The Importance of Ear Protection
Second perhaps only to sight, the ability to hear is an incredibly important sense for a motorcyclist. The constant drone of the wind whistling by your ears without adequate ear protection can cause permanent hearing loss far faster than you may expect. It can also lead to accelerated fatigue.
Search New and Used Motorcycles on the Cycle Trader Marketplace
The Science of Sound
Hearing happens when sound waves hit the outer ear and are channeled through the ear canal to the eardrum, causing it to vibrate. Those vibrations are amplified by three very small bones in the middle ear that transmit them to the cochlea in the inner ear, which is a spiral-shaped, fluid-filled cavity. Inside the cochlea, tiny hair cells convert the vibrations into electrical signals, which are sent to the brain via the auditory nerve. The brain then interprets the signals as sounds.
The hair cells are very fragile and can be damaged by loud sounds. The bad news is, once they die, they cannot grow back. The result is hearing loss and/or tinnitus, which is characterized as a ringing in the ears when things are quiet.
How Loud is Too Loud?
Anything above 70 dB can be harmful for extended periods of time. Noise exposure for those who ride a motorcycle, primarily from the wind but also from your engine or stereo, can reach 95 dB at 62 mph. It jumps to 110 dB at 100 mph. At that level, damage can be caused in as little as 15 minutes. That constant drone you experience over the course of a long day on the road is doing untold damage to your hearing.
Fear not, there are a number of simple, cost effective options to help reduce the impact. Riders should be mindful that if they lower the intensity of all frequencies, sirens and horns will not be heard as easily, as well as any mechanical issues your bike may be experiencing.
We have compiled some options to mitigate the damage of wind and engine noise while riding your motorcycle at speed:
Full-face Helmet
Open-face or ‘beanie’ style helmets do not provide hearing protection against wind noise. Wearing a full-face helmet will mitigate some noise, particularly as newer designs improve aerodynamics and reduce drag, however style and proper fit are also very important. There are additional steps you can take, including various kinds of ear plugs.
Foam Earplugs
The benefit of foam earplugs is that they are inexpensive and can be found at virtually any pharmacy. Some have higher ratings than others and their effectiveness relies on them being inserted correctly. They also break down and become less effective over time, so are typically meant for one-time use. They are also very inexpensive and can be purchased in bulk, so you can keep extra sets in each jacket.
Flanged Earplugs
Often made of silicon or latex, the flanged tips are tapered to allow a deeper insertion and they can easily be cleaned and reused. Their sound mitigation varies based on the materials, design, and price. Depending on the core, some will block out all frequencies, while others will allow certain ranges to come through.
Custom Molded Plugs
Available in a variety of styles, colors, and materials, custom earplugs can often be fitted in just a few minutes. You’ve likely seen them being made at your local motorcycle show. A pliable ooze is injected into the outer ear canal and left to cool for a few moments before being removed and treated then left to cool and set. They provide a superior seal that blocks out noise at every frequency, making it difficult to hear traffic or conversations at stoplights. They are often the most expensive to purchase, but can be cleaned and reused for years to come.
Loop
Loop is a brand of soft, flexible and reusable earplugs. Each of their models provide a varying level of noise reduction. They come with a compact carrying case and a selection of different size silicone tips for proper fitment and replacement. Their sleek design also means they don’t pop out when you put on and remove your helmet. They are also great for concerts as they lower the volume of the sound, but don’t drown it out entirely.
Noise-Canceling Bluetooth Earbuds
These are becoming quite common for everyday use, whether commuting or taking conference calls. These wireless earbuds will block out external noise while allowing you to stream music, take calls or listen to navigation prompts. They range widely in price depending on brand and quality. They can be bulky, leading them to fall out when putting on or removing your helmet.
One thing to be very mindful of is that people often turn up the volume to damaging levels to override external noise. This can be distracting and also defeat the entire purpose of wearing earplugs in the first place.
Even if you think your hearing is already affected and protecting your hearing is of no use, you can still take preventative measures from further damage from occurring.
Barrett Baker
You might also like
