Hearing Protection

Hearing Protection for Motorcycle Riders

    Riding a motorcycle offers unparalleled freedom and exhilaration. However, it also exposes riders to significant risks, including noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and tinnitus. Let's explore why hearing protection is crucial for motorcyclists, the types of hearing protection available, and the potential long-term consequences of neglecting this important safety measure

Understanding the Risks

    We like to focus on the gear and skill-related parts of safety but one of the most overlooked parts of protection is our ears. Riding motorcycles while freeing is very noisy for reasons beyond your bike's exhaust. Wind and traffic noise can contribute a lot or even most of the noise experienced while riding. 

    At 40 mph, a motorcyclist is exposed to 90 dB of low-frequency wind noise caused by turbulent airflow around the helmet. At 100 mph, the noise level is around 110 dB, which is safe for less than five minutes per day. The faster you go, the louder the sound is.  (Campaignforbetterhearing)

    While you are exposed to loud sounds for a long time you can damage your inner ear hairs in a way that cannot be recovered, causing permanent hearing loss or tinnitus. If the hairs inside your inner ear are bent or broken they can "leak" random electrical impulses to your brain, causing tinnitus. This happens as you age or when you are regularly exposed to loud sounds. (Mayo Clinic)

Choosing the Right Protection

    Fortunately for us, there is hearing protection and multiple forms of it! Remember the best hearing protection is the one you're going to use so find the kind that fits your ears properly and is comfortable with a good rating. 

Unfortunately, the best way to check and see if most non-custom hearing protection fits you well is to try them out. This can be relatively easy and painless with a $.99 pair of foam earplugs but when you get into more expensive options it can feel more like a gamble. Fortunately, silicone-style plugs have a more universal fit to them.

To tell if the hearing protection is working it is best to test them. The most simple way to test is to wear them in a noisier environment and then cup your hands around your ears to see if there is a volume change. If there is a volume change then they are not working properly and should be reapplied.

Ultimately hearing protection needs to be balanced with safety and other needs. If you block out all noise you won't be able to hear important sounds such as sirens and horns. Make sure when you're choosing hearing protection that you can hear things that can keep you safe. 

Types of Hearing Protection

    There are multiple types of earplugs available and we will talk about the main 3 different versions. These are the foam, silicone, and then custom-molded earplugs. The different types of earplugs have different pros and cons, so it's important to pick the one that works best with you and your budget. 

Foams

    Foam earplugs are basic and inexpensive in the short term. Made from closed-cell foam, they are rolled into a cylinder and inserted into the ear, where they expand to create a seal. Many workplaces provide these for hearing protection, and they cost less than a dollar per pair. However, foam earplugs are typically single-use due to hygiene concerns, as they can become dirty and harbor bacteria. Additionally, they can cause discomfort when removed if they form a strong seal, so it's best to wiggle them slightly when taking them out.

• + Cheapest $ (Initially)
• + Can create a great seal
• + Available everywhere (Including most workplaces)
• - Single-use (Recommended for cleanliness and bacteria)
• - Ongoing costs as you continue to use them
• - Can create a vacuum in your ears that can hurt when taken out

Silicone

    Silicone/reusable earplugs are another popular style. Although they have a higher initial cost compared to foam plugs, they are reusable and washable. They don't provide as strong a seal, so their noise reduction ratings are lower. Available in various styles and colors, some even feature different cores to filter specific sounds. The main downsides are their price and the fact that they tend to stick out from your ears, which can snag on a helmet.

• + Reusable
• + Variety of styles
• + Different "cores" allow different sounds
• - More expensive $$
• - Dont sit flush sometimes and can get caught on the helmet
• - Can be uncomfortable after long periods

Custom Molded

    Custom earplugs are the top tier of ear protection. Though usually expensive, they offer superior comfort. Made from wax or silicone, they are formed from a mold taken from your ear. Custom molded earplugs sit flush inside the ear, avoiding snags from helmets. They provide excellent noise reduction and comfort. Investing in a good pair can be cost-effective in the long run, as they may outlast foam or silicone types if well-maintained.

• + Custom fit to your ear
• + Sit flush to allow helmets to sit comfortably
• + Great noise reduction and customized noise reduction
• - Expensive $$$
• - Require custom molding done by you or at certain locations

Other Factors

    Another thing that can contribute to more or less noise is the helmet you are wearing. Some helmet manufacturers like Schuberth will wind tunnel test their helmets to try and negate noise generated by them. Dual sport or offroad helmets however create a ton of noise. Some things you can do to help the noise is to make sure the helmet seals well by keeping the visor closed and using a wind deflector or neck sock to prevent wind from circulating into the helmet from the back. Riding behind vehicles that are unsettling the air can also contribute to loud wind noise. Riding at a slower speed in clean air helps prevent wind noise. 

Benefits of Using Hearing Protection

    Using hearing protection has several benefits. The first and main benefit is the protection of your hearing to prevent hearing loss and tinnitus.

The second reason is it can reduce fatigue and improve focus on longer rides, allowing you to ride for a longer time

Hearing protection can also aid in safety allowing you to block out the loud buffeting noises so you can focus your hearing on sirens, horns, and your own bike's engine to make sure you're riding in a safe and controlled manner.

Practical Tips for Riders

    Some tips for riders are to use hearing protection consistently and to make it part of their routine the same as putting on a helmet. As you continuously use them make sure to maintain them properly. Throw out used disposable units and clean the reusable and custom earplugs. While you're at it try to encourage other riders to use hearing protection the same way you would recommend them wearing other protective gear. 

Conclusion

    Riders should use hearing protection with each ride. Not only do we want to have less fatigue and more focus, we want to be able to enjoy our ears for years and years to come. Even if you currently suffer from hearing loss, there is no better time than now to start using it and prevent further hearing reduction. If you want more information Motorcycles.com made an amazing article.