I also have std epco's (w/baffles), wear a 3/4 helmet and mostly, sometimes use 25 cent foam rubber earplugs. The only time noise gets me is on an uphill where the engine is working. And then it can be noticeable. I think the epcos may be louder than I think they are.

"It's not what I say that's important, it's what you hear" Red Auerbach