Motorcycle enthusiasts frequently cite the thrill of speed and the love for the open road as the driving force behind their passion. But this invigorating hobby comes at a high risk of permanent hearing damage for people who ride a lot.
A comprehensive study done by a notable German automobile association in partnership with a maker of hearing protection solutions evaluated the effect of riding duration and motorcycle speed on hearing health. Alarmingly, at speeds of 62 or higher, for just 15 minutes, riders who don’t use hearing protection can suffer permanent hearing damage.
Why do bikers get hearing loss?
While the concept of hearing loss may not be surprising, the main culprit might. The biggest threat isn’t the roaring engine, contrary to the common belief, it’s really the wind. The research emphasized that although helmets provide crucial protection during accidents, they fall short in safeguarding a biker’s hearing. Enhancements to the helmet, like additional padding, vents, or weather stripping, do little to mitigate the wind noise whirling around the rider.
Motorcyclists are frequently affected by a condition known as temporary threshold shift (TTS), which results from frequent exposure to excessive noise levels. The more frequently you’re exposed to loud noise, the more intense your TTS symptoms will become with this progressive condition. Individuals who are coping with TTS may begin to notice that their hearing is less clear or other minor symptoms. However, over time, this condition can advance to permanent and irreversible hearing loss.
Comparing wind noise with other noise levels
To comprehend the severity of wind noise while riding, the German study’s findings are illuminating. The wind noise around a rider’s head can be as high as 95 (dB) at 62 mph. To put into context, European Union (EU) law mandates that workers need to safeguard their ears if exposed to noise levels exceeding 80 dB. Bikers are experiencing noise levels up to 19% higher than safe working environments when traveling at this speed.
And the noise level only increases as the speed goes up. Hearing damage can happen after just 7 minutes of riding at 74 mph which generates wind volumes of 98 dB. Other studies validate these findings, indicating that bikers are indeed at a substantial risk of hearing loss.
How to protect your hearing
The good news is, it’s easy to safeguard your hearing with earplugs. Most individuals are familiar with the old standard earplugs, but hearing specialists recommend the filtered versions instead. These sophisticated earplugs are manufactured to protect your eardrums from high-frequency noises like wind while still allowing lower frequency sounds to penetrate. It’s important for bikers to still be able to hear important sounds like human voices, sirens, and car horns.
Furthermore, these modern earplugs allow bikers to enjoy the sensations of riding without feeling isolated or numb, a common downside of older protective devices. With filtered earplugs, you can continue to enjoy the thrill of the ride while safeguarding your hearing from the harmful effects of wind noise.
It is possible to enjoy the excitement of speed and the freedom of the open road while still keeping your hearing safe from wind noise. The wind noise produced at high speeds can cause considerable and permanent hearing damage in a really short time. However, with the basic addition of quality earplugs, bikers can continue to enjoy their rides while protecting their long-term hearing health.
Stay on top of your hearing health by contacting us to discuss hearing protection.