[dhgeyer]

Any earplugs I've ever tried didn't impair my ability to hear traffic or sirens or any outside noise any more than being in a car with the windows rolled up. I can always hear cars coming up alongside me on the highway. If I wasn't wearing earplugs I probably wouldn't hear that, as the wind would be too loud. The exception is when I'm on the Concours, with a fairing and a big windshield, which cuts wind noise down to a level that's not harmful, and doesn't interfere with essential hearing.