You talked to the AMA guy didn't you. He told me that too when I first contacted them to help us. If that is who you chatted with, they should know as you said, but they are mistaken.
The current law has the exceptions you mention, it does not include us.
Here it is, and you can search away for any mention of ear plugs or hearing or motorcycle you want to.
http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/4511.84