In high ambient noise, earplugs are good. They're kind of like sunglasses for the ears. Sunglasses are good in high ambient light but seriously cut down what you can see in low light. Earplugs are similar wrt to noise. I wear earplugs on my motorcycles where wind noise drowns out low level sounds. But not on bicycles where the wind noise isn't as high, especially when going slowly up hill etc..

I have the slipstreamz (both types, the ear covers and the spoilers) but haven't yet played with them enough to conclusively determine their efficacy. So far, I find that the ear covers do cut down wind noise significantly, but not enough, IMO.

I tried the Slipstreamz, and although they worked, I lost one on a ride and won't be ordering another set. (They didn't work THAT well....)

I'm quite careful with my hearing while riding as I've already damaged the hearing in my left ear. I have begun wearing a bandanna/headband just under my helmet, it seems to help a lot. Its worth a try for you I'd think.

I wonder if I grow my sideburns bushy enough, will they serve as effective fairings?

Or a piece of heavy leather stitched onto a helmet strap with a plastic support piece, to hold it outward. Actually, wouldn't need to be stitched - could be velcroed for easy on/off and washing. Trick is how to stabilize. Seems like it could be relatively easily done, and would be a big hit with bikers (i.e. wouldn't make you a millionaire).

I had several pairs of these around the house for shooting, cutting the law, etc. and started wearing them last winter on days when it was too warm for a balaclava.
Cut the wind noise and keep the inner ear warm.
www.batteryjunction.com/sf-earpro-products.html

I don't want to reduce hearing, only the noise.

water polo equipment

Can you be more specific, please?

I wear this.

The shell is flexible. I removed the chin strap gear. It's not certified but it is "safer" in my opinion. It is easier to slide on your hat and cleats with this. It is very compliant. In the winter I tape the ears and top holes. It's kind of hot (gotta soak the head) but then it also protects from sunburn. And the partial wind and bugs. I usually modify my hats to give me a very snug, comfy fit. With this I tied up the apex (I have a pointy head) and I shaved the mullet area with a razor and pointy stick, so it wasn't all over the back of my neck.

There are other versions. This one is heavily padded in the back of the head. Which makes it hotter in this spot.

It weighs in the 500 gram range I think. A little heavier. But the center of gravity is lower.

I can not attest to the efficacy of any helmet but this one. :bang:

I don't think I'll be wearing a wrap-around helmet in the warm months, but it's worth considering for the winter. The price is very good.

How much wind noise does it eliminate? If it works well for that, it gives me the idea that the fairing I build should be attached to the helmet similarly.

Thanks!

I second the streamz. I used to come back from riding with sore ears from the wind but not anymore, and I actually hear the wind going over my ear. INstallation was cake as long as your helmet strap came in 1 of 2 configurations - check their site for instructions. Only thing to note is press the tabs into the strap firmly so they stay put, and to set them near your ear in line withe the wind direction - if your head is tilted down while riding then move the streamz a bit up on the strap.

Of course you can strap some other material like tape in place of the streamz but that doesn't look quite as nice... Besides they're only a couple bucks, what can you lose?