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Consider Ear Protection While Riding your Motorcycle

By September 19, 2016March 10th, 2017News / Announcements

Motorcycle Protection for your Ears

A small but precious part of our bodies is our ears and most importantly the ability to hear. Hearing loss can be caused by many different factors.  One of the most preventable is damage done by not wearing ear protection while riding your motorcycle. Why not consider ear protection?  We don’t mean to sound like your mother, but…

Noise Induced Hearing Loss -Completely Preventable

  • A major cause of hearing loss in our society is noise exposure. Tiny hair cells in the ear are damaged when assaulted by loud noise.  Once those hair cells are destroyed they cannot be replaced
  • A noise-induced hearing loss is the most common cause for its occurrence in our society and it’s completely preventable
  • Repeated and lengthy exposure to loud sound-whether it is music, a motorcycle engine, or wind, will eventually produce a sensorineural hearing loss.

Decibel Loudness Comparison Chart     

Normal Conversation                     60-65dB

Hand Drill                                          98dB

Motorcycle                                       100dB

12 Gauge Shotgun Blast                 165dB

Death of hearing tissue                  180dB

Noise levels under a motorcycle helmet can be very high.  Above 40 mph the wind noise generated by the airflow exceeds the noise from the motorcycle itself.  See the attached link for a study done in the UK at the University of Southampton:  Noise levels under motorcycle helmets

 

How to Reduce the Damage to Hearing from Motorcycle Riding 

  • Block the noise (wearing earplugs)
  • Avoid the noise (walk away)

What’s the Best Ear Protection? 

Foam earplugs are easy to get at most hardware stores or pharmacies. They may last for several uses and are very inexpensive.  Easy enough to pop into your ears as you walk out the door.

A pair of custom formed earplugs is another alternative. They are usually made of silicone rubber and molded to the rider’s ear.   They are slim fitting for comfort underneath your helmet.  Lasting for years these are the best option. While attending a BMW national rally we saw several vendors set up to make them on the spot.  Well worth the investment.

As a reminder don’t forget to ease the wrist pain with a Crampbuster. It’s an easy palm rest that will help you ride with a relaxed hand on the throttle.  No tools require, just slip it on and that’s it.  Priced under $10.00 it will give you miles of painfree riding.