged) plugs - for shooting, a short nap, etc. They are fine for a short time, but then become very itchy. This is very annoying when riding in a full face helmet.

I am leery of buying custom plugs because then I'm locked into whatever fate of how irritating they are with no recourse.

For those who have experienced irritation from regular foam or latex plugs, what has worked for you?

It looks like the moldable silicone or wax plugs may be a solution - but will wax plugs melt on a hot day? Will silicone be irritating as well?

And the doc says my ears are clean!

 

I know what you're experiencing. Have to where earplugs all the time for work and various activities. Have you tried these? https://www.uline.com/BL_1094/3M-EAR-Push-Ins

Might want to try Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs. They're $25 on Amazon.

 

I tried a handful and ended up using the re-usable blue tree shaped ones.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Silicone-Ear...38.m2548.l4275

 

I wear these. I have small ear canals and the work good. Need to keep them clean or they will make your ears itch. I've worn them on many long rides.
Mack's Shooters Ear Seals Ear Plugs.

 

I Use these ( when I remember) They dont block as much sound as push in plugs but are much more comfortable.

 

I never ride without earplugs, and agree, the foam plugs do work but are irritating to the ear canal. I do have custom plugs but also use Alpine MotoSafe Race ear plugs. I can wear the Race plugs all day without any issue...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Motosafe-Rac...NY1tej&vxp=mtr

 

These are the only ones I've ever used. You can get them anywhere...W-M or any drug store. They're cheap, washable and they do the trick for me. I never ride without them.

 

I need to get more serious and get something as well. After a long ride, my rears have like a poping sound that is aggravating. Not ringing but poping. Like an in and out sound.

 

I've tried several types of plugs and have had the most success with Ear Peace. I use the regular, never tried the "high def" version. They're very comfortable (the tree shaped ones usually irritate my ear) and they actually don't muffle or attenuate the music or navigation at all, however they do completely knock out the wind noise and take a little bit of the edge of the engine/exhaust noise.

EarPeace Ear Plugs - High Fidelity Hearing Protection for Concerts & Music Professionals (White Plugs, Black Case)

 

Can it be that perhaps you are allergic to latex and thus the itching? You may want to try silicone based ear plugs and see it it helps.

If you suffer from dry skin or chafing then perhaps the earplugs are irritating your skin. For this, you can put a light coating of Vaseline on the plugs before inserting them. The moisture from the Vaseline should provide comfort from the itch by keeping the ear canal moist.