There is nothing quite like the feeling of the wind whipping by as you cruise the roadways on your bike. Unfortunately, that whipping wind can be seriously loud, and it can cause hearing loss with repeated exposure. But what can you do about it? How van you protect your ears? Click through to learn some answers.
Protect your ear while riding!
According to a study conducted by the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, titled “Hearing loss in motorcyclists: occupational and medicolegal aspects,” researchers confirmed hearing loss in motorcyclists. The study found a correlation between even a single hour of high-speed riding and an increased potential for tinnitus, or ringing in the ears.
See this Vega Echo Audio Ear Pad for Motorcycle Helmet – Pair (Black)
Earplugs are a great way to protect your hearing while on your motorcycle, and there are many different types to choose from. Generally, the higher the noise reduction rating (NRR), the better protected you are.NoiseGaurd custom earplugs are relatively new on the market, and are worth a look. Made of pliable, medical-grade silicone and developed by health services specialists at Hearlink in Australia, these plugs offer a range of NRR options in a variety of colors. A molding kit must be ordered to ensure a proper fitting.
PlugUp molded earplugs, developed by an audiologist, are also custom-fitted using a molding process that allows the finished product to provide a snug, comfortable and unique fit under your helmet. PlugUp filtered custom plugs ($120 for a set, including mold kit) were designed with continuous noise activities such as motorcycling in mind. The custom earplugs offer noise reduction filter options of 9 dB, 15 dB or 25 dB. They filter out harmful road noise while permitting sirens, horns, voices, and other crucial ambient noises to be heard easily, which is essential when on your bike.
Disposable foam earplugs are another tried-and-true option for ear protection on the road. Moldex 6800 Pura-Fit Disposable Earplugs ($25 for a 200 ct. box) are bullet-shaped foam plugs designed to against excessive noise. Because they are foam, the Moldex plugs can be trimmed to desired length.
The bright green Moldex Pura-Fit disposable plugs buffer against potentially harmful high-decibel engine output and road noise with a NRR of 33 dB, but allow ambient noise to pass through clearly. Reducing noise and wind exposure with proper ear protection can both protect your hearing and improve your concentration while riding.
Motorcycle Helmet Bluetooth Headset with Mic 3.5mm Port for Intercom Interphone
